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DeKalb County, GA Special Events & Permits: Sidewalk Dining & Cafés (2026)

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

Key Facts

Governs
Unincorporated DeKalb commercial zones
Allowed zones
NS, C-1, C-2, MU, M, M-2
Placement
Contiguous to principal building
ADA
Full compliance required

Summary

Unincorporated DeKalb County lets restaurants and coffee shops set up outdoor seating on public or private sidewalks in commercial zones, as long as it's next to the building and doesn't block ADA access or traffic.

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.

Outdoor display shall be permitted in conjunction with permitted uses in the NS, C-1, C-2, MU districts, M, and M-2 zoning districts...All outdoor display areas shall be located contiguous to the principal building, subject to all fire safety requirements....These standards shall apply to outdoor seating areas at restaurants, coffee shops, etc.

View official code

Full Breakdown

DeKalb County Code § 27-4.2.37 treats restaurant and coffee-shop outdoor seating as a form of outdoor display, allowed in the NS, C-1, C-2, MU, M, and M-2 zoning districts. The seating area must sit on a public or private sidewalk contiguous to the principal building, meet ADA requirements, and can't block traffic circulation, required parking, or pedestrian access. Displays must be shown on the site plan filed with building or land-development permits. This applies only to unincorporated DeKalb. Decatur, Chamblee, Doraville, Avondale Estates, and the county's other cities regulate sidewalk dining under their own codes.

Violations & Fines

Outdoor seating that blocks ADA access, traffic circulation, parking, or pedestrian paths, or that isn't shown on the approved site plan, violates § 27-4.2.37 and can be ordered removed by code enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a restaurant put tables on the sidewalk in unincorporated DeKalb County?
Yes, in NS, C-1, C-2, MU, M, and M-2 zones, provided the seating is next to the building, meets ADA requirements, and doesn't block traffic or pedestrians, per § 27-4.2.37.
Does DeKalb County require a permit for sidewalk cafe seating?
The outdoor seating area must be shown on the site plan submitted with the building or land-development permit application under § 27-4.2.37(I).

Sources & Official References

Other rules in DeKalb County

Parking Rules: Street Parking LimitsSome RestrictionsParade PermitsSignificant RestrictionsStreet Fair RulesSome RestrictionsPark Event PermitsSome 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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