Home Business in Decatur, GA (2026)
4 verified home business rules for Decatur, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Zoning & Home Occupation Permits
Decatur's UDO Sec. 6.8.3.B lists fifteen standards a home occupation must meet, capping it at 25% of the dwelling's floor area, one non-family employee working no more than 20 hours a week, a 24-square-inch nameplate as the only allowed sign, and a required City business license.
Decatur, GA Home Occupation Zoning Rules
Some RestrictionsDecatur Unified Development Ordinance § 6.8.3.B(3)-(5),(11)
3.Other than a nameplate not more than 24 square inches in area, no exterior indication that the building or property is being used for any purpose other than the dwelling can be attached to the dwelling unit. No other signs, free standing or attached, related to the home occupation are permitted on the property;4.Each person carrying on a home occupation must obtain a business license;5.Except...
Signage Rules
Decatur, Georgia's Unified Development Ordinance limits a home occupation in a residential district to one small nameplate: no illuminated sign, no freestanding sign, and no larger than 24 square inches, mounted flat against the dwelling wall where the business operates.
Decatur GA Home Business Sign Limit
Some RestrictionsDecatur Unified Development Ordinance § 7.3.12.E
Signs for permitted home occupations in residential zoning districts shall be limited to 1 nonilluminated nameplate not exceeding 24 square inches in area mounted flat against a wall of the dwelling where the home occupation is located.
Customer Traffic Restrictions
Decatur's Unified Development Ordinance caps a home occupation's contact with the public at two visitors in the dwelling at any one time, and bars client visits or business operations between midnight and 6:00 a.m. Artists and similar studio operations get one monthly exception for a "studio tour" open house.
Decatur, GA Home Business Visitor Limits
Some RestrictionsDecatur Unified Development Ordinance § 6.8.3.B(7)-(9)
7.Contact with the public is limited to no more than 2 visitors in the dwelling at one time;8.Operations and client visits to the premises are prohibited between 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m.;9.Artists and other studio type operations may host "studio tour" type functions once per month where members of the general public may visit the dwelling for the purpose of learning about the artist's work;
Home Daycare
A family day care home is a permitted use only in Decatur, Georgia's residential zoning districts under UDO Section 6.5.2. Before opening, an operator files an application and fee with the City, posts a 15-day public notice placard, and must show proof of state registration from the Georgia Department of Early Care and Learning before the certificate of occupancy issues.
Decatur, GA Family Day Care Home Zoning
Some RestrictionsDecatur Unified Development Ordinance § 6.5.2.B.2
Family Day Care Homes may be established and operated in the City in accordance with the following policies and procedures: ... a.Family day care homes shall be operated only in zoning districts in which such homes are allowed as permitted use.b.Persons seeking to operate a family day care home in the City must file an application with the City along with any fees established by the City Commis...
Looking for DeKalb County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Decatur city rules.
Home Business in DeKalb County →