What are the grease trap requirements in Atlanta, GA?

Food service establishments in Atlanta must install and maintain grease traps or interceptors per local FOG ordinances. The city follows the International Plumbing Code (IPC).

What size grease trap do I need for my restaurant in Atlanta?

Grease trap sizing depends on your establishment's flow rate, number of fixtures, and local code requirements. 1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors; smaller point-of-use traps (under-sink) rated by GPM per fixture as determined by plumbing code. Interceptor sizing based on fixture count and flow rate per City ordinance.. Use our free sizing calculator for a recommendation.

Grease Trap Requirements
Atlanta, GA

Q: Do I need a grease trap permit in Atlanta?

Yes, a FOG permit is required in Atlanta. Fee: FOG permit/registration fee required; approximately $50-$100 annually (varies by establishment type). Contact DWM for current schedule..

FOG compliance regulations for food service establishments in Atlanta, Georgia. Serving 3,585 food service establishments.

Minimum every 90 days (quarter

Pumping Freq.

Required

Permit

Yes

25% Rule

IPC

Code Base

Pumping Requirements

Frequency Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumping required if the 25% rule threshold is reached sooner.

25% Rule Applies

Permits & Enforcement

Permit Required Required

Permit Fee FOG permit/registration fee required; approximately $50-$100 annually (varies by establishment type). Contact DWM for current schedule.

Max Fine $1,000 per day per violation; repeat offenders subject to escalating penalties up to $1,000/day with potential sewer service disconnection.

Complete FOG Regulations

Minimum Trap Size	1,000 gallons minimum for gravity grease interceptors; smaller point-of-use traps (under-sink) rated by GPM per fixture as determined by plumbing code. Interceptor sizing based on fixture count and flow rate per City ordinance.
Pumping Frequency	Minimum every 90 days (quarterly). More frequent pumping required if the 25% rule threshold is reached sooner.
25% Rule	Yes — trap must be pumped when grease and solids reach 25% of capacity
Permit Required	Yes
Permit Fee	FOG permit/registration fee required; approximately $50-$100 annually (varies by establishment type). Contact DWM for current schedule.
Maximum Fine	$1,000 per day per violation; repeat offenders subject to escalating penalties up to $1,000/day with potential sewer service disconnection.
Inspections	Inspections conducted by DWM on a risk-based schedule; typically annually for compliant establishments, more frequently for establishments with prior violations. Unannounced inspections permitted.
Record Keeping	Required — maintain pumping logs and manifests on-site
Plumbing Code	International Plumbing Code (IPC)
Ordinance Ref.	Atlanta Code of Ordinances, Chapter 154, Article X, Sections 154-297.00 through 154-297.09 (Grease Management Ordinance)
Authority	Atlanta Department of Watershed Management (DWM), Office of Linear Infrastructure Operations

Additional Notes

Atlanta's Grease Management Ordinance was enacted as part of the federal consent decree (Clean Water Atlanta program) to reduce sanitary sewer overflows. All Food Service Establishments (FSEs) must install and maintain approved grease interceptors. Grease haulers must be licensed and provide manifests. Records of all pumping/cleaning must be maintained for a minimum of 3 years and made available upon request. The City operates an active FOG inspection and enforcement program under the Clean Water Atlanta initiative.

Regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local wastewater authority or plumbing inspector before making compliance decisions. Last updated: March 2026.