Atlanta Tightens Stormwater and Roof Standards for New Development Projects

The City of Atlanta applies its Post-Development Stormwater Management Ordinance, adopted in 2013, to new development and redevelopment. The rule requires projects to manage the first inch of rainwater through green infrastructure. This approach channels runoff away from sewer systems and applies directly to construction activity across Atlanta neighborhoods.

Atlanta also enforces City of Atlanta Ordinance 25-O-1310, which sets solar reflectance standards for new roofs. The measure addresses surface heat on buildings and connects to broader efforts on air quality and water management. The Georgia Environmental Protection Division, headquartered in Atlanta, issues and rescinds air and water pollution permits while enforcing state rules under Georgia's Clean Air Act State Implementation Plan.

Local stormwater results and air quality status

The stormwater ordinance has produced nearly 5,200 permitted practices that keep 1.1 billion gallons of stormwater out of sewer systems. Atlanta remains designated an attainment area for the 2015 ozone standard as of November 2022, with the region required to meet the EPA's 0.070 ppm eight-hour ozone standard and particulate matter limits.

These local measures affect residents through daily decisions on building permits, property upgrades, and neighborhood drainage. New projects must incorporate the specified infrastructure, which influences construction timelines and site design in areas undergoing redevelopment.

Federal actions and next steps

In March 2025 the EPA announced plans to target over two dozen environmental regulations on climate pollution from vehicles and power plants, wastewater from coal plants, and air pollution from energy sectors. Those federal steps are projected to affect Georgia and Atlanta through changes in permitting and compliance expectations.

The Georgia EPD continues to regulate waste, water supply, and underground storage tanks while the city applies its ordinances to individual projects. Residents can track permit activity through the division's processes and city review procedures for developments receiving public funds.