DeKalb County, GA Home Business: Signage Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Signage allowed
- None: zero exterior evidence
- Applies to
- Type I and Type II alike
- Also banned
- Detectable noise, odor, glare
- Coverage
- Unincorporated DeKalb County only
Summary
DeKalb County bans any exterior evidence of a home occupation, meaning no business signage, displays or visible business activity is permitted from outside the residence.
There shall be no exterior evidence of the home occupation.2.No use shall create noise, dust, vibration, odor, smoke, glare or electrical interference that would be detectable beyond the dwelling unit.3.The use shall be conducted entirely within the dwelling unit, and only persons living in the dwelling unit shall be employed at the location of the home occupation.4.No more than twenty-five (25) percent of the dwelling unit and or five hundred (500) square feet, whichever is less, may be used for the operation of the home occupation.5.No more than one (1) business vehicle per home occupation is allowed.6.No home occupation shall be operated so as to create or cause a nuisance.7.Home occupation shall not include the use of a dwelling unit for the purpose of operating any automobile repair establishment, or car wash.8.Occupations that are mobile or dispatch-only may be allowed, provided that any business vehicle used for the home occupation complies with section 6.1.3, and is limited to one (1) business vehicle per occupation.D.Private educational services shall comply with home occupation standards and no more than three (3) students shall be served at a time. Family members residing in the home are not counted towards the three (3) students allowed. (Ord. No. 15-06, 8-25-2015)
Full Breakdown
Sec. 4.2.31.C.1 flatly prohibits any exterior evidence of a home occupation in unincorporated DeKalb County, which rules out yard or window signs, business displays, or anything visible from the street identifying the use. The standard applies to both Type I and Type II home occupations alike, on top of the ban on noise, odor, dust, glare and other detectable off-site impacts. Applies only in unincorporated DeKalb County.
Violations & Fines
Posting a sign or otherwise showing exterior evidence of a home business violates Sec. 4.2.31.C.1 and is enforceable as a zoning code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I put up a sign for my home business in DeKalb County?
Does this no-signage rule apply to every home occupation type?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeKalb County
Compare DeKalb County to another location·View the Georgia home business overview
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