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DeKalb County, GA Filming & Production: Production Noise (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Sound treated as
Disclosed permit element
Governing standard
DeKalb County Noise Ordinance
Overnight filming limit
11 p.m.-7 a.m. near dwellings
Final call on elements
Planning director

Summary

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.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of DeKalb County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

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 deemed lewd and lascivious;(c)The final decision of whether an element is allowed shall be made by the director. (Ord. No. 16-05, Pt. I, 5-10-16)

View official code

Full Breakdown

Sec. 15-556 lists twelve elements a film permit application must disclose, and item (10) covers filming that includes sound, which is defined and regulated by the DeKalb County Noise Ordinance as it may be amended. The planning director decides whether a disclosed sound element is allowed. This applies alongside the article's separate 11 p.m.-to-7 a.m. limit on outdoor filming within 300 feet of a dwelling, residence, place of worship, or business.

Violations & Fines

Filming with an undisclosed or noncompliant sound element violates the permit's material terms, subject to a minimum $499 fine under Sec. 15-554(d) plus enforcement under the county Noise Ordinance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the film permit set its own decibel limit?
No. Sec. 15-556(10) incorporates the county's separate Noise Ordinance by reference rather than setting a filming-specific sound limit.
Can I film with amplified sound after 11 p.m.?
Only if the permit application discloses it and the director approves; outdoor filming within 300 feet of a dwelling is otherwise restricted to 7 a.m.-11 p.m. under Sec. 15-556(1).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsLocation PermitsSome RestrictionsStreet ClosuresSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Decibel LimitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseLight RestrictionsParking Rules: Preferential Parking DistrictsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSignificant Restrictions

All DeKalb County rules

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