DeKalb County, GA Special Events & Permits: Street Fair Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Special administrative permit
- Residential setback
- 100 feet minimum
- Duration cap
- 14 consecutive days, 2x/year
- Security
- Off-duty police or security required
Summary
Street fairs, carnivals and community festivals in unincorporated DeKalb County need a special administrative permit and must sit at least 100 feet from any residential district under the temporary-use zoning rules.
Temporary outdoor events may include temporary art shows, carnival rides, special outdoor social or religious event, entertainment, athletic events, rodeos, horseshows, and other events of community interest.
A.Use regulations. Temporary outdoor events shall be governed by the following regulations:1.Site conditions.a.Employees shall be uniformed and identified.b.Security or off-duty police officers shall be on-site during operating hours.c.Portable toilets or access to bathrooms shall be provided.2.If the temporary outdoor event involves structures that require issuance of a building permit, a site plan of the event shall be included with the building permit application. The site plan submittal required by article 7 shall indicate compliance with all zoning ordinance requirements.B.Lot and parcel restrictions. Temporary outdoor event activities shall be set back at least one hundred (100) feet from any residential district or use.C.Temporary sites for worship. The establishment of sites and tents for temporary worship conducted on a site not designated as a place of worship requires the grant of a special administrative permit by the director of planning. (Ord. No. 15-06, 8-25-2015)
Full Breakdown
Sec. 4.3.5 classifies street fairs, carnivals, art shows, athletic events and other community-interest gatherings as temporary outdoor events requiring a special administrative permit from the planning department. Organizers must keep the event footprint at least 100 feet from any residential district, and provide uniformed staff, security or off-duty police, and portable toilets. Table 4.3 caps a temporary outdoor event at 14 consecutive days and two occurrences per calendar year. Applies only in unincorporated DeKalb County.
Violations & Fines
Running a street fair or festival without the required special administrative permit, or violating the 100-foot residential setback, is a zoning violation under the temporary-use regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in DeKalb County
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