ZONE DEKALB
Click here to watch the meeting recording from the Virtual Open House Kickoff (1.27.2026)
DEKALB COUNTY ZONING & SIGN ORDINANCE UPDATE
Let's plan DeKalb's future, together!
DeKalb County is updating the Zoning Ordinance for the first time in a decade — and the Sign Ordinance for the first time in 20 years!
As change and growth are imminent in the County, it’s important to revisit our priorities and ensure our ordinances support the needs and desires of the community. This update aims to align the Zoning Ordinance more closely with the 2050 Unified Plan and existing development patterns so that it better reflects the values and priorities of DeKalb’s residents and businesses.
Check out the the Zone DeKalb FAQs to review commonly asked questions about the project. You can also download the project fact sheet.
Questions or comments about the Zoning and Sign Code Update? Email us at zonedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov.
For general planning and zoning questions that are not specific to the code update process, please email plansustain@dekalbcountyga.gov.
OVERVIEW
Timeline
The update process for the Zoning and Sign Ordinances will take place over the next two years, with adoption anticipated by the end of 2027. Opportunities for community input are woven into the planning process, including both in-person and online formats. Be sure to subscribe for updates through Engage DeKalb to stay in the loop about project activities and announcements.
The following timeline illustrates the target timeframe for project milestones and engagement opportunities.
| PHASE 1 September 2025 - March 2026 | PHASE 2 March 2026 - January 2027 | PHASE 3 February - December 2027 |
| Code Assessment & Needs Identification | Visioning & Code Drafting | Code Refinement & Adoption |
<------------ Community & Stakeholder Outreach Activities Opportunities Throughout -----------> | ||
Zoning 101
Project Goals
- Align with the 2050 Unified Plan (comprehensive long-term future development plan).
- Create clear, comprehensive regulations.
- Update the code structure to a more user-friendly format.
- Modernize the existing ordinance with streamlined procedures, increased illustrations, updated use tables and zoning districts, and simplified language.
- Meet contemporary and future land development needs and desires while balancing public health, safety, and welfare.
SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS
Calling all community members – We want to hear from YOU!
From local events to community meetings to online and virtual opportunities – there will be many opportunities to get involved. All are welcome to attend and share their thoughts with the team!
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| COMMUNITY MEETINGS | LOCAL EVENTS | PROJECT UPDATES | ONLINE INPUT |
Virtual Open House Kickoff January 27 | 6:00 - 7:30 pm Click here to watch the meeting recording or click the video link below. | World Planning Day Saturday, November 15, 2025 Review Event Materials | Community Council Updates February 2026 CC - District 1 CC - District 2 CC - District 3 CC- District 4 CC - District 5 | Email Us! zonedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov. Visioning Wall Share your input by leaving a comment on the visioning wall below. Community Survey Coming 2026 Stay tuned to share input through the project survey. |
PAST EVENTS
- Virtual Open House Kickoff (1/27/25)
- Click here to watch the meeting recording (or watch below!)
- Click here to view presentation materials
- Q&A response summary - coming soon
- Kickoff Presentation: Committee of the Whole (12/3/25)
- The project team presented at the COW meeting to share about the code update process, timeline, and engagement activities.
- Pop Up Event #1: World Planning Day (11/15/25)
