Public Works FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to remove a tree?
Property owners in residential zoning districts are allowed to remove up to 3 healthy, protected trees during an 18 month period and must submit a Tree Information Permit. Other tree removals may either require a tree information permit, tree removal permit, or tree conservation plan.
Category: Public Works FAQ
Does the City sweep its streets?
Streets are swept once a month during the Fall/Winter season to keep Decatur clean and prevent debris from entering the storm drains, which flow directly into local waterways. Use the Street Cleaning Search to determine when your street is scheduled to be swept.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I dispose of hazardous waste?
Disposal of hazardous household material is handled by DeKalb County. For more information on hazardous waste events, visit the DeKalb County Sanitation Event Schedule.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I dispose of tires, bulky items, and appliances?
The City Sanitation service collects bulky items like furniture and appliances as a part of regular sanitation services. A $50 service fee is required for items containing freon. Up to 4 tires will be picked up as a part of regular sanitation services.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I get a garbage or recycling bin?
The City does not provide garbage bins. Residents have access to a free green commingled recycling bin and red glass recycling bin for pick up or delivery by contacting the Public Works Department at 404-377-5571. For customers who prefer a larger container, 95-gallon blue carts for the collection of approved commingled materials may be purchased at Intown Ace Hardware.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I report abandoned vehicles, vacant lots, and overgrowth?
These code violations can be reported using See-Click-Fix.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I report construction debris and erosion?
Contact the Design, Environment and Construction Division at 404-377-6198.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I report graffiti?
Graffiti on public property can be reported using See-Click-Fix. Graffiti on private property must be handled by the property owner.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I report potholes, downed signs, or sidewalk issues?
Roadway and sidewalk issues can be reported to the City using See-Click-Fix.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I request an all-way stop sign?
The installation of an all-way stop sign is dictated by the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). The MUTCD requires specific warrants to be met in order to install an all-way stop at an intersection. Thus an all-way stop sign is not always feasible to address speeding and pedestrian safety.
Category: Public Works FAQ
How do I request traffic calming for my street?
The City accepts requests for streets classified as local, residential streets. Urban core, urban, and suburban street typologies are excluded from the traffic calming program. A resident, neighborhood group, or Homeowners Association may submit a request for the City to investigate speeding or safety concerns. To request traffic calming for your street/neighborhood, email trafficcalming@decaturga.com.
Category: Public Works FAQ
What are the City's construction hours?
Construction work is allowed during the following hours:
Monday – Friday 7 am – 6 pm
Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Sunday No work permitted unless prior City Manager approval
Category: Public Works FAQ
What are the rules regarding the alley abutting my property?
Most alleys in Decatur are private alleys. Where a property is adjacent to a private alley, the property owner actually owns that portion of the alley which is adjacent to the owner’s lot, up to the centerline of the alley. The property owner is responsible for maintenance of this part of the alley. Removal of a dead tree, brush, litter and similar items are the property owner’s responsibilities.
A private alley that serves multiple properties generally is for the use and enjoyment of all adjoining property owners. While rights to the use of an alley must be determined among the parties who own property adjoining the alley, no one property owner may close a portion of an alley and deny access to another such owner. Alley disputes and concerns are civil, and should be taken up with the adjacent property owners.
Alleys can be abandoned and deeded to abutting properties, but all adjacent property owners abutting the alley must consent to the abandonment. This is generally done by a quit claim deed executed by the owners of all properties that adjoin the alley. A real estate attorney can advise on the quit claim process to abandon an alley.
Category: Public Works FAQ
What is a sanitation fee?
The sanitation service fee covers garbage collection, yard waste disposal, commingled and glass recycling, street sweeping, and bulky item pickup. Sanitation service fees are billed annually and are payable for the full year in the first installment billing.
Category: Public Works FAQ
What is a stormwater utility fee?
Properties are assessed a storm water utility fee based on the amount of paved and covered areas on the property. Income from the fees is used to make storm drainage improvements. Utilities are charged to all property owners, including tax-exempt properties. Stormwater utility fees are billed annually and are payable for the full year in the first installment billing.
Category: Public Works FAQ
When do I need to get a building permit for work on my home or yard?
Any routine maintenance or repairs that exceed $1,000 in cost, reconfigure the interior spaces or exterior of a building, or alter any building systems such as HVAC, electrical, plumbing, or load bearing structures will require a building permit. In addition, any work that alters the yard or building lot in the form of paving, retaining walls, decks, sheds, garages, fences, and/or landscaping will require a building permit.
Category: Public Works FAQ
When is my road scheduled to be repaved?
They City has an ever changing street plan based on annual road evaluations, budget constraints, and other infrastructure and utility projects. Contact the Public Works Department for the latest road project plans.
Category: Public Works FAQ
Who do I call for stormwater issues or flooding?
Report any storm structure blockage, flooding, or illegal dumping to the Design, Environment and Construction Department at 404-377-6198.
Category: Public Works FAQ
Who do I contact for power outages, street light outages, or damaged utility poles?
Georgia Power is responsible for power outages and the maintenance of utility poles and street lights:
Category: Public Works FAQ
Who do I contact for water and sewer related issues?
The City’s water and sewer related issues are handled by DeKalb County. Submit a request to DeKalb County for all water quality and water or sewer repairs, maintenance, or construction here.
Category: Public Works FAQ
Who do I contact regarding a dead animal?
Contact Public Works at 404-377-5571. If the animal is in the street, the City will remove it; if the animal is on private property, the City will remove it if the animal is bagged and placed at the curb.
Category: Public Works FAQ
Who do I contact regarding traffic signals?
DeKalb County is responsible for the maintenance of the traffic signals in Decatur. To report problems with existing traffic signals call 404-297-3947 between 8:00am and 5:30pm Monday thru Friday. After hours and on holidays and weekends, problems can be reported by calling 678-406-7929.
Category: Public Works FAQ
Who maintains the stormwater infrastructure?
The City owns and maintains all structures located within the Right of Way or within a dedicated easement that the City has accepted. Some of the stormwater systems that convey runoff from multiple properties, however, are located on private property, and the City does not own this infrastructure, nor does it have access to maintain these systems. This infrastructure is considered private, and maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the owner.
Category: Public Works FAQ
