If you own property in the city and are planning any roof work this year, the Atlanta cool roof ordinance is the single most important local rule you need to understand before you sign a contract. Passed unanimously by the Atlanta City Council on June 2, 2025, this new law changes the roofing materials allowed on new construction and roof replacements across the entire city — and it takes effect in June 2026. At Red Roofing & Gutters, we’re already installing to the new standard, and this guide breaks down exactly what the ordinance means for you, your energy bills, and your next roof.
Below, we’ll walk through what the ordinance requires, who it applies to, whether it reaches into the suburbs, what a compliant “cool roof” actually looks like, and how to make sure your replacement passes inspection the first time.
What Is the Atlanta Cool Roof Ordinance?
A “cool roof” is a roof built from materials that reflect more sunlight and absorb less heat than a standard dark roof. The Atlanta cool roof ordinance amends the city’s building code to require these reflective materials on new roofs, with the goal of cooling the city, cutting energy bills, and improving air quality.
Atlanta’s version of this policy is unusually broad. While many cities that have adopted cool roof rules apply them only to flat commercial roofs, Atlanta’s ordinance applies to all building types and zoning districts — including the steep-slope, shingled roofs on typical single-family homes. That’s what makes this law different, and it’s why every property owner in the city should pay attention rather than assuming the rule is only for downtown high-rises.
The ordinance was championed as a climate-adaptation measure. Atlanta suffers from the “urban heat island” effect, where pavement and dark roofs trap heat and push neighborhood temperatures well above the surrounding countryside. Reflective roofs are one of the cheapest, most durable ways to push those temperatures back down. According to the Smart Surfaces Coalition, the new building standard is projected to cool the city by roughly 2.4°F during peak summer temperatures — and by as much as 6.3°F in Atlanta’s hottest neighborhoods — while generating an estimated $310 million in energy savings over 35 years.
Key Dates: When the Ordinance Takes Effect
Here’s the timeline every Atlanta property owner should have on their calendar:
- June 2, 2025 — Atlanta City Council unanimously passes the cool roof ordinance.
- One-year lead-in — The rule was written to take effect one year after passage, giving contractors and suppliers time to adjust.
- June 2026 — The Atlanta cool roof ordinance becomes enforceable for new construction and roof replacements.
The one-year runway matters. If you’re replacing a roof in the window around the effective date, the material standard that applies to your project depends on when your permit is pulled and work begins. When timing is close, an experienced local roofer will pull the permit correctly so your project is inspected against the right standard — this is one of the first things we check on every Atlanta job.
What the Atlanta Cool Roof Ordinance Actually Requires
The ordinance sets minimum reflectivity standards using two industry measurements you’ll see on any cool-roof product spec sheet:
- Solar reflectance — the fraction of sunlight a surface bounces back rather than absorbing, on a scale from 0 to 1. Higher is cooler.
- Solar Reflectance Index (SRI) — a combined score that factors in both reflectance and how quickly a surface releases absorbed heat (thermal emittance). Higher is cooler.
Both figures are measured as 3-year aged values, meaning the roof must still meet the standard after three years of real-world weathering — not just on the day it’s installed. That’s an important consumer protection, because some materials look reflective when new but fade quickly.
The requirements differ by roof slope:
| Roof type | Typical building | 3-year aged solar reflectance | 3-year aged SRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low-slope (flat) | Commercial, multi-family | ≥ 0.70 | ≥ 85 |
| Steep-slope (pitched) | Single-family homes | ≥ 0.21 | ≥ 20 |
The steep-slope thresholds are deliberately achievable. A reflectance of 0.21 and an SRI of 20 do not force homeowners into a stark white roof. Manufacturers now make cool-roof-rated architectural shingles in a wide range of colors — including grays, browns, and even darker tones — that hit these numbers thanks to specially engineered reflective granules. The ordinance also allows darker materials when additional insulation achieves equivalent thermal performance, giving homeowners real flexibility on curb appeal.
For low-slope commercial and multi-family roofs, the bar is much higher (0.70 reflectance, SRI 85), which is why white TPO membranes and high-reflectance coatings have become the default on those buildings.
Does the Atlanta Cool Roof Ordinance Apply to My Home?
This is the question we hear most. The short answer: yes, if your home is inside the City of Atlanta limits and you’re getting a full roof replacement or new construction.
Because Atlanta’s ordinance covers all building types — not just flat commercial roofs — a standard residential re-roof falls under the rule once it’s in effect. The good news is that meeting the steep-slope standard is straightforward with modern shingles, and it won’t dramatically change your options. What it does mean is that you should confirm your contractor is quoting a cool-roof-rated shingle and not an older product that predates the requirement.
A few practical notes for homeowners:
- Repairs vs. replacement. Minor repairs generally don’t trigger the same material requirements as a full replacement. However, Atlanta enforces a permitting threshold on how much of a roof can be worked on before a permit — and the current code — kicks in. Trying to phase a full replacement into small “repair” jobs to dodge the rule is a common mistake that can backfire at inspection.
- Product documentation. Compliant products carry a rating from the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC), an independent body that tests and lists reflectance and emittance values. Your roofer should be able to show you the CRRC-rated spec sheet for the exact shingle going on your home.
- Color is not off the table. Reflective granule technology means you can stay compliant without sacrificing the look you want. Ask to see the cool-roof color options in person.
If you’re weighing a replacement this year, it’s worth getting a professional eye on your roof before you commit. A free roof inspection will tell you whether you actually need a full replacement now, and if so, which compliant materials fit your home and budget.
Does the Ordinance Reach Woodstock, Marietta, or Fayetteville?
Not directly — and this is a point a lot of metro homeowners get wrong. The Atlanta cool roof ordinance is a City of Atlanta law. It applies inside Atlanta’s municipal limits, which sit primarily in Fulton and DeKalb counties.
Communities like Woodstock (Cherokee County), Marietta (Cobb County), and Fayetteville (Fayette County) are separate jurisdictions and are not governed by Atlanta’s ordinance. Roofs in those cities follow Georgia state building and energy codes plus their own local rules.
That said, cool-roof and energy-efficient materials still make excellent sense in the suburbs — Georgia summers don’t stop at the city line, and reflective roofing can lower cooling bills anywhere in the metro. We break down exactly how the suburbs are affected (and where energy-efficient upgrades still pay off) in our companion guide on how the cool roof ordinance affects Atlanta’s suburbs.
What Counts as a Compliant Cool Roof?
Compliance comes down to the material’s rated performance, not its brand. Here are the material categories that typically satisfy the ordinance:
For steep-slope residential roofs
- Cool-roof-rated asphalt shingles — architectural shingles manufactured with reflective granules. These are the most common residential solution and are widely available in metro Atlanta.
- Metal roofing with reflective coatings — standing-seam and metal shingle systems can far exceed the residential thresholds, and reflective paint finishes come in many colors.
- Reflective tile and slate-look products — a good fit for homes going for a premium aesthetic.
For low-slope commercial and multi-family roofs
- White TPO or PVC membranes — the workhorse of compliant flat roofs, easily meeting the 0.70 reflectance / SRI 85 standard.
- Reflective roof coatings — specially formulated high-reflectance coatings that can bring an existing low-slope roof up to spec.
Whatever the category, insist on seeing the CRRC listing or an ENERGY STAR roof-product rating for the specific product. Those third-party numbers are how inspectors verify compliance, and they’re your protection against a contractor substituting a cheaper, non-compliant material after the quote.
The Real Benefits of a Cool Roof (Beyond Compliance)
It’s easy to think of the ordinance as just another regulation, but reflective roofing delivers genuine value that homeowners and businesses feel directly:
Lower cooling bills. By reflecting sunlight instead of absorbing it, a cool roof keeps your attic and living space cooler, so your HVAC system works less during Georgia’s long cooling season. For many properties this shows up as a meaningful reduction in summer energy costs.
Longer roof life. Heat is one of the primary drivers of roof aging. When shingles bake at surface temperatures well over 150°F day after day, the asphalt degrades and granules erode faster. A cooler surface slows that thermal breakdown, which can extend the usable life of your roof.
More comfortable interiors. Upstairs bedrooms and bonus rooms that turn into ovens by mid-afternoon are often victims of a hot roof. Reflective roofing helps flatten those temperature swings.
A cooler city. Every reflective roof chips away at the urban heat island effect. Multiply that across thousands of buildings and you get the citywide cooling — and cleaner air — that motivated the ordinance in the first place.
Better resale positioning. Energy-efficient features are increasingly attractive to buyers. A documented, code-compliant cool roof is a selling point, and it’s one fewer thing to negotiate during a real estate roof inspection.
Do Cool Roofs Cost More?
Homeowners are often surprised to learn the answer is usually no, or very little more. Cool-roof-rated shingles are priced comparably to standard architectural shingles from the same manufacturer — the reflective granules aren’t a premium add-on the way an upgraded material tier would be. On the commercial side, white membranes like TPO are already the standard choice for flat roofs, so there’s frequently no cost penalty at all.
Where a cool roof can actually save you money is over its lifetime, through lower energy bills and slower thermal aging. When you factor in those savings, a compliant roof often comes out ahead of a non-compliant one. For a full breakdown of pricing in the metro, see our detailed guide on how much a roof costs in Atlanta.
Permits, Inspections, and the Simplified Process
One of the smarter features of the Atlanta cool roof ordinance is that it was paired with a simplified permitting procedure so the city can actually enforce the new standard without bogging down projects. In practice, that means:
- Your permit application specifies the roofing product, including its rated reflectance/SRI values.
- The product’s CRRC or ENERGY STAR documentation is used to confirm it meets the applicable threshold.
- A final inspection verifies the installed roof matches what was permitted.
This is exactly why working with a roofer who handles Atlanta permits routinely saves you headaches. The most common way a project stalls is a paperwork mismatch — a product quoted, a different one installed, and an inspector who can’t verify compliance. We manage the documentation on the front end so your inspection is a formality, not a fire drill.
How the Cool Roof Rule Intersects With Storms, Insurance, and Resale
The Atlanta cool roof ordinance doesn’t exist in a vacuum — it touches three situations most metro homeowners run into at some point.
Storm damage. Atlanta’s severe-weather season brings hail and straight-line winds that damage thousands of roofs every year. If a storm forces you into a full replacement inside the city, that replacement has to meet the cool-roof standard. The practical takeaway: after a storm, don’t just patch toward “whatever was there before” — plan for a compliant system from the start. If you suspect storm damage, get a documented free roof inspection right away so you know what you’re working with.
Insurance. When a storm claim leads to a roof replacement, your carrier generally pays to restore your roof to a code-compliant condition — and many policies include code-upgrade coverage precisely for situations like a new ordinance. Understanding whether your policy pays actual cash value or replacement cost, and whether it includes code coverage, can make a real difference in what you owe out of pocket. We cover this in depth in our guide to roof insurance requirements in Georgia.
Resale. A documented, permitted, code-compliant roof is an asset when you sell. Buyers’ inspectors flag old or non-compliant roofs, and a fresh cool roof removes a common negotiating point. If you’re buying or selling, it’s worth understanding how roofs are evaluated during a real estate roof inspection.
Common Myths About the Atlanta Cool Roof Ordinance
Because the ordinance is new, misinformation is everywhere. Here are the myths we correct most often:
- “I have to install a white roof.” False. Steep-slope homes only need to meet modest reflectance and SRI thresholds that many colors satisfy.
- “It applies to my house in Marietta / Woodstock / Fayetteville.” False. It’s a City of Atlanta ordinance and doesn’t govern separate jurisdictions.
- “Cool roofs are way more expensive.” False. Cool-roof-rated shingles are typically priced in line with standard architectural shingles.
- “It applies to every repair.” Not exactly. Minor repairs generally aren’t held to the full replacement standard, but Atlanta’s permitting threshold determines when the current code applies — so don’t try to phase a full replacement into “repairs.”
- “The rule is optional until someone complains.” False. It’s enforced through permitting and final inspection on covered projects.
Clearing up these myths matters, because acting on the wrong assumption is how homeowners end up with a failed inspection, a stalled project, or a roof they have to redo.
What to Do If You’re Replacing Your Roof in 2026
If a replacement is on your horizon, here’s a simple action plan:
- Get a professional inspection first. Don’t assume you need a full replacement — or that you can wait. An honest assessment tells you what you’re actually dealing with. Start with a free roof inspection.
- Confirm the material is cool-roof-rated. Ask your contractor for the CRRC-listed spec sheet for the exact shingle or membrane, and check that it meets the steep-slope or low-slope threshold that applies to your building.
- Choose your color from the compliant palette. You have real options here — you don’t have to settle for white.
- Let your roofer handle the permit. Make sure the permit names the product and its rated values so the inspection goes smoothly.
- Keep your documentation. Save the product ratings and permit records. They’re useful for insurance, warranty claims, and eventual resale.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Atlanta Cool Roof Ordinance
When does the Atlanta cool roof ordinance take effect? The ordinance was passed on June 2, 2025, and takes effect in June 2026 — one year after passage. It applies to new construction and roof replacements from that point forward.
Does the cool roof ordinance apply to residential homes? Yes. Unlike many cities that limit cool roof rules to flat commercial buildings, Atlanta’s ordinance applies to all building types and zoning districts, including single-family homes with steep-slope roofs — as long as the property is inside the City of Atlanta.
Do I have to install a white roof? No. Steep-slope residential roofs only need to meet a 3-year aged solar reflectance of 0.21 and an SRI of 20, which cool-roof-rated shingles achieve in a wide range of colors — including grays and darker tones. Darker materials are also allowed if extra insulation delivers equivalent thermal performance.
Does the ordinance apply in Marietta, Woodstock, or Fayetteville? No. The ordinance is a City of Atlanta law and does not govern separate jurisdictions like Marietta (Cobb), Woodstock (Cherokee), or Fayetteville (Fayette). Those areas follow Georgia state and local codes, though reflective roofing is still a smart energy choice there.
Will a cool roof cost me more? Usually not much, if anything. Cool-roof-rated shingles are priced similarly to standard architectural shingles, and reflective membranes are already standard on commercial flat roofs. Lifetime energy savings often make a compliant roof the cheaper option overall.
How do I know a product is compliant? Look for a rating from the Cool Roof Rating Council (CRRC) or an ENERGY STAR roof-product listing. These third-party ratings document the reflectance and SRI values inspectors use to verify compliance.
Does the ordinance apply to solar panels or a small leak repair? Adding solar panels doesn’t itself trigger the roofing material requirement, and small, isolated repairs generally aren’t held to the full replacement standard. The requirement centers on new construction and full roof replacements. Atlanta’s permitting threshold determines when the current code applies to a given project, so ask your roofer to confirm how your specific job is classified before work begins.
Will a cool roof help with Atlanta’s summer heat inside my home? Yes. By reflecting sunlight rather than absorbing it, a cool roof keeps your attic and upper floors measurably cooler, which reduces strain on your air conditioning during Georgia’s long cooling season and helps flatten those late-afternoon temperature spikes in upstairs rooms.
Get Ahead of the Ordinance With a Free Inspection
The Atlanta cool roof ordinance doesn’t have to be a hassle — with the right roofer, compliance is built into the process and the benefits land in your energy bills. If a replacement is on your radar, the smartest first step is knowing the true condition of your roof and which compliant materials fit your home.
Red Roofing & Gutters installs cool-roof-compliant systems across metro Atlanta, handles the permitting and documentation, and will give you a straight answer about whether you need a new roof at all. Schedule your free roof inspection today, and let’s make sure your next roof is cooler, compliant, and built to last.
Red Roofing & Gutters is a locally owned roofing company serving Atlanta and the surrounding metro. Sources: Atlanta City Council (Ordinance 25-O-1310); Cool Roof Rating Council; ENERGY STAR Roof Products; Smart Surfaces Coalition policy tracker.