Voters in the Northlake area approved annexation into the City of Tucker with 65.5% voting in favor during the November 3 election. The annexation includes 23 properties totaling 68.59 acres in unincorporated DeKalb County and will take effect on January 1, 2027.
The properties include four hotels, the former Macy’s building at Northlake Mall, several office and retail properties, and three apartment communities: Atlas LaVista Hills, Providence of Northlake, and Avana City North. Together, the apartment communities contain over 1,000 units and an estimated 2,000 residents. The annexation will increase Tucker’s population by approximately 5.3%.
The history of Northlake’s municipal boundaries dates to Tucker’s incorporation. The original 2014 cityhood proposal included the entire Northlake commercial district. However, the Georgia General Assembly ultimately excluded the area north of Lavista Road and west of I-285 in anticipation of another neighboring city being established. That cityhood effort was unsuccessful. Over the following decade, several Northlake property owners voluntarily annexed into Tucker, while others remained in unincorporated DeKalb County.
This year, the Georgia General Assembly authorized a referendum, giving affected residents the opportunity to bring this area into the City of Tucker as originally envisioned.
Beginning in January, the City of Tucker will assume responsibility for municipal services in the annexed area, including public works, zoning, code enforcement, and parks and recreation. This includes responsibility for road maintenance, stormwater management, sidewalks, and traffic signals currently under DeKalb County’s jurisdiction will transfer to the City of Tucker. Commercial property owners will work with the City on matters such as zoning, building permits, and business licensing.
DeKalb County will continue providing police, fire and emergency medical services, water and sewer, and sanitation. Public schools will remain part of the DeKalb County School District, which operates independently of both the city and county governments.
Commercial property owners and businesses should contact the City of Tucker for guidance on when occupational tax certificate requirements and permitting procedures will apply, and how existing permits and approvals will be handled. Information is available through the City’s Occupational Tax Certificate and Building and Permitting departments.
Annexation will not change mailing addresses or ZIP codes. ZIP codes are established by the United States Postal Service and are independent of municipal boundaries. Businesses and residents currently using an Atlanta, GA 30345 mailing address will continue using that address.
The entire annexation area is already within the Tucker-Northlake Community Improvement District service area. The CID will continue working with the City of Tucker, DeKalb County, the Georgia Department of Transportation, and commercial property owners to support infrastructure and transportation improvements throughout Northlake.
For additional information about the annexation and government services, visit the City of Tucker’s annexation information page and the DeKalb County website.