DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Businesses in unincorporated DeKalb County have a little more time to install their new video surveillance systems.
The businesses were in danger of losing their business licenses if they weren’t in full compliance by the beginning of 2024, but the county has extended the deadline to July 31, 2024.
The new video surveillance system ordinance applies to all convenience stores, gas stations and businesses designated “high-risk” in unincorporated DeKalb County. It requires an extensive system of high-quality cameras and video storage with the intention of deterring crime.
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Noncompliant businesses were in danger of losing their business licenses. At the end of 2023, only a fraction passed the Code Compliance inspection.
DeKalb County officials say 212 businesses are required to follow the ordinance, but as of January 12, only 39 passed the inspection.
The county confirms no business has been denied its license for 2024, choosing to send out warning notices instead. A county official says the mission is to educate and encourage business owners to comply rather than to penalize and fine them.
DeKalb County sent out a letter on January 12 to all businesses with a liquor license notifying them the deadline has been extended.
Commissioner Lorraine Cochran-Johnson, the creator of the ordinance, told 11Alive in October almost all the required businesses have some sort of video surveillance cameras, but the ordinance also requires specific lighting, 24-hour video streaming, pixel quality, and 60 days of video storage. She says the storage requirement seems to be the most difficult and expensive part for businesses.