Brookhaven’s Community Development Department combines planning and zoning, building inspections, land development, code enforcement, and fire-marshal functions. Building permits, land-development permits, land-use petitions, and administrative permits are submitted through the City’s Project Portal, which also supports electronic plan uploads, payments, review comments, permit-status tracking, and inspection scheduling.
Planning and Zoning reviews site plans for compliance with Brookhaven’s zoning and development requirements and supports the Planning Commission and Board of Appeals. Projects involving substantial site work may also require separate land-development review. The City requires a Land Disturbance Permit for applicable grading and earth-moving activity, with engineering review addressing erosion control, drainage, stormwater, tree protection, and related site requirements. Water and sewer improvements, however, are handled by DeKalb County rather than Brookhaven.
Tree regulation is a particularly prominent part of Brookhaven’s development process. The City requires approval for removal of regulated trees, with applications reviewed through the Project Portal and supporting information such as photographs and a site plan. Development projects may also require tree-protection and replacement measures as part of broader site review.
Public Works separately regulates construction and encroachments within City right-of-way. Utility work, driveway changes, and other qualifying installations require right-of-way authorization, and City construction standards apply to permitted work. Applicants can begin with Brookhaven’s Community Development resources and then confirm zoning, land-development, tree, utility, and right-of-way requirements for the property.