Filming & Production in DeKalb County, GA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated DeKalb County, Georgia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Location Permits

DeKalb County's film ordinance defines commercial still photography as filming, so a photo shoot on public property needs the same county permit as a movie or video production.

DeKalb County Still Photography Permit Rule

Some Restrictions

DeKalb County Code § 15-552

Filming means creating motion picture images and all activity attendant to staging, shooting, and associated basecamp operations associated with the production of commercial motion pictures, independent filmography, documentaries, music videos, television shows, and commercials. Filming also means creating still photography images for commercial use and all activity attendant to staging or shoo...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Production Noise

DeKalb County treats film-production sound as a permit element, requiring producers to disclose it and comply with the county's separate noise ordinance during shoots.

DeKalb County Filming Sound Regulation

Some Restrictions

DeKalb County Code § 15-556(b)(10)

Filming that includes sound as defined and regulated by the DeKalb County Noise Ordinance, now and as it may be amended hereafter;(11)Use or presence of any animal which is naturally inclined to do harm or capable of infliction serious harm upon human beings, or any animal whose possession or sale is prohibited by federal, state, or local law;(12)Public nudity and/or any behavior that would be ...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

Street Closures

A film or photo shoot that closes a DeKalb County street, lane or sidewalk needs a planning department filming permit before work begins, whether the shoot is on public or private property. Producers list closures as a permit "element," and a conviction for filming without one carries a minimum $499 fine.

DeKalb County Filming Street Closure Permit

Some Restrictions

DeKalb County Code §§ 15-552, 15-554, 15-556(b)(3), 15-559

Any producer who wishes to perform filming on public property must obtain a permit prior to filming. ... Any producer who wishes to perform filming on private property must first obtain a permit if filming includes any element listed in section 15-556. ... If convicted of violating any provision of this article, the court shall impose a minimum fine of four hundred ninety-nine dollars ($499.00)...

Full ordinance details →Official source ↗

All DeKalb County ordinances

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