Brookhaven, Georgia Zoning & Land Use Guide
Key Zoning Facts
Brookhaven Zoning Overview
Brookhaven is a city in western DeKalb County, Georgia, incorporated in December 2012. With a population of approximately 56,795 (2020 Census), it is one of the most populous cities in DeKalb County. The Community Development Department performs five essential services: planning and zoning; building inspections; land development; code enforcement; and fire marshal. The department is located at 2665 Buford Highway, PEP Building, Brookhaven, GA 30324, and can be reached at (404) 637-0500.
Brookhaven's zoning is codified in Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances, which established a new RS (Residential Single-family) series of zoning districts upon incorporation, replacing the legacy DeKalb County designations. The city maintains an interactive Zone Lookup Tool at https://maps.brookhavenga.gov/zonelookup/.
Development Process
Development in Brookhaven generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the Community Development Department. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Use the Zone Lookup Tool at https://maps.brookhavenga.gov/zonelookup/ or contact the department at (404) 637-0500
- Electronic Plan Submission — Submit applications, plans, and fees through CityWorks ProjectPortal at https://cityworks.brookhavenga.gov/ProjectPortal
- Site Plan Review — Commercial and multi-family projects require site plan review
- Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in Brookhaven, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification using the Zone Lookup Tool
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements in Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the Community Development Department for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Brookhaven and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Brookhaven Community Development Department at (404) 637-0500 or at https://www.brookhavenga.gov before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Brookhaven
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA Flood Zones: Applicable
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — Georgia
- Building Code: Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (2012 IBC with Georgia amendments)
County — DeKalb County
- Role: Brookhaven is an independent city in western DeKalb County, incorporated in 2012. DeKalb County administers property records, tax assessment, and planning for unincorporated DeKalb County areas outside Brookhaven's city limits.
City / Municipal
The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Brookhaven Code of Ordinances Chapter 27
- Max Height
- 40 ft (within 100 ft of RS district boundaries — verify in Chapter 27)
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27; average front yard setbacks used for infill
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Max Height
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Max Height
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Min Lot
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Max Height
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Front Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Side Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
- Rear Setback
- Varies — see Chapter 27
ADU Rules in Brookhaven
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Brookhaven are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Brookhaven permit fees →