Planning Services
Newsletter
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Mission Statement
To advance a long range vision of a livable, equitable, sustainable, beautiful, and prosperous DeKalb County through the implementation of adopted plans, policies, and partnerships.
| | | September 2025 Newsletter | | | |  |
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Planning Commission -- 09/09/25 @ 6:00 PM | Zoom
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BOC Zoning Public Hearing -- 09/30/25 @ 5:30 PM | Zoom
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Zoning Board of Appeals -- 09/10/25 @ 1:00 PM | Zoom
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Historic Preservation Committee -- 09/15/25 @ 6:00 PM | Zoom
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Sketch Plat -- 09/24/25 @ 6:00 PM | Zoom
| | | Now Online - The Data Center Text Amendment! | | |
Throughout the Atlanta metro area, there has been a sharp increase in data center development. While data centers provide necessary infrastructure for the modern world, DeKalb County is seeking to ensure that the significant land, energy, and water consumption by these facilities does not negatively impact the community.
This ordinance will add data centers as a use in industrial areas and regulate their location, design, and provide supplemental review standards. You can read the draft ordinance here, and a summary on the project page.
| | Shaping Embry Hills Through Arts, Culture, and Community Input | |
Embry Hills and Presidential Parkway Arts & Culture Plan
The Embry Hills and Presidential Parkway Small Area Plan is a study sponsored by DeKalb County seeking to strengthen this area’s unique identity through public art, culture, and various infrastructure improvements.
In exciting news, the Embry Hills and Presidential Parkway Arts & Culture SAP team will be expanding the scope of the project! The purpose of the expanded scope is to create a more comprehensive study reflecting all findings discussed in the existing conditions and analysis phase.
The original study boundary will be extended to include:
- Pleasantdale community to the north
- The soon-to-be vacated 20-acre UPS facility
- Embry Hills residential neighborhoods
- Northlake Mall and the surrounding commercial area to the south
Learn more about the project and take the online survey!
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Aprell King
Planner
Email
| | Shape the Future of the DeKalb Stone Mountain Trail | |
Stone Mountain Trail Masterplan
Stop by and share your opinion!
Join us at the Tobie Grant Recreation Center (593 Parkdale Dr, Scottdale, GA 30079) on Monday, September 8th, anytime between 5pm and 7pm to review the draft of the Stone Mountain Trail Master Plan and share your thoughts. This plan will shape the future of connectivity, trail access, affordable housing, and placemaking along the Stone Mountain Trail.
Visit the Website: Review materials from previous meetings and the draft recommendations online at https://engagedekalb.dekalbcountyga.gov/stone-mountain-trail
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Tricia Prevost
Senior Planner
Email
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🚀 Next Stop: Redan Community! 🚀
The DeKalb Community Academy is on the move, and we’re excited to announce that our next engagement will be with the Redan community.
Our mission is to educate, empower, and connect residents with the tools and resources needed to strengthen their neighborhoods. Through trainings, workshops, and the Steering Committee, we’re working hand-in-hand with the community to shape a stronger, more sustainable future.
Stay tuned as we partner with Redan residents to listen, learn, and build together! ✨
| | | Current Planning / Zoning | |
| | Short-Term Rental (STR) Ordinance | Project Manager: Yvonne Trammell | The Short-Term Rental ordinance was approved on July 24, 2025. The ordinance will not go into effect for 180 days (January 20, 2026). Information on the ordinance and the next steps will be available on Engage DeKalb Short-Term Rentals: DeKalb County | Engage DeKalb. Please continue to monitor Engage DeKalb for important dates as they become available. | | | |
DeKalb County Comprehensive Housing Plan
There is some exciting news regarding the DeKalb County Comprehensive Housing Plan! The Board of Commissioners approved the proposal for the project on July 22nd, 2025.
Read the original announcement here!
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Urban Tree Canopy Study
DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability announces the release of its Urban Tree Canopy (UTC) Study, a detailed assessment quantifying the extent and impact of the county's tree coverage.
Visit the project webpage for details on the study, including the full final report!
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FREE Paper Shredding Event!
The DeKalb County Sanitation Department is hosting a FREE Paper Shredding event! Participation is FREE and open only to DeKalb County residents.
Saturday, October 18, 2025
8 AM - 12 PM
Sanitation Division's Central Transfer Station (3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur, GA 30032)
For more information, please call (404) 294 -2900, visit the Sanitation webpage, or follow them on @DKalbSanitation on X.
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Rain Barrel Workshop - Fall Series!
DeKalb’s Beautification Unit hosts rain barrel workshops each spring and fall, where residents transform plastic drums into functional rain barrels.
Details
Cost: $25 per person (includes barrel and DIY installation kit)
Location:
Sanitation Division Administration Building
3720 Leroy Scott Drive, Decatur, GA 30032
Questions? Beautify@dekalbcountyga.gov
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Recycle Right
Don't toss plastic or metal hangers in with your recyclables. These items can become tangled around equipment, causing damage.
Take metal hangers to a drop-off location for metal recycling or check with your local dry cleaners. Many dry cleaners take back metal hangers. Consider donating plastic hangers. Check with your local thrift store and retailers to see if they accept plastic hangers.
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Stop the clogs before they start!
"Flushable" wipes aren't safe for pipes. Always throw them in the trash. #NoWipesInPipes
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Our Front Yard Tree Program is an opportunity for DeKalb homeowners to add shade and beauty to their yard, at no cost to the homeowner. Our partner, Trees Atlanta, provides advice on species selection and the best location for the tree, and will deliver and plant the tree.
Click here to fill out an application for a front yard tree!
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Save the Date for World Planning Day!
We are excited to announce that World Planning Day is returning this year, bigger and better than ever!
Event Details
We are also excited to announce our first-ever World Planning Day Middle School Art Contest! We invite all DeKalb County Middle School students to create an illustration with the theme "Think Global, Plan Local." View the flyer here!
| | | Project Manager: Nicole Marchant | |
Explore planning and transportation initiatives, as well as key demographics of our census tracts in our new platform DeKalb Community Atlas.
Available maps and data include a Permit and Application tracker, SPLOST Projects, Community profiles, Housing and Income Statistics, Economics, and more.
Feedback is greatly appreciated. Comments can be submitted on the DeKalb Community Atlas "Comments and Feedback" tab.
| | | Project Manager: Nicole Marchant | |
Engage DeKalb is Planning and Sustainability's community engagement platform!
With Engage DeKalb, community members can actively participate by taking part in surveys, sharing ideas, and staying up to date with ongoing projects in the community.
Some current projects include Short Term Rentals Text Amendment, Special Event Facilities Text Amendment, Global City-Memorial Drive Community Revitalization Plan, and more!
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Congratulations on the Promotion!
The Long Range Planning Division is proud to announce that Nicole Marchant has been promoted to Public Outreach Specialist!
Nicole Marchant has been with DeKalb County since 2023, and some of her notable accomplishments include managing World Planning Day, creating and maintaining Engage DeKalb, and supporting communication for numerous Small Area Plans and projects.
Our team is excited to have Nicole take on a new position within the team and looks forward to her ongoing endeavors.
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