DeKalb County Restaurant Compliance Guide
Permits, licenses, inspections, and recurring records that apply to restaurants in DeKalb County. Includes city, county, state, and nationwide requirements.
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Opening a Restaurant
Permits and approvals required before you open.
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Zoning Approval — Unincorporated DeKalb CountyDeKalb County
Confirm your unincorporated DeKalb address is zoned for restaurant use through the Department of Planning & Sustainability before signing a lease.
Raw Fish Parasite Destruction — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)As supplier changes
Fish served raw or undercooked must be frozen for parasite destruction, documented by a supplier freezing letter (some species are exempt).
Building Permit & Life-Safety Review — Unincorporated DeKalb CountyDeKalb County
Unincorporated DeKalb restaurant build-outs require permits and a Fire Marshal life-safety review before construction.
Certificate of Occupancy — Unincorporated DeKalb CountyDeKalb County
A Certificate of Occupancy is required before a DeKalb County business license can be issued for a new commercial restaurant space.
Food Service Plan Review — DeKalb CountyDeKalb County
DeKalb restaurants must have facility plans reviewed and approved by DeKalb Public Health before construction begins or a change of ownership.
Consumer Self-Service (Buffet / Salad Bar) — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Written procedures (review as menu changes)
Buffets and salad bars require food shields, safe utensils/dispensing, and (if using time instead of temperature) written procedures.
Food Service Permit & Pre-Opening Inspection — DeKalb CountyDeKalb County
Your DeKalb County Food Service Permit from DeKalb Public Health is issued after Fire Marshal approval and a passing pre-opening inspection.
Specialized Processes — Variance & HACCP Plan — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Before the process / as it changes
Specialized processes (ROP/sous vide, curing, smoking for preservation, acidification, sprouting) require a variance and a HACCP plan from your local health authority.
Business License (Occupational Tax Certificate) — Unincorporated DeKalb CountyDeKalb County
Businesses in unincorporated DeKalb must hold a current occupational tax certificate; the 2026 renewal period runs January 1 to April 15.
Grease Interceptor / FOG Approval — DeKalb CountyDeKalb County
DeKalb restaurants must obtain a FOG Certificate of Water Discharge and install an approved grease interceptor under the county's federally-mandated FOG program.
Alcohol License (Local) — Unincorporated DeKalb CountyDeKalb County
Selling alcohol in unincorporated DeKalb requires a county alcohol license plus a Georgia state license; the 2026 alcohol license period runs October 1 to December 31.
Step 9 — Alcohol License (If Applicable)Georgia
Serving alcohol requires both a state license from the Georgia DOR and a local license from the City of Atlanta. Start this process immediately — it takes 30–90 days.
Ongoing Requirements
Recurring inspections, renewals, and records you must maintain.
Food Service Permit — Annual Renewal — DeKalb CountyAnnualDeKalb County
DeKalb County food service establishments are inspected at least twice a year by DeKalb Public Health, with annual permit renewal.
Shellstock Tag Retention — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Retain each tag 90 days
Restaurants serving molluscan shellfish must keep the shellstock identification tags for 90 days after the container is emptied.
Hood Cleaning — Quarterly RecordsQuarterly
Commercial kitchen hoods must be professionally cleaned every 1–3 months depending on cooking volume. Proof may be requested by fire marshals, insurers, and landlords.
Offsite Catering — Time/Temperature Records — Nationwide (FDA Food Code)Every offsite event
Catered/offsite events require time-and-temperature control during transport and holding, with logs kept; a local catering permit or endorsement may also apply.
Hood Suppression System — Semi-Annual InspectionEvery 6 months
Your fire suppression system must be inspected and certified every 6 months by a licensed contractor. This is one of the most frequently requested documents by fire marshals and insurers.
Fire Extinguisher — Annual InspectionAnnual
All portable fire extinguishers must be inspected annually by a licensed contractor and visually checked monthly by staff.
Pest Control — Monthly Service RecordsMonthly
Georgia requires licensed pest control services for food establishments. Monthly service is the industry standard and health inspectors will review your logs.
Certified Food Protection Manager (CFPM) CertificateEvery 5 yearsGeorgia
Georgia requires at least one Certified Food Protection Manager on staff at all times. The certificate must be posted and renewed every 5 years.
Insurance Certificate of Insurance (COI)Annual
A Certificate of Insurance proves your active coverage to landlords, vendors, lenders, and buyers. It must be updated annually and whenever coverage changes.
HVAC / Refrigeration — Temperature Compliance & Service RecordsOngoing
Refrigeration must hold food at 41°F or below, and any refrigerant servicing must be done by EPA Section 608–certified technicians. Keep temperature logs and service records.
Waste / Sanitation — Refuse Storage & CollectionOngoing
Garbage and refuse must be stored in covered, cleanable containers and collected often enough to prevent pests and odors. Keep your commercial waste service records.
Equipment Maintenance — Good Repair & Service RecordsOngoing
Food equipment must be NSF-certified, kept in good repair, and able to wash, rinse, and sanitize correctly. Keep maintenance and ware-washing service records.
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