Atlanta’s Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance

In 2013, the City of Atlanta adopted its nation-leading Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance (Chapter 74, Article X). The Ordinance applies to nearly every type of development, including commercial, and single-family residential property. The Ordinance requires all New Development and Redevelopment to manage the first inch (1.0”) of rainwater that falls on a site using green infrastructure. Green infrastructure is a cost-effective way for the City of Atlanta to address localized flooding and water quality concerns from stormwater runoff, while improving the resiliency of our watersheds and natural resources in the face of rapid growth and climate change. Green infrastructure also provides significant environmental, economic, and community benefits to City of Atlanta residents.

Since the ordinance was adopted, nearly 5,200 new green infrastructure practices at commercial and residential sites in the city were permitted. These practices will help keep more than 1.1 billion gallons of stormwater out of the City’s sewer system and creeks. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division recently adopted green infrastructure requirements similar to Atlanta’s for all other Georgia cities and counties who operate Municipal Separate Storm Sewer Systems.

This webpage provides information and materials regarding the Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance, as well as links to related resources and information.

General Information
Post Development Stormwater Management Ordinance (Municode)
Stormwater Management Frequently Asked Questions
Green Infrastructure in Atlanta: A Self-Guided Tour
Green Infrastructure Story Map

2020 Ordinance Updates

The City Council approved the substitute ordinance, as amended by the City Utilities Commission on Monday, November 16, 2020. The approved ordinance as well as informational is available at the links below. The ordinance will take effect on December 1, 2020.

A second phase of ordinance updates will commence in the coming months. Please stay tuned to this webpage for more information.

Ordinance Update Memo
Summary of Revisions
“Redlined” Substitute Ordinance – as amended by City Council on November 16, 2020
“Clean” Substitute Ordinance – as adopted by City Council on November 16, 2020
Comparison Table

Feasibility Policies
• Feasibility Policy Narrative
• Runoff Reduction Feasibility Policy
• Linear Transportation Project Feasibility Policy

Permitting Flow Charts
• Non-Linear Transportation Projects
• Linear Transportation Projects

Fact Sheets
• Ordinance Updates
• Linear Transportation Project Feasibility Policy

Public Engagement
City Utilities Commission Work Session: on Thursday, October 8, 2020 DWM leadership participated in a work session with the City Utilities Commission. This work session included a presentation about the proposed updates, and a review of recent changes to the proposed updates. The presentation can be accessed here. Council Members asked Department leadership several questions about stormwater and flooding concerns in their districts. The work session finished with approximately 50 minutes of public comments.

The Department of Watershed Management (DWM) is committed to engaging with the public in updating the Post Development Stormwater Management Ordinance. Therefore, DWM will continue to conduct analyses to develop provisions for extended detention requirements in Section 74-513(c) that balance the needs of residents and the development community.

Virtual Public Meeting
On Tuesday, April 21 DWM held a virtual public meeting about the proposed revisions to the ordinance.
• Responses to the questions and comments received during the virtual public meeting and the comment period that ended May 1 are available here.

City of Atlanta Design Resources & Guidance Materials
Green Infrastructure for Small Commercial Development
Plan Review Submittal Requirements for Commercial
Green Infrastructure for Single Family Residential Development
Plan Review Submittal Requirements for SFR
Standard Details for work in the Right of Way (including Stormwater Planters and Bulb Out details)
Green Infrastructure Typical Details (pdf and dwg) and Specifications

City of Atlanta Permitting Procedures
Stormwater Consultation Meeting Handout
Stormwater Concept Plan Requirements and Meeting Record
Operations and Maintenance Agreement Template
PE Hydrology Certification
Revised Stormwater Pipe Policy
Click Here for a list of Site Development checklists and forms.

External Design and Reference Materials
EPA Green Infrastructure Website
Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (Blue Book)
Georgia Stormwater Management Manual Coastal Stormwater Supplement
Implementing Green Infrastructure (StormCon 2013)

For more information regarding the Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance contact:

• Site Development, 404-330-6249

To schedule a Stormwater Consultation Meeting, contact:

• Site Development, 404-330-6249