The coronavirus pandemic has altered life in every aspect, including the delivery of government services.
With that in mind, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution has compiled this list of important information to know for residents of DeKalb County and its municipalities.
Keep in mind that the situation is fluid and some information — particularly dates for closures — may be too.
DEKALB COUNTY
Office hours: Officials said office hours are normal for public-facing departments, though they must be contacted by phone or email. A list of frequently used services is available at dekalbcountyga.gov/coronavirus.
Water: Residents are being billed as usual for water services, and customers can pay or dispute their water bill over the phone (1-866-227-8924 for payments, 404-378-4475 for customer service) or online at https://golevel1.com/client/DeKalb/.
By executive order, there is a moratorium on commercial water shutoffs for non-payment during the current state of emergency. An already-existing moratorium on residential shutoffs is still in place.
Sanitation: Garbage, yard waste and recycling are being picked up as usual. To help protect sanitation workers, DeKalb is asking residents to sanitize the outside of their roll carts and ensure that all garbage is securely tied in bags.
Permits and inspections: DeKalb County's ePermitting Portal enables contractors, businesses and homeowners to submit applications or check the status of building permits, trade permits, sign permits, city service permits, land development permits, business licenses or planning applications.
Inspections are being processed as normal. For a limited period, customers may request a virtual inspection for air-conditioning unit changeouts, residential roof inspections, water heaters, minor residential inspections and land development inspections.
The full status of planning and sustainability services, including phone numbers and email addresses, is available at dekalbcountyga.gov/planning.
Business licenses: The Planning Department is processing new licenses and renewals via email or mail. Late penalties have been waived during the state of emergency.
Courts: DeKalb County Superior Court Chief Judge Asha Jackson has issued an order suspending all non-essential court functions. To view essential court services still available, visit dekalbcountyga.gov/coronavirus, click "DeKalb Service Status," and scroll down to Courts.
Property taxes: The DeKalb County Tax Commissioner's office will advise of any changes to property tax due dates. Tax bills are typically distributed in the fall.
AVONDALE ESTATES
Office hours: City Hall is closed to the public and administrative staff, but residents can contact officials online or by phone.
Water and other billing: The city doesn't have any utilities they charge through a monthly billing cycle, but sanitation fees are incorporated into residents' yearly property tax and occupational taxes for businesses. That sanitation fee payment deadline are extended to the end of June without penalty.
Sanitation: The city is still collecting twice a week and the recycling team, which is through an outside vendor, is collecting once a week. Residents are asked to move their garbage to the curb to eliminate the need for our crews to touch gates and enclosures.
Permits and inspections: Residents can still apply and pay for permits online, a process that is being monitored by the city's permitting coordinator.
Business licenses: Most businesses were renewed earlier this year, but the occupational tax renewal deadline has been extended to the end of June without penalty.
Municipal court: Closed.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
BROOKHAVEN
Office hours: Office hours are typically from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but the city's buildings are closed. Residents can find information on how to reach representatives here.
Water billing: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation:Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Permits and inspections: Residents can apply for permits or request inspections through the city's Project Portal.
Business licenses: Business license renewals are handled through a third-party vendor and are being processed.
Municipal courts: The municipal court is not open to the general public, but it is servicing by appointment. More information can be found here.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
CHAMBLEE
Office hours: All Chamblee facilities are closed, but residents can contact staff by email or at 770-986-5010. Phone calls to general numbers are routed through the city's call center and sent to appropriate staff.
Water and sewer: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: Chamblee's sanitation continues to run on its regular schedule for solid waste and recycling, but bulk items and yard waste will not be picked up for the next several weeks. Residents are asked to bag yard debris in brown paper bags, if they have them.
Permits and inspections: Permits will be handled online and via email by contacting chambleedevelopment@chambleega.gov. Permit documents can also be found on the city's website, chambleega.gov. Information on inspections can be found here.
Business licenses: Businesses contact chambleedevelopment@chambleega.gov regarding their licenses. For businesses, the deadline to file occupation taxes without penalties is 5 p.m. Friday, May 29.
Municipal courts: All March and April municipal court sessions are being rescheduled. Individuals affected will receive further instructions by mail. Residents can contact the court office at 770-986-5004 for more information.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
CLARKSTON
Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Residents can call 678-409-9683 or email City Manager Robin Gomez at rgomez@cityofclarkston.com
Water and other billing: The city of Clarkston does not provide water or sewer bills. The city sent bills to businesses that had not paid their occupational license renewal. Those bills were sent through March 13. The city is not sending out any other bills.
Sanitation: No changes.
Permits and inspections: Permits are handled through emails and phone calls. All inspections still require a 24-hour advance scheduling notice and will be completed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Business licenses: New ones and renewals are being processed as normal via telephone and email.
Municipal courts: Closed through at least April 12.
Property taxes:Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
DECATUR
Office hours: Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city can be contacted at 404-371-4100 or at info@decaturga.com. Departmental contact can be found by selecting the contact tab on the city's website, decaturga.com.
Water: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: Trash pickup schedule will remain the same, but there will be curbside pickup only. Residents unable to bring their trash to the curb may call 404-377-5571. Curbside collection of yard waste has been suspended until further notice.
Permits and inspections: The city is still processing permits and inspections. Residents with permit questions can call 404-377-6198. Inspections are being handled by request at https://www.decaturga.com/inspections.
Business licenses :New businesses can access documents online at decaturga.com and scan or mail their paperwork. License renewals can be done online or by mail; licenses are available online for businesses to print. Businesses also have a grace period of May 1 to pay for their licenses. Businesses that face hardship and may need more time can email michelle.gray@decaturga.com.
Municipal courts: Municipal court sessions are canceled through April 13. Court sessions scheduled now through that date will be rescheduled for at least 60 days out. For more information, residents are urged to call the court at 678-553-6655.
Property taxes: The first installment is due June 1 and can be mailed to: City of Decatur Lockbox, P.O. Box 945650, Atlanta, GA 30394-5650. Residents must write their property ID, tax year (2020) and phone number on the check and include the payment coupon. Property owners may also pay at decaturgatax.com by credit card with a convenience fee or by e-check with no extra fee.
DORAVILLE
Office hours: City Hall is closed to the public but most staffers are working from home and are reachable by phone or email.
Water: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Permits and inspections:To submit any building, sign, tree or trade permit, please print the application from our website. Once completed, submit the form via email to permits@doravillega.us. Include the property address in the subject line, as well as any pictures, site plans or notarized documents that may be needed.
Business licenses: The deadline to renew a business license has been extended to May 1. More information can be found here.
Municipal court: The court is closed to the public. All court calendars until April 13 are postponed until later dates.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
DUNWOODY
Office hours: Most departments are working remotely and maintaining regular weekday office hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Questions about specific department operations can be found on the individual department pages on the city's website.
Department pages include email addresses for department heads and other staff. Residents with questions are encouraged to call the departmental line and email the contact directly.
Water: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Permits and inspections: Permits can be filed and inspections can be scheduled online here. Inspectors and code enforcement personnel are continuing to do inspections but keeping social distance from other people.
Code enforcement is available online here.
Business licenses: Business license submittals are due April 15 may be processed online here. Anyone with questions can email businesstax@dunwoodyga.gov.
Municipal courts: Scheduled to re-open April 13, with cases beginning April 20. Citation can be paid online here.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
LITHONIA
Office hours: City staff can be reached at 770-482-8136 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Water: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Permits and inspections: The preferred method for scheduling is electronically at https://cityoflithonia.city/. Appointments can also be made by calling City Hall. for Tuesdays (8 a.m. to noon)
Business licenses: See above.
Municipal courts: Currently closed until mid-April.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
PINE LAKE
Office hours: Residents can call City Hall during regular office hours and leave a voicemail. Messages are checked hourly and anyone leaving a message by 3:30 p.m. will receive a return call by the end of the day.
Water: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: No changes.
Permits and inspections: Application submissions by appointment only. The city outsources permit reviews and inspections; no changes have been made.
Business licenses: Most businesses have already renewed for 2020, officials said, and those that have not can email their application. After review they will be notified and can pay online.
Municipal courts: Two sessions have been postponed. The next scheduled session is April 30.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
STONECREST
Office hours: City hall is closed to the public but representatives can be reached via phone and email. The city's main phone number (770-224-0200) is being answered by a call center 24/7.
Water: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Permits and inspections: Inspections such as those for certificates of occupancy or building permits are still being conducted by field inspectors. Code enforcement officers are also conducting inspections for code violations.
Business licenses: Business licenses, building permits, and planning and zoning applications can be paid for and submitted online at stonecrestga.gov. For new applications or those desiring to complete a paper application, forms are being provided in the lobby of City Hall, located at.
Forms can be also be mailed.
Municipal courts: Closed.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
STONE MOUNTAIN
Office hours: City Hall is closed to the public with a few exceptions. Call 770-498-8984 and dial 180 to leave a message for return call.
Water: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Permits and inspections: Applications available online and in-person by appointment only, between 8 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Business licenses: Applications available online and in-person by appointment only, between 8 a.m. and noon on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Municipal courts: Session suspended through at April 13 and those with court dates will receive a rescheduling notice.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
TUCKER
Office hours: City buildings are closed to the public but staff is on-site answering phone calls. The main City Hall number is 678-597-9040.
Plans and documents can also be dropped off at the door.
Water: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
Sanitation: No changes.
Permits and inspections: Commercial inspections are still being conducted. Residents needing a residential inspection are currently permitted to hire a third-party, or can do so through the city via phone or tucker.
Permits are still being processed as usual. Other requests can be scheduled online or over the phone.
Business licenses: Available online.
Municipal courts: March court dates were moved to April. Existing April dates could be pushed back to May.
Property taxes: Handled by DeKalb County (see above).
About the Authors
