ZONE DEKALB
DEKALB COUNTY ZONING & SIGN ORDINANCE UDPATE
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.
Questions or comments? Email us at zonedekalb@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 July 2025 - January 2026 | PHASE 2 February - December 2026 | PHASE 3 January - December 2027 |
| Code Assessment & Needs Identification | Visioning & Code Drafting | Code Refinement & Adoption |
<-------------------------------- Community Engagement Opportunities Throughout -------------------------------> | ||
Project Goals
- Align with the 2050 Unified Plan
- Create clear, comprehensive regulations
- Modernize the existing ordinance with streamline procedures, increased illustrations and simplified language to increase public understandings.
- 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 Kickoff Event A virtual kickoff meeting is anticipated the first week of February 2026 - Stay tuned for more details! | World Planning Day Saturday, November 15, 2025 11:00 am - 3:00 pm | Committee of the Whole (COW) December 2, 2025 Tune into the COW meeting in December to get the scoop on the Zoning Update and learn about what’s ahead! | 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. |


