The DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability Department has announced plans to update its zoning ordinance for the first time in ten years and its sign ordinance for the first time in two decades. The department stated that these updates are intended “to ensure that the ordinances support the needs and desires of the community.”
According to the department, this effort will align the Zoning Ordinance more closely with both the 2050 Unified Plan and current development patterns. The goal is to better reflect what DeKalb’s residents and businesses value and prioritize.
The project is scheduled to take place over a two-year period, with adoption targeted by the end of 2027. Community input will be included throughout, using both in-person and online opportunities.
A Virtual Open House is set for January 27, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The event will introduce the DeKalb Zoning and Sign Code Update to residents. All interested members of the community are invited to register for access via Zoom. During this session, “the project team will share a project overview, timeline, and progress to date.” Participants can also provide feedback during this meeting. A recording will be made available on the project webpage for those unable to attend live.
Community members are also encouraged to contribute ideas about future development through an Online Visioning Wall hosted on the project website.
More information about participation options and ongoing updates can be found at https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/zonedekalb.
Recent data shows that enrollment at DeKalb County schools declined by 2.2% during the 2022-23 school year compared with the previous year (https://www.gadoe.org/). That same year, total student enrollment was reported at 98,287 (https://www.gadoe.org/), with White students making up approximately 14% of all students (https://www.gadoe.org/).
For registration details for upcoming events or further engagement opportunities related to zoning updates, residents may visit https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_s6PO_Ag6SPyD9B8A8f2mew or add comments at https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/zonedekalb/brainstormers/zone-dekalb-ideas-wall.
