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Apartment Complex Registrations

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Interior Code Compliance Program (ICC)

DeKalb County prioritizes the health, safety, and well-being of its residents. County officials have determined that when multifamily rental properties are allowed to deteriorate, crime rates may increase, property values may decline, and tenant health and safety may be compromised. To address these concerns, the County implemented the Interior Code Compliance Ordinance (ICC), which requires owners of multifamily rental properties to meet established guidelines and obtain a Code Compliance Certificate (CCC) prior to receiving a DeKalb County business license. Additionally, no multifamily rental property may have unresolved active complaints.

Review Multifamily Rental Dwellings Ordinance

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Applicability

This ordinance applies to individuals who:

  • Own or manage a multifamily rental dwelling, or
  • Derive income from four or more multi-family rental units.

Owners must:

  • Submit a Code Compliance Certificate covering 100% of their multifamily rental structures located in unincorporated DeKalb County.
  • Ensure that inspections shall be performed by a certified building inspector.
  • Use a county-authorized third-party inspector approved to verify compliance with interior code regulations.
     

*Failure to provide a CCC will result in the inability to obtain or renew a DeKalb County business license.

Inspection Requirements
  • Each inspected unit must be listed individually on the CCC submitted by the certified building inspector.
  • Inspectors who knowingly submit fraudulent inspection reports may be charged with a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both per violation.
  • Inspectors must maintain current Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance in case a life-safety issue is inadvertently overlooked during inspection.

Once a multifamily property exceeds five years of age, owners must submit an annual inspection report covering 20% of the units to maintain eligibility for the following year’s business license.
 

Exemptions

Multifamily rental dwellings or units are exempt from ICC requirements for five years following the issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy, provided all other required county permits, certificates, and approvals are obtained.

Submission of Inspection Reports

Completed inspection reports requiring life-safety review may be submitted to: iccreports@dekalbcountyga.gov.

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