Sandy Springs Sewer Fees & Storm Drain Ordinances

Sandy Springs, Georgia maintains rules governing sewer connections and storm drain management that affect developers, builders and homeowners. This guide explains where the city locates those requirements, how permits and fee schedules are applied, and practical steps to comply with stormwater controls and utility connections. It summarizes enforcement pathways, typical violations, and where to find official code sections and permit applications so you can act promptly and avoid fines or stop-work orders. Where specific fee or penalty figures are not published on the cited official pages, the text notes that fact and points to the enforcing office for confirmation.

Overview

The city addresses stormwater and utility connections through its municipal code and its Public Works / Development Services departments. The municipal code contains the controlling ordinances for drainage, illicit discharge prohibitions, and requirements tied to development and right-of-way work ^[1]. The Public Works stormwater program enforces drainage design standards, maintenance of storm drains, and post-construction controls ^[2].

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by City of Sandy Springs Public Works and Development Services (code enforcement/permits). The municipal code provides the legal basis for orders, corrective actions, and civil penalties; specific monetary amounts and escalation schedules are not specified on the cited municipal-code overview page and should be confirmed with the city ^[1]. The stormwater program posts programmatic requirements but does not publish a single, consolidated fine table on the main topic page ^[2].

• Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page; check the municipal code and fee schedule with Development Services or Finance.
• Escalation: first offense/repeat/continuing offence ranges are not specified on the cited page.
• Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, corrective action orders, remediation, liening of property, and referral to municipal court or superior court are the primary tools referenced in city enforcement materials.
• Enforcer and complaint pathway: Public Works - Stormwater and Development Services accept complaints and inspection requests; use the city contact and permit pages to submit reports and requests ^[2][3].
• Appeals and review: the municipal process typically provides administrative appeal routes; specific time limits and appeal steps are not specified on the cited overview pages and must be confirmed with Development Services or the municipal clerk ^[1].

Applications & Forms

Common applications include utility/connection permits, right-of-way permits for work in public storm drain easements, and erosion & sediment control permits required for land-disturbing activity. The Development Services permit center posts application instructions and submittal portals; exact form names and fee amounts should be obtained from that permit center ^[3].

Common Violations and Typical Remedies

• Unpermitted connections to storm drains or modifications to curb inlets — corrective work and potential fines or stop-work orders.
• Failure to install required erosion controls during construction — notice to comply and remediation orders.
• Failure to obtain utility connection permits or to pay connection fees — permit denial, late fees, or liens.

Action Steps

• Review the municipal code for stormwater and utilities sections to identify applicable ordinances ^[1].
• Contact Development Services to confirm which permits and fee schedules apply to your project and obtain official application forms ^[3].
• Before site work, submit erosion-control plans and obtain any necessary right-of-way or stormwater permits; schedule inspections as required.
• Pay connection fees and any quoted inspection or review fees per the permit center instructions.

FAQ

How do I find the sewer connection fee for my property?

The city’s fee schedule and municipal code control connection fees; specific fee amounts are not provided on the municipal-code overview page and should be requested from Development Services or the Finance office ^[1].

Who inspects storm drain work?

Public Works - Stormwater inspects storm drain and drainage work; Contact Public Works to arrange inspections or report illicit discharges ^[2].

Do I need a separate permit to work in the public right-of-way?

Yes. Right-of-way or encroachment permits are generally required for work affecting public storm drains or curb inlets; confirm application steps with the Development Services permit center ^[3].

How-To

1. Identify the required permits by reviewing the municipal code and permit center guidance.
2. Prepare and submit permit applications, plans, and fee payments to Development Services via the permit center.
3. Schedule any required pre-construction inspections with Public Works and install erosion controls before work begins.
4. Complete work to the inspected standards, obtain final inspections, and keep records of approvals and as-built documentation.

Key Takeaways

• Always confirm permit and fee details with Development Services before work starts.
• Report illicit discharges and maintenance issues to Public Works promptly to avoid escalated enforcement.

Help and Support / Resources

• Public Works - Stormwater Management
• Development Services - Permit Center
• City of Sandy Springs Municipal Code (library.municode.com)

1. [1] City of Sandy Springs Municipal Code — municipal ordinances and code sections
2. [2] City of Sandy Springs — Public Works: Stormwater Management
3. [3] City of Sandy Springs — Development Services Permit Center