Pop. 59,573 · DeKalb County
Stonecrest does not publish a per-bedroom or numerical occupancy cap for short-term vacation rentals; the practical ceiling is the Chapter 27 zoning definition of family in single-family residential districts and the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (IPMC and IBC/IRC) sleeping-room area and life-safety occupant load enforced by the Stonecrest Building Department and DeKalb County Fire Rescue. Short-Term Vacation Rentals are listed in the Use Table at Section 4.2.58 of Stonecrest Chapter 27 and require a Special Permit in most residential districts.
Stonecrest does not impose a minimum liability-insurance amount on short-term vacation rental operators. Neither Chapter 15 Article XVIII (Short-Term Vacation Rentals) nor Chapter 27 Section 4.2.58 conditions a license or Special Permit on proof of coverage, and Georgia state law has no STR insurance mandate. Coverage is strongly recommended because most standard Georgia homeowner policies exclude transient rental use of fewer than 30 consecutive days.
Stonecrest treats carports as accessory structures and as parking structures under Chapter 27 of the Zoning Ordinance. Detached carports must sit in the rear yard, meet the side and rear setbacks of the underlying district (or 10 feet, whichever is less, on the side, and not closer than 10 feet to a rear lot line), and not exceed 24 feet in height or the height of the principal structure. A roofed carport is one of the few parking placements explicitly allowed in a single-family front yard under Section 6.1.3.B. Building permits issued through the CitizenServe portal.
Storage sheds in Stonecrest are regulated under the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27) and Building Code. Sheds must be placed in rear or side yards, meet setback requirements, and not exceed lot coverage limits. Building permits required for sheds over 144 sq ft — apply via CitizenServe.
ADUs in Stonecrest are regulated by the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27), adopted from DeKalb County's framework. ADU standards include: max 900 sq ft, max height less than 24 feet, qualifying residential districts required. Contact Planning and Zoning for current specific standards.
Garage conversions to living space or an ADU in Stonecrest require a building permit from the Building Department. Must comply with Georgia Residential Code (IRC) for insulation, egress, HVAC, and electrical. ADU rules apply if creating a separate unit. Apply via citizenserve.com.
DeKalb County treats foundation tiny homes as dwellings subject to zoning minimum square footage. Tiny homes on wheels classified as RVs — prohibited as permanent dwellings in residential zones. Limited ADU pathway.
Stonecrest Code Enforcement enforces weed abatement and vegetation maintenance as a specific priority. Property owners must maintain grass and vegetation at a reasonable height (typically no more than 12 inches). Non-compliance results in a 7-day Notice of Violation before citations.
Stonecrest's tree-trimming regulations follow state standards and the City's Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27). Significant pruning of protected trees may require a permit from the Building Department. ISA/ANSI A300 pruning standards are recommended for all tree work in Georgia.
Tree removal in Stonecrest requires a permit from the Building Department for protected trees and development projects. Stonecrest adopted its tree standards from DeKalb County's framework (Ch. 27, Landscaping). Apply through the CitizenServe portal. Contact: 770-224-0200.
Stonecrest is served by DeKalb County Watershed Management. Georgia Water Stewardship Act (2010) outdoor watering schedule applies. During EPD drought declarations (Level 1–4), outdoor watering is progressively restricted. Check DeKalb County Water for current status.
DeKalb County encourages native plant landscaping and tree preservation. Tree Protection Ordinance (Chapter 14) favors native canopy species. No Georgia law preempts HOA lawn/plant restrictions.
DeKalb County Code Chapter 15 (Health & Sanitation) prohibits grass and weeds over 12 inches. Enforcement authorized under O.C.G.A. §41-2-5. Kudzu is a major invasive concern.
DeKalb County does not regulate residential artificial turf installation. No permit required for replacing a lawn. HOAs may prohibit. Erosion and drainage rules apply for larger installations.
Rainwater harvesting is encouraged in DeKalb County under the Georgia Water Stewardship Act. Residential rain barrels require no permit; larger cisterns and potable reuse follow plumbing code.
Urban beekeeping in Stonecrest may be permitted in residential zones subject to Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27) standards and Georgia Department of Agriculture registration. Contact Planning and Zoning (770-224-0200) for current specific allowances in residential districts.
Exotic wild animals (Class 1) are prohibited under Georgia law (GA Code §27-5-4) without a DNR permit. Stonecrest's Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27) restricts dangerous animals in residential zones. DeKalb County Animal Services (404-294-2996) handles exotic animal complaints.
All animal enforcement in Stonecrest is handled by DeKalb County Animal Services (404-294-2996 ext. 2). Dogs must be kept on a leash or under direct control when off the owner's property. Dogs running at large are prohibited. State law GA Code §4-8-20+ governs dangerous dogs.
Stonecrest has no breed-specific legislation. Georgia's Responsible Dog Ownership Law (GA Code §4-8-20+) creates a behavioral-based dangerous dog registry through DeKalb County Animal Services. Dogs are declared dangerous based on behavior, not breed.
DeKalb County Code Chapter 5 allows backyard hens on lots of sufficient size with coop setbacks. Roosters restricted. Livestock limited to agricultural or large-lot zones.
DeKalb County prohibits intentional feeding of deer and coyotes in unincorporated areas. Georgia DNR enforces statewide rules against feeding wildlife that creates nuisance conditions. Bird feeders permitted with residential use.
Georgia criminalizes animal cruelty and neglect statewide under O.C.G.A. 16-12-4, applying uniformly regardless of local ordinances and covering hoarding situations.
Stonecrest pools must comply with Georgia Residential Code (IRC) pool barrier requirements. Pools deeper than 24 inches require a fully enclosing 48-inch minimum barrier. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Building permits required from the Stonecrest Building Department.
Pool safety in Stonecrest is governed by the Georgia Residential Code and NEC. All pool electrical work must be permitted and inspected. VGB-compliant drain covers are federally required. Pools must be properly maintained to prevent mosquito breeding per DeKalb County health codes.
Above-ground pools deeper than 24 inches in Stonecrest must meet the same 48-inch barrier requirements as in-ground pools. Pool walls of 48+ inches may serve as the barrier if ladders are removed or secured when not in use. Building permits required.
DeKalb County requires electrical permit for hot tub 240V installation. Barrier requirements apply unless tub has locking safety cover meeting ASTM F1346 standards. Setback from property lines per zoning code.
DeKalb County requires a building permit from Planning & Sustainability for all in-ground pools and above-ground pools over 24 inches deep. Plan review, electrical, and barrier inspections required.
Stonecrest's noise regulations are governed by the City Code (Ch. 15–16) and mirror the broader DeKalb County noise framework. Quiet hours in residential areas: 11:00 PM–7:00 AM when plainly audible sound from a source projects into neighboring dwellings. Code Enforcement: 770-224-0200.
Construction noise in Stonecrest is regulated by the city's Code of Ordinances. Code Enforcement handles contractor noise complaints and responds within 72 hours of a complaint. Standard DeKalb County framework restricts construction noise to daytime hours on weekdays and Saturdays.
Barking dog complaints in Stonecrest are handled by DeKalb County Animal Services (404-294-2996), which provides all animal enforcement services for the city. Excessive barking may also trigger Code Enforcement involvement under nuisance provisions. GA Code §4-8-20+ governs dangerous dogs.
Stonecrest regulates amplified music under the general noise ordinance. Sound permits available for events. O.C.G.A. §16-11-39 applies to unreasonable disturbances.
DeKalb County has no leaf-blower-specific restrictions beyond the general noise ordinance in Code of Ordinances Chapter 16. Gas-powered blowers are widely used by landscaping crews serving Atlanta-metro suburbs.
Aircraft noise in Georgia is governed by federal FAA regulations, not state or local ordinances. Georgia airport zoning law allows compatible land use planning around airports but cannot restrict in-flight aircraft operations.
Georgia regulates industrial noise primarily through O.C.G.A. 12-7 (Erosion and Sedimentation), 12-8 (Solid Waste), and EPD permits, but does not impose statewide decibel limits. Local governments retain primary authority over industrial noise nuisances.
Home occupation signage in Stonecrest is restricted under the Zoning Ordinance. Commercial signs advertising a home business in residential zones are prohibited. Only a small non-illuminated nameplate may be permitted. Contact Planning and Zoning for sign permit requirements.
Customer traffic to home businesses in Stonecrest must not exceed residential norms under Ch. 27. The public hearing process for Type 1 Home Occupation permits includes neighbor notification, meaning community input about traffic impact is part of the approval process.
Home occupations in Stonecrest are regulated under the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27). Under GA HB 1405 (effective July 1, 2023), Type 1 Home Occupation Special Administrative Permit requires a public hearing with notification of properties within 1,000 feet. Business license (Occupational Tax Certificate) also required.
Georgia Cottage Food Law (GA Dept of Ag Rule 40-7-19) allows home food producers to sell non-hazardous foods directly to consumers. $50,000 annual revenue cap. License and home kitchen inspection required.
DeKalb County permits home daycares licensed by Georgia DECAL. Family Child Care Learning Home (up to 6 children) permitted in residential zones with state license. Group Home (7-12 children) may require conditional use.
Consumer fireworks (1.4G) are legal statewide under GA Code §25-10-1 (10 AM–midnight; extended on designated holidays). Cities cannot ban fireworks under §25-10-5.1. Stonecrest's noise ordinance applies to excessive fireworks noise. Complaints to Code Enforcement or Stonecrest Police.
Outdoor burning in Stonecrest is governed by GAEPD Rule 391-3-1-.02(5) and the Georgia Forestry Commission permit system. A free GFC burn permit is required for most outdoor fires. Summer Open Burn Ban runs May 1–Sept 30 in DeKalb County. DeKalb County Fire and Rescue has jurisdiction.
Recreational fire pits are generally permitted in Stonecrest residential areas in contained, non-combustible structures. Fires must be attended at all times, kept small, and extinguished before leaving. Summer Open Burn Ban (May 1–Sept 30) may restrict open fires during those months.
DeKalb County Fire Rescue and the Georgia Forestry Commission share wildfire prevention. No formal defensible-space mandate, but overgrowth and dead vegetation can trigger nuisance abatement under O.C.G.A. §41-2-5.
DeKalb County is not designated a Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) high-risk area. Standard Georgia Forestry Commission open-burning permits and air quality rules apply. No defensible space ordinance in effect.
Georgia regulates propane storage statewide through the Safety Fire Commissioner under the Liquefied Petroleum Safety Act, adopting NFPA 58 standards for residential and commercial tanks.
Stonecrest's Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27), adopted from DeKalb County's framework, sets fence height limits for residential zones. Typical limits: 4 feet in front yards; 6 feet in rear and side yards. Contact Planning and Zoning for exact standards in specific zoning districts.
Fence installation in Stonecrest requires a building permit from the Building Department. Permits are submitted through the CitizenServe Online Portal. Contact the Building Department: 770-224-0200 or via stonecrestga.gov/158.
Georgia common law applies in Stonecrest: fences must be on the owner's property. No city ordinance requires neighbor consent before installing a fence. Boundary disputes are civil matters. A survey is recommended before installation to confirm property lines.
DeKalb County requires 4-foot minimum pool barriers per Georgia State Minimum Standard Residential Code (IRC-based). Self-closing, self-latching gates required. Barrier inspection required at pool permit issuance.
DeKalb County zoning (Chapter 27) allows wood, vinyl, masonry, aluminum, and wrought iron. Barbed and razor wire prohibited in residential districts. Chain-link discouraged in front yards.
DeKalb County requires building permits for retaining walls over 4 feet measured from bottom of footing to top of wall. Engineered plans required over 4 ft. Land disturbance permits required for significant grading.
Recreational vehicles parked in residential districts in Stonecrest are actively enforced by Code Enforcement. Long-term storage in front yards or on streets is generally prohibited. RVs should be stored in rear yards, screened from public view. Code Enforcement: 770-224-0200.
Driveway construction in Stonecrest requires a building permit from the Building Department (770-224-0200). Vehicles may not park blocking the public sidewalk or right-of-way. Inoperable or unlicensed vehicles on private property are actively enforced.
Heavy commercial vehicles parked long-term in Stonecrest residential zones may violate the Zoning Ordinance (Ch. 27). Inoperable and unlicensed vehicles are actively enforced by Code Enforcement. Personal-use pickups are generally allowed. Code Enforcement: 770-224-0200.
Street parking in Stonecrest follows standard Georgia parking regulations. No parking within 15 feet of fire hydrants, no blocking driveways or intersections. Residential streets generally allow parking unless posted. Code Enforcement: 770-224-0200.
DeKalb County requires electrical permits for Level 2 EV charger installation. New multifamily and commercial construction increasingly includes EV-ready parking. No HOA preemption law in Georgia.
DeKalb County follows Georgia abandoned vehicle law (OCGA §40-11-1+). Vehicles on public property 10+ days or inoperable vehicles on private property without screening may be impounded. Junk vehicles prohibited in residential zones.
DeKalb County allows overnight street parking on most residential streets. Some HOA-maintained and permit-parking areas restrict it. Commercial vehicles over 10,000 lbs GVWR prohibited overnight in residential zones.
Stonecrest participates in FEMA's NFIP. Development in FEMA Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) requires a floodplain development permit. Southern DeKalb County (where Stonecrest is located) contains several FEMA-mapped flood-prone areas. Check FEMA FIRM maps at msc.fema.gov.
DeKalb County Watershed Management enforces stormwater rules under the county's MS4 NPDES permit. New development must manage runoff on site; stream buffers and watershed overlays apply countywide.
DeKalb County is landlocked in the Georgia Piedmont, about 250 miles from the coast. Coastal-zone rules do not apply. River-corridor and watershed rules govern local waterways instead.
DeKalb County requires land disturbance and grading permits for earth movement over thresholds set in the Land Development Ordinance. Drainage must not be redirected to adjacent properties.
Georgia Erosion and Sedimentation Act (O.C.G.A. §12-7) plus the DeKalb Soil & Water Conservation District enforce land-disturbance rules. BMPs, silt fencing, and 25-foot stream buffers required.
Stonecrest enforces a juvenile curfew for minors under 17. Nighttime curfew hours typically run 11 PM to 6 AM on school nights with later weekend hours.
DeKalb County parks close at 10 PM (or sunset for some natural areas) and reopen at 7 AM. Stone Mountain Park operates on separate state rules. After-hours presence is trespassing.
DeKalb County Tree Preservation Ordinance (Chapter 14, Article V) requires a permit to remove specimen and boundary trees on developed lots. Georgia state tree preservation authority applies countywide.
DeKalb County uses a Tree Density Factor (TDF) system plus replacement ratios to maintain canopy when trees are removed. Fee-in-lieu payments fund the DeKalb Tree Bank.
DeKalb County designates specimen trees including oaks, hickories, and native hardwoods above specified DBH thresholds. Removal requires arborist review and significant mitigation.
DeKalb County Code Chapter 15 requires commercial door-to-door solicitors to register with the Police Department, submit to a background check, and carry an ID badge. Hours restricted to daytime.
DeKalb County honors no-soliciting signs posted on private property. Several cities within DeKalb (Brookhaven, Dunwoody) operate formal no-knock registries. Religious and political canvassers exempt.
DeKalb County limits residential garage sales to a handful per year per address (typically 3 to 4) to prevent residences operating as ongoing retail in residential zones.
DeKalb County does not require a permit for occasional residential garage sales, but signage and frequency limits apply under the Code of Ordinances.
DeKalb County garage sales are limited to daytime hours (roughly 7 or 8 AM to sunset). All merchandise and signs must be removed from public view at the end of each day.
DeKalb County property-maintenance code requires garage sale merchandise to be displayed neatly, removed daily, and not accumulated on the property between events.
DeKalb County requires vacant lot owners to maintain grass under 12 inches, remove trash, and prevent nuisance conditions under Code Chapter 18. County may mow and bill owner; unpaid costs liened against property.
DeKalb County enforces International Property Maintenance Code through Code Enforcement Division. Blight conditions (peeling paint, broken windows, debris) subject to 10-30 day notice and abatement. Vacant Property Registry required.
DeKalb County Sanitation Division provides residential trash/recycling collection. Bins must be stored out of public view between collections. Bins placed at curb no earlier than 6 PM prior; retrieved by 7 AM day after.
DeKalb County rarely sees significant snow. No formal snow-clearing ordinance applies, but property owners remain responsible for safe sidewalk conditions year-round.
DeKalb Sanitation provides single-stream curbside recycling for paper, cardboard, glass, metals, and plastics #1, #2, and #5. Plastic bags and food waste contaminate loads.
DeKalb County Sanitation (county-run) provides weekly curbside trash, weekly recycling, and weekly yard waste collection to unincorporated residents. Cities like Decatur and Dunwoody have separate contracts.
DeKalb Sanitation requires rollcarts at the curb with lids closed, 3 feet from obstructions, placed no earlier than the evening before and retrieved within 24 hours of pickup.
DeKalb Sanitation offers scheduled bulky-item and white-goods pickup by appointment. Appliances require refrigerant removal tag. Construction debris and hazardous waste excluded.
DeKalb County zoning limits total lot coverage by buildings and impervious surfaces. R-100 typically caps at 35% building coverage; tighter limits apply in transitional and watershed overlay districts.
DeKalb County zoning limits most residential structures to 35 feet (2.5 stories). Commercial and mixed-use districts permit greater heights. Historic and overlay districts may have stricter caps.
DeKalb County zoning (Chapter 27) sets residential setbacks by district: R-100 requires 35 ft front, 10 ft side, 40 ft rear. R-75 reduces these. Corner lots have dual frontage.
DeKalb County permits residential holiday decorations without permits. Displays must not obstruct sight triangles, sidewalks, or create fire hazards. Chapter 21 sign rules generally exempt residential holiday displays.
DeKalb County allows temporary garage sale signs on private property only. Signs in public right-of-way are prohibited and subject to removal. Must be removed within 24 hours of sale ending per Chapter 21.
DeKalb County allows political signs on private property under Sign Ordinance (Chapter 21). No permits required. OCGA §32-6-51 prohibits signs in state right-of-way. Content-neutral rules apply per Reed v. Town of Gilbert.
DeKalb County restricts food truck vending on public right-of-way. Most operations occur on private property with owner permission in designated commercial zoning districts.
DeKalb County requires a mobile food service permit from the DeKalb Board of Health and a county business/occupation tax certificate. Commissary agreement and vehicle inspection required.
Recreational drones in DeKalb follow FAA Part 107/Recreational Flyer rules. PDK (DeKalb-Peachtree Airport) and Hartsfield-Jackson controlled airspace covers most of the county. Stone Mountain Park bans drones.
Commercial drone operations in DeKalb require FAA Part 107 certification plus LAANC authorization for PDK and Hartsfield-Jackson controlled airspace that covers most of the county.
Recreational cannabis dispensaries are prohibited in DeKalb. Low-THC oil is dispensed only by a small number of state-licensed independent pharmacies under the Georgia Access to Medical Cannabis Commission.
Home cannabis cultivation is prohibited in DeKalb County under Georgia state law. No recreational or medical home grow is authorized. Low-THC oil registry does not permit cultivation.
DeKalb County follows Georgia landlord-tenant law (OCGA Title 44 Ch 7). No just-cause eviction requirement. 60 days notice for no-cause termination of month-to-month tenancies. Dispossessory actions filed in Magistrate Court.
Rent control is preempted statewide in Georgia under O.C.G.A. §44-7-19. DeKalb County cannot impose rent caps. Market-rate pricing applies throughout DeKalb.
DeKalb County requires rental registration for all single-family, duplex, and triplex rental units under Code of Ordinances Chapter 18 Article V. Annual fee applies. Properties subject to inspection upon complaint or periodic review.
DeKalb County zoning prohibits light trespass onto neighboring residential properties above specified foot-candle thresholds. Complaints handled by Code Enforcement via SeeClickFix or direct report.
DeKalb County zoning requires full-cutoff fixtures for new commercial and multi-family lighting and limits spillover onto residential property. No formal Dark Sky designation exists.
DeKalb County requires building and electrical permits for solar panel installations through the Department of Planning and Sustainability. Streamlined permit pathway available for standard rooftop systems under 10 kW.
Georgia has no solar rights law preempting HOA restrictions. DeKalb HOAs may prohibit or restrict solar panels through CC&Rs. Georgia is one of a minority of states without solar access protection for homeowners.
Georgia prohibits local governments from setting minimum wages above state or federal levels under Title 34 preemption enacted through HB 234.
Georgia preempts local governments from requiring private employers to provide paid leave, sick time, or other employment benefits beyond state and federal law.
Georgia preempts local predictable scheduling and fair workweek ordinances, preventing cities and counties from regulating employer shift practices for private workers.
Georgia is a permitless concealed carry state under SB 319 (2022), allowing lawful weapons carriers to carry concealed handguns statewide subject to statutory location restrictions.
Georgia broadly preempts local firearms regulation under O.C.G.A. 16-11-173, reserving authority to the General Assembly while permitting limited local rules at government buildings and parks.
Georgia permits lawful weapons carriers to openly carry handguns in most public places, with statewide preemption limiting local restrictions on open carry.
Georgia permits any lawful weapons carrier or eligible person to carry a handgun in a private vehicle without a permit under O.C.G.A. 16-11-126.
Georgia requires private employers with 11 or more employees to use E-Verify under O.C.G.A. 36-60-6, with annual affidavit certification tied to business licenses.
Georgia prohibits sanctuary policies under O.C.G.A. 36-80-23 and HB 1105, requiring local governments and law enforcement to cooperate with federal immigration authorities.
Georgia counties retain zoning authority for agricultural operations, balanced against the Right to Farm Act's nuisance protections for established farms.
Georgia's Right to Farm Act in O.C.G.A. 41-1-7 protects established agricultural operations from nuisance lawsuits brought by neighbors and changing land uses.
Georgia does not prohibit plastic carryout bags statewide and has not enacted express preemption barring local action, though local bag restrictions remain rare.
Georgia imposes no statewide ban on polystyrene foam food service containers, leaving foam cups, plates, and clamshells widely available across the state.
Georgia has no statewide ban or upon-request rule for plastic straws, leaving food service operators free to provide single-use straws under standard health rules.
Georgia prohibits the sale of tobacco, vapor, and alternative nicotine products to anyone under 21, aligning state law with the federal Tobacco 21 standard.
Georgia does not impose a statewide ban on flavored tobacco or flavored vapor products, leaving sales lawful subject to age, licensing, and federal restrictions.
Georgia regulates vape and alternative nicotine retail sales under Title 16 Chapter 12 Article 8, requiring licensing, age verification, and product compliance for retailers.