Big Southern rains can turn a small Decatur yard into a temporary stream. If you’re trying to protect your foundation, tidy up soggy spots, or add value before you sell, a stormwater‑smart yard can help. In this guide, you’ll learn practical projects that fit tight city lots, how local fees and credits work, and simple sizing and maintenance tips. Let’s dive in.
Decatur stormwater basics
City fees and credits
The City of Decatur funds drainage upgrades through a stormwater utility with tiered residential fees based on impervious area. Current tiers include 0–2,499 sq ft at $85 per year; 2,500–3,999 sq ft at $150; 4,000–4,999 sq ft at $215; and 5,000+ sq ft at $300. The city also offers credits for on‑site runoff reduction and tree canopy preservation. Review the city’s program details and credit steps on the official stormwater page for Decatur residents: City of Decatur stormwater fee structure.
County context
If you live in unincorporated DeKalb County, a separate stormwater utility and fee credit system applies, with potential credits for approved on‑site controls. Learn more on the DeKalb County stormwater program. City of Decatur residents should follow the city’s program.
Design standard to know
Across Georgia, the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual (GSMM) guides how practices are selected and sized, often targeting treatment of about 1.2 inches of rainfall for water quality. Home projects don’t need to be technical to be effective, but it helps to know the standard you’re working toward. Explore the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual.
Yard-scale solutions that work here
Rain gardens
A rain garden is a shallow, planted area that captures roof or driveway runoff and lets it soak in. It reduces runoff volume, filters pollutants, and adds habitat. See homeowner guidance from the EPA’s Soak Up the Rain: Rain Gardens and visit local examples at the Wylde Center’s Oakhurst Garden.
Rain barrels and cisterns
Rain barrels capture roof water for later yard use. They’re affordable, simple to install, and a great first step on small lots. DeKalb County frequently hosts hands‑on classes. Check out upcoming rain barrel workshops.
Downspout rerouting
Disconnect downspouts that run to the curb and route them into lawns, rain gardens, or small gravel‑filled areas. This keeps more water on your property and reduces strain on street drains. Direct any overflow to a safe spot.
Permeable driveways and paths
Permeable pavers or gravel driveways let water soak through instead of sheet‑flowing to the street. They’re ideal for patios and walkways, and they pair well with small infiltration trenches. For larger installs, reference the Georgia Stormwater Management Manual.
Native plantings and tree canopy
Swap thirsty turf for native, moisture‑tolerant plants and protect your shade trees. Natives help water soak in, reduce fertilizer needs, and support pollinators. Use the UGA EcoScapes database to filter options by county and site conditions: Georgia native plant search.
Soil health: mulch and compost
A few inches of shredded mulch and regular composting improve soil structure and infiltration. Healthier soil means less puddling, less erosion, and stronger plants.
Small dry wells
Where space is tight, a gravel‑filled pit can accept water from one or two downspouts and let it infiltrate. Site it away from foundations and utilities, and provide an overflow to a safe area.
What to avoid
Do not send water onto a neighbor’s property or block public drainage. Manage water on your lot or route it to approved outlets.
Right-size and maintain your features
Simple sizing steps
- Measure the roof area that drains to your chosen downspout in square feet.
- Aim to manage about 1.2 inches of rain for water quality performance, consistent with the GSMM. Multiply roof area by 1.2 inches and convert to storage using 0.623 gallons per inch per square foot. Then convert gallons to cubic feet and size your garden or storage accordingly.
- Typical rain gardens use 4–8 inches of ponding depth with amended soils. You can also use the UGA EcoScapes tools to refine size and plant choices.
Test your soil first
Dig a test hole about 12 inches deep, fill it with water, and see how quickly it drains. If it drains slowly, consider a shallower garden with an underdrain or add storage like barrels. Always contact Georgia 811 before you dig.
Setbacks and safe drainage
Place rain gardens at least about 10 feet from your foundation and route overflow to a stable lawn or gravel channel. Properly designed gardens should drain within about 48–72 hours to avoid mosquito issues. The EPA’s guide to rain gardens covers these basics.
Easy maintenance checklist
- After big storms and quarterly: remove debris at inlets, touch up mulch 2–3 inches deep, and replace any dead plants.
- Check for erosion and regrade small rills as needed.
- For rain barrels: keep lids screened and secure, and direct overflow to a planted area.
Local help and inspiration
- Visit the Wylde Center to see rain gardens and native plantings in action.
- Watch for DeKalb County’s rain barrel workshops for low‑cost, hands‑on training.
- For fee details and potential credits, start at the City of Decatur stormwater page and follow the steps that match your property.
Thoughtful stormwater features protect your home, reduce runoff to the street, and boost curb appeal that buyers notice. If you’re planning improvements ahead of a sale or want guidance on which features resonate with local buyers, let’s talk. Reach out to Erin Olivier for neighborhood‑level advice and a plan to showcase your home’s upgrades.
FAQs
Will a rain garden affect my foundation in Decatur?
- Not if you place it with proper setbacks and ensure it drains within about 48–72 hours. Keep the garden at least about 10 feet from foundations and route overflow safely.
Can yard improvements lower my City of Decatur stormwater fee?
- Possibly. The city offers credits for on‑site runoff reduction and tree canopy preservation. Review eligibility and application steps on Decatur’s stormwater page and confirm details with city staff.
How big should a rain garden be on a Decatur lot?
- Start by sizing for about 1.2 inches of rainfall over the roof area feeding the garden. Use the simple calculation above or a Georgia‑specific tool from UGA EcoScapes to refine size by soil and plant choices.
Which native plants work in Decatur rain gardens?
- Choose moisture‑tolerant Georgia natives like sedges, river oats, Joe‑Pye weed, cardinal flower, blue flag iris, and swamp milkweed. Filter options for your site using UGA’s native plant database.
Do I need a permit in Decatur to build a rain garden?
- Small landscaping projects are usually fine as DIY, but significant grading, larger earthwork, or changes to flow paths may require permits or professional design. Check with City of Decatur Public Works before you start and call 811 to locate utilities.
