Seeing a stormwater charge on a DeKalb tax bill can raise questions, especially if you live in Dunwoody. You want to know what it pays for, who bills it, and how it affects your next move. In this guide, you’ll learn how the fee works, how Dunwoody’s billing differs from unincorporated DeKalb, what typical costs look like, and how to check credits or dispute errors. Let’s dive in.
Stormwater fee basics
A stormwater utility fee funds upkeep of public drainage systems, like pipes, inlets, culverts and water-quality projects. It is separate from water and sewer service. DeKalb explains the program’s purpose and funding on its Stormwater Utility page.
County vs. city billing in Dunwoody
Jurisdiction determines who bills you. Properties in unincorporated DeKalb pay the county’s Stormwater Utility fee. Properties inside Dunwoody city limits are served and billed by the City of Dunwoody’s program, not the county. You can review the city’s program on the City of Dunwoody stormwater page and the county program on DeKalb’s Stormwater Utility page.
How to confirm your jurisdiction
- Check city or county mapping to confirm if a parcel is inside Dunwoody or unincorporated DeKalb. The county’s GIS resources are a good starting point: DeKalb County GIS and data tools.
How DeKalb calculates the fee
DeKalb uses an Equivalent Residential Unit (ERU) to measure impervious area. One ERU equals 3,000 square feet of impervious surface, the median for single-family lots countywide. See the ERU definition in DeKalb’s materials on stormwater utility basics.
Billing rules the county lists include:
- Single-family homes and townhomes: 1.0 ERU per dwelling.
- Multifamily (apartments/condos): 0.5 ERU multiplied by the number of dwelling units on the lot.
- Commercial/other developed land: 1 ERU per 3,000 square feet of impervious surface (rounded to the next tenth).
You can find these rules on DeKalb’s Stormwater Management pages.
Current ERU rates (county)
DeKalb lists ERU rates as $96 per year for 2023, $108 for 2024, and $120 for 2025 and after unless changed. A single-family home in unincorporated DeKalb pays 1 ERU times the current rate. Rates and collection details are posted on the DeKalb Stormwater Utility page. The fee appears on the county property tax bill.
Dunwoody’s program at a glance
Dunwoody manages its own stormwater system, including pipe rehabilitation and capital repairs, which is why the city maintains a separate fee and billing process. The city highlights ongoing trenchless pipe lining and related work on its stormwater trenchless technology page. For current billing and fee information, confirm details with the City of Dunwoody stormwater page.
For historical context, a 2012 local report noted a Dunwoody fee increase to $5.75 per month for a single-family residence (about $69 per year). Since city rates can change, always verify the current fee with the city. You can read that context in Dunwoody Patch’s coverage.
Credits, exemptions, and appeals
If your property is billed by DeKalb, you may lower the fee through the county’s credit program. DeKalb offers up to a 40% credit based on approved on-site practices that reduce runoff or improve water quality. Credits are organized into four categories, and each approved category is worth 10%. Review requirements on the Stormwater Utility Fee Credit System page.
DeKalb also outlines typical exemptions, such as undeveloped land and certain rights-of-way. Details are posted in the county’s fee description.
To apply for credits, follow the instructions in DeKalb’s materials on the Stormwater Utility page. For billing disputes with DeKalb, use the county’s billing dispute request form. If your parcel is in Dunwoody, contact the city’s Public Works team through the Dunwoody stormwater page for the city’s process.
What it means when you buy or sell
In most transactions, stormwater fees are treated like taxes and prorated at closing based on the billing period and contract terms. To avoid surprises, use this quick checklist:
- Confirm jurisdiction. Verify whether the property is in Dunwoody city limits or unincorporated DeKalb. Start with DeKalb’s GIS and data tools.
- Pull the latest bill. Ask the seller for the most recent property tax or utility bill and note the stormwater line item. If billed by DeKalb, it typically appears on the county property tax bill. See the DeKalb Stormwater Utility page for how the county bills.
- Ask about credits. Request documentation for any approved credits and maintenance records for private stormwater facilities. For county-billed parcels, confirm rules on the credit system page.
- Look for nearby projects. Check city or county pages for planned stormwater work near the property that could affect access or timing. Dunwoody posts project information on its stormwater program page.
- Know how to appeal. If you think the ERU count or billing is wrong, follow the correct process for your jurisdiction. For DeKalb, start with the billing dispute request form.
Buying or selling in Dunwoody should feel clear and predictable. If you want a local, service-first guide who will confirm the details and keep your closing on track, reach out to Stephen Clark.
FAQs
What is DeKalb’s stormwater utility fee?
- It is a separate user fee that funds drainage infrastructure and water-quality work; see the county’s Stormwater Utility overview.
Who bills stormwater fees for Dunwoody addresses?
- Properties inside Dunwoody city limits are billed by the City of Dunwoody; unincorporated parcels are billed by DeKalb County (confirm on the city’s stormwater page).
How much does a single-family home pay in unincorporated DeKalb?
- DeKalb lists 1 ERU per single-family home, with ERU rates of $96 (2023), $108 (2024) and $120 (2025 and after unless changed) on its Stormwater Utility page.
Can I reduce my DeKalb stormwater bill?
- Yes, the county’s credit program allows up to a 40% reduction if approved; see the credit system details.
How are ERUs assigned for different property types in DeKalb?
- Single-family and townhomes are 1.0 ERU each, multifamily is 0.5 ERU per dwelling unit, and commercial is based on impervious area per the Stormwater Management pages.
How do I dispute a stormwater charge in DeKalb?
- Use the county’s formal process via the billing dispute request form; if your property is in Dunwoody, contact the city’s Public Works team through the city stormwater page.
