Dunwoody, Georgia Zoning & Land Use Guide
What we have on file vs. what to verify locally
We don't have editor-verified zoning prose for Dunwoodyyet. Here's the structured data we do have, and the highest-leverage steps to confirm specifics for your parcel.
What we have on file
- Population:
- 51,683
- State building code:
- 2012 Georgia State Amendments to IBC(statewide default)
- State ADU law:
- No statewide override; local rules apply
- FEMA flood map:
- Search flood zones
- Planning department:
- City of Dunwoody Community Development Department — Planning & Zoning Division
- Municipal code:
- View code online
- Zoning map:
- View city zoning map
Verify these locally
- Call the City of Dunwoody Community Development Department — Planning & Zoning Division: (678) 382-6800
- Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
- Use the city zoning map to look up your parcel's zoning designation before applying for a permit.
- Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
- Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Dunwoody and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.
Key Zoning Facts
Dunwoody Zoning Overview
Dunwoody is a city at the northern tip of DeKalb County, Georgia, incorporated on December 1, 2008. With a population of approximately 51,683 (2020 Census), it is one of the largest cities in DeKalb County. The Community Development Department manages planning and zoning, land and building development, and permitting from 4800 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA 30338. The department can be reached at (678) 382-6800.
Dunwoody's zoning is governed by Chapter 27 of the City Code (Zoning Ordinance), which the city established upon incorporation. The city offers the Dunwoody SmartMap interactive GIS mapping tool for property zoning lookups. The Planning & Zoning Division staffs two key boards: the Zoning Board of Appeals and the Planning Commission.
Development Process
Development in Dunwoody generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the Community Development Department. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification — Use the SmartMap at https://library.municode.com or contact the department at (678) 382-6800
- Pre-Application Consultation — For major projects, contact the Planning & Zoning Division before submitting an application
- Application Submission — Submit zoning-related applications per the published annual schedule
- Site Plan Review — Commercial and multi-family projects require site plan submission
- 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 Dunwoody, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification using the Dunwoody SmartMap
- Review Chapter 27 of the Code of Ordinances for setbacks, height limits, and permitted uses
- 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 — very common in Dunwoody
- Review the annual Planning & Zoning application schedule for submittal deadlines
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Dunwoody and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the Dunwoody Community Development Department at (678) 382-6800 or at https://www.dunwoodyga.gov before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in Dunwoody
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: Dunwoody is an independent city at the northern tip of DeKalb County, incorporated on December 1, 2008. DeKalb County administers property records, tax assessment, and planning for unincorporated DeKalb County areas outside Dunwoody'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. HOA restrictions are very common in Dunwoody subdivisions.
Statewide Context (Georgia)
Local data for Dunwoody is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Georgia and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.
- State Building Code
- 2012 Georgia State Amendments to IBC
- State ADU Preemption
- No statewide override
- Coastal Zone
- Yes
- Wildfire Zones
- No
Permit Costs & Timelines
Permit Costs & Timelines
Specific permit fee schedules for Dunwoody are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.
Check Dunwoody permit fees →Official Sources
City-specific