For more information about this ordinance, please contact your 9 Mile Trolley specialist.

This ordinance only applies to unincorporated Dekalb County. If property is located in the City of Decatur, Chamblee, or Lithonia, this does not apply. Dunwoody is in unincorporated Dekalb. If it becomes a city later on this year, then this will not apply. However, the ordinance does apply until such time.

This ordinance goes into effect June 1, 2008 for all residential properties. Non-residential properties i.e. apartment complexes are not subject to the new law until Jan. 1, 2009.

A water saving plumbing fixture means: ultra low-flow toilets (ULFTs) that use a maximum of 1.6 gal /flush; showerheads - max. of 2.5 gal/minute; lavatory faucets  -max of 2.0 gal./minute, and kitchen faucets - max. of 2.2 gal/minute.

New buyers will have to show proof of these fixtures by filling out an application and attaching a "certificate of compliance" for all fixtures. (see samples attached) The certificate must be signed by a a home inspector, or licensed plumber, or inspector with Dekalb County's Dept. of Watershed Mgt.

Are there any exemptions? Yes

·         If property is being advertised for foreclosure.

·         If buyer is demolishing the residence after purchase provided that Buyer only uses any water for demo or construction related purposes.

·         Buyer is spouse, child or parent of Seller.

·         Cost to install the water saving fixtures exceed $1,000 per toilet in a single family residential building or

·         Cost to install the water saving fixture exceeds $2,000 per toilet in commercial building.

"On February 5, 2008, the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners adopted an ordinance that affects transactions of every property in unincorporated areas of the county on which there is a building constructed before January 1, 1993.

The purpose of the ordinance is to require that all plumbing fixtures on the property be certified as "low-flow" or water-conserving fixtures before the buyer of the property can receive water service.  If a qualifying property does not contain low-flow fixtures, then the fixtures must be replaced or retrofitted to be low-flow (hence, the term "retrofit at resale").  This ordinance becomes effective for residential properties on June 1, 2008, and for commercial properties, including apartments, on January 1, 2009."