DeKalb to allow music lessons in home

DECATUR - DeKalb County commissioners have voted to allow music lessons in private homes after a yearlong battle by a piano teacher whose neighbors complained about the practice. <br> <br> Commissioners amended a county zoning ordinance Tuesday to allow private educational use of homes between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Before, residents had to obtain a permit to teach at home. <br> <br> In February 2001, neighbors in Nancy Stokes&#39; subdivision complained about constant traffic from parents driving their children to piano lessons. County officials told Stokes to stop giving lessons in her home. <br> <br> Commissioners said Stokes violated the county&#39;s zoning ordinance because she did not have a permit. Many residents and music teachers started a campaign to support Stokes. <br> <br> In July, a judge granted her appeal, requiring the county to give her a permit.