Do I need a permit for solar panel installation in Brookhaven?

Yes. In Georgia, solar panel installation generally requires a permit, and Brookhaven is no exception.

Georgia has no statewide solar permit exemption; expect both a building permit and an electrical permit from the local authority having jurisdiction. Some jurisdictions offer an expedited residential solar process; requirements and utility interconnection sign-off still vary by locality and power provider. DeKalb County's own permitting office is the DeKalb County Planning and Sustainability, reachable on 404-371-2155 at https://dekalbcountyga.gov/departments/planning-and-sustainability/permits-plan-review-and-inspections. Its online permit portal is https://epermits.dekalbcountyga.gov/. It issues permits for the unincorporated county. If your city does not run its own building department, and many smaller Georgia municipalities do not, this is the office that will handle the job. Solar involves a building permit for the attachment and a separate electrical permit, plus a utility interconnection that runs outside the permit process. Brookhaven requires a Solar Panels permit through the Project Portal and uses its own Expedited Permitting for Small-Scale PV Systems form. Under Zoning Sec. 27-704, only building-integrated or flush-mounted panels may go on street-facing roof elevations, and panels may not extend more than 3 feet above the height limit or 4 feet above the highest point of the roof, whichever is less. Ground-mounted arrays in residential districts may not sit in a required street setback or street yard, but may sit within interior side and rear setbacks, and count toward accessory structure height and impervious coverage limits.