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.

Project Goals

1. Align with the 2050 Unified Plan (comprehensive long-term future development plan).
2. Create clear, comprehensive regulations.
3. Update the code structure to a more user-friendly format.
4. Modernize the existing ordinance with streamlined procedures, increased illustrations, updated use tables and zoning districts, and simplified language.
5. Meet contemporary and future land development needs and desires while balancing public health, safety, and welfare.

Zoning 101

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS | UPCOMING EVENTS

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!

COMMUNITY MEETINGS	LOCAL EVENTS	PROJECT UPDATES	ONLINE INPUT
Design Workshop August 2026 We look forward to convening community members in August to discuss and collect input on the zoning code update! Mark your calendar for this interactive event, where you will be able to provide feedback on specific zoning topics like parking, site design, zoning districts, landscaping/trees, and more. Help us shape future development across the county!	Community Coffee Chats Spring - Fall 2026 Join us this Spring as we kick off the Community Coffee Chat series. Stop by for light refreshments and caffeine, learn about the draft sign code and zoning code update, and share feedback. The Coffee Chat series will pop up at up to eight community facilities across the county - subscribe for updates to see where we will be next!	Over the course of the project, status updates will be presented to the BOC, PECS Committee, Planning Commission, and Community Councils to communicate key milestones and prepare for adoption. The community is invited to attend. Board of Commissioners Meetings September - December 2026 The first key round of BOC updates will take place in 2026 as we move towards adoption of the updated sign code. Planning Commission Meetings September 2026 PECS Committee Meetings September 2026 Community Council Meetings Round 1 - February 2026 Round 2 - April 2027 ***All dates are subject to change***	Email Us! zonedekalb@dekalbcountyga.gov Visioning Wall Share your input by leaving a comment on the visioning wall below. Community Survey Coming Spring 2026 Stay tuned to share input through the project survey, which will collect input on various topics related to the zoning and sign codes.

PAST EVENTS

• Community Council Updates (February 2026)
  • Click on the links below to review the presentation for your district!
  • CC - District 1
  • CC - District 2
  • CC - District 3
  • CC- District 4
  • CC - District 5
• 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)
  • Review Event Materials