DeKalb committee defers proposed blasting and safety ordinance for two weeks

The DeKalb County Employee Relations and Public Safety committee introduced a proposed ordinance to regulate blasting operations countywide, citing resident complaints especially in Stonecrest and Lithonia, then voted to defer the item for two weeks for additional review.

Chair Ladina Bolton said the ordinance would "establish regulatory oversight of blasting operations into DeKalb County through the adoption of a control blasting and safety ordinance to promote public safety, environmental protection, and community stability." The draft pulls together existing state requirements and county practices into a single ordinance and adds a community‑engagement section requiring permittees to provide contact information and a way for residents to file concerns.

The fire chief outlined information already collected during blasting applications, including project name, site plan with blast location and a 750‑foot proximity radius, blast start and end dates, transport and return routes for explosives, vendor insurance policy information and state blaster license numbers. Commissioners discussed whether the county should also send notifications (using the proposed Rave platform and geofencing) in addition to permittee notices, whether to charge fees to offset marshal costs, and how fines should be calculated (per violation vs. per project). "Property owners may file claims for property damage through the permittee," the chair said, and staff noted risk management had not yet been consulted and legal had only seen earlier drafts.

Given outstanding questions about fee language, fine amounts and additional departmental review, a commissioner moved to defer the ordinance for two weeks; the motion carried. Staff said they will run the draft by the state fire marshal's office and risk management and return with updates.