Chatham County, GA Building Permits, Zoning & Septic Rules

Unincorporated Chatham County, Georgia requires permits for new buildings, accessory buildings, structural work and building-system work¹. The county is zoned, so the official zoning map and the use schedule for the parcel's district should be checked before buying or designing². Chatham County Environmental Health permits and inspects septic systems³.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for new structures and many alterations in unincorporated Chatham County¹
Zoning: Yes; use the official map and the schedule for the parcel's district²
Septic permits: Required through Chatham County Environmental Health³
Owner-builder: No contractor license required to build your own home, but permits, inspections and zoning still apply⁴⁵
RV camping: Temporary recreational camping sites are permitted in the R-A district; permanent RV residence is not established⁶
Tiny home: Must meet applicable dwelling codes and the parcel's local zoning rules⁷²
Certificate of occupancy: Required before occupying a permitted structure⁸
Septic soils: Only 0.2% of soils rate free of severe limits for a conventional drain field⁹

Who to call

Building permits

Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services

Building permit applications, plan review and inspections for unincorporated Chatham County, plus day-to-day zoning administration (home-occupation approvals, property-maintenance enforcement)

(912) 201-4300

1117 Eisenhower Dr # D, Savannah, Georgia 31406

Online permits →

Zoning

Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC)

Maintains the Chatham County Zoning Ordinance, staffs the Chatham County Zoning Board of Appeals, and reviews rezonings and variances for unincorporated Chatham County

(912) 651-1440

110 East State St., Savannah, GA 31401

Septic permits

Chatham County Health Department Environmental Health Office (Georgia Coastal Health District)

Permits and inspects on-site sewage (septic) systems and drinking-water wells for unincorporated Chatham County under Georgia DPH rules

912-356-2160

1395 Eisenhower Dr. Savannah, GA 31406

Floodplain permits

Chatham County Department of Engineering - Floodplain Administrator

Flood-zone determinations, elevation certificates and floodplain development permitting for unincorporated Chatham County

(912) 652-7800

[email protected]

124 Bull Street, Room 430, Savannah, Georgia 31401

Roads & driveways

Chatham County Department of Public Works and Park Services

Right-of-way and driveway-access permits for unincorporated Chatham County roads

(912) 652-6840

7226 Varnedoe Dr, Savannah, Georgia 31406

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on September 29, 2026.

Do you need a building permit in Chatham County, Georgia?

Yes. Unincorporated Chatham County requires permits for new structures, accessory buildings, structural work, occupancy changes, demolition, reroofing, antennas, parking lots and electrical, plumbing and mechanical work¹. Retaining walls over 18 inches and permanent grade changes along property lines also require County Engineering review¹. Georgia's owner-builder exemption lets an owner build the owner's own home without a state contractor license, but it does not waive Chatham County permits, inspections, codes or zoning⁵. During construction, all required inspections must pass before the building final can be requested¹⁰. The building final must pass before Chatham County issues a certificate of occupancy, and the building cannot be occupied without that certificate⁸.

Who is the Chatham County building department, and how do you reach them?

Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services is the permit and inspection contact for work in unincorporated Chatham County¹¹. Permit applications are submitted at 1117 Eisenhower Dr. in Savannah on weekdays during the hours stated by the county, and applications are not accepted by fax or email¹. The office also provides an online permit portal¹¹. Call Building Safety before filing if the project scope is uncertain, especially for accessory structures, trade work or a change in occupancy¹¹¹. The Chatham County-Savannah Metropolitan Planning Commission maintains the zoning ordinance and handles zoning-board matters, while the official map and applicable district use schedule control what can be placed on a parcel¹²².

Does Chatham County have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, tiny homes and setbacks?

Yes. Chatham County has zoning districts for its unincorporated areas, and the official zoning map—not the Tax Assessor's database—should be used to identify a parcel's district². The county publishes separate land-use schedules for residential and conservation or recreational districts, business and industrial districts, and planned developments². Those schedules determine whether a proposed house, tiny home, manufactured home or other use belongs in the district². Georgia treats a site-built or modular tiny home used as a dwelling as a dwelling subject to applicable building codes, while Chatham County zoning still controls its location⁷². The materials reviewed do not establish a single countywide minimum home size, setback or lot size; ask the Metropolitan Planning Commission to confirm those standards for the parcel's mapped district¹².

How do septic permits work in Chatham County?

Chatham County Environmental Health permits and inspects on-site sewage systems under Georgia Department of Public Health rules³. Septic installation must be performed by a Georgia-certified installer, and the County Health Department must complete its final inspection before final cover is placed³. Only 0.2% of Chatham County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency instead of assuming a standard system will work⁹. Where public or community sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting public right-of-way, Georgia requires connection rather than a new on-site system¹³. Contact Environmental Health for the site evaluation and permit path before finalizing a house location¹⁴.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Chatham County?

Chatham County's use schedule permits camping sites in the R-A district for temporary overnight residence serving a recreational purpose⁶. That narrow allowance does not establish permission to use an RV as a permanent residence, or to camp in other zoning districts⁶. Ask the Metropolitan Planning Commission to confirm the mapped district and proposed RV use before relying on an RV for housing¹². A site-built or modular tiny home used as a single-family dwelling must satisfy the applicable dwelling codes, and its placement remains subject to the county's district rules⁷². Chatham County's published materials reviewed here do not establish a countywide minimum dwelling size, so confirm the parcel-specific standards with zoning staff before ordering plans or a unit¹².

Building a home in Chatham County: the steps, in order

Confirm the parcel's zoning district on the official map, then ask the Metropolitan Planning Commission which use, setback and lot standards apply²¹².

If the site will use septic, obtain Environmental Health approval and use a Georgia-certified installer³.

Ask County Engineering about floodplain requirements before setting the building elevation or site plan¹⁵.

Submit the building permit package to Building Safety & Regulatory Services; faxed or emailed applications are not accepted¹.

Obtain a county right-of-way permit before work or access construction within a county right-of-way¹⁶.

Schedule the required trade, framing, insulation and final inspections; all required inspections must pass before the building final¹⁰.

Complete the septic final inspection before covering the system, then obtain the county certificate of occupancy before moving into the building³⁸.

What to check before you buy land in Chatham County

Before closing, verify the zoning district on the official map and have zoning staff confirm the proposed use, setbacks and lot standards²¹². Ask Environmental Health whether the lot can support septic; only 0.2% of county soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional drain field⁹¹⁴. Ask County Engineering for the flood-zone requirements and Public Works about county right-of-way access¹⁵¹⁶. Chatham County's typical home value is about $340,029, while the reported farmland value is about $4,753 per acre¹⁷¹⁸. The effective property-tax rate is about 0.9%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $2,463¹⁹²⁰. If the tract is intended for agriculture or timber, Georgia's conservation-use program can assess qualifying land at 40% of current-use value in exchange for a covenant lasting at least 10 years²¹.

Watch-outs

The R-A camping-site allowance covers temporary recreational overnight use, not confirmed permanent RV residence⁶.
Chatham County requires the building final to pass before issuing a certificate of occupancy, and occupancy before that certificate is prohibited⁸.
Only 0.2% of Chatham County soils are rated without severe limits for a conventional septic drain field, so verify feasibility before buying⁹.

Sources

Written September 29, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

How Chatham County scores

Seclusion35100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency61100% ev.

Admin Boringness44100% ev.

Durability49100% ev.

Property Autonomy56100% ev.

Carry Cost71100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$340kTypical home

0.9%Property tax

$4,753Land / acre

48.1"Annual rain

12.4% of yrsSevere drought

7.8 / yr (+6.7)Mid-century 100°F days

16.6 daysMid-century dry spell

3.16" (+3.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.19×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$2,100Home insurance / yr

1% / yrInsurance growth

1.68%Nonrenewal rate

county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis

246,931People within 30 min

1,176,468People within 2 hr

300,762Radius comparison (15 mi)

701.1People / sq mi

10.4%Federal land

100%Land at 15% slope or less

0.2%Septic soil without severe limits

406 acWorkable land screen

40.1%Wooded land

76.4 tonsBiomass / forest ac

67.2°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Chatham County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Chatham County rules

Building permitRequired
New structures, accessory buildings, structural work, occupancy changes, certain site work, demolition, reroofing, antennas, parking lots, and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work in unincorporated Chatham County.
- All electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires a permit unless waived by the Director of Inspections or designated authority.
- Retaining walls over 18 inches and permanent elevation changes along property lines require County Engineering review.
- Applications are submitted at 1117 Eisenhower Dr., Savannah, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; applications are not accepted by fax or email.
retaining wall threshold: > 18 inches (County Engineering review is required for retaining walls over 18 inches.)
“The following types of work shall require permits: [...] All electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work requires a permit unless waived by the Director of Inspections or designated authority.”
When are Building Permits Required ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
InspectionsRequired
Building, sewer, electrical, plumbing, gas, HVAC, framing, insulation, and final inspections for permitted construction.
- Required inspections must be passed before requesting a building final.
- Gas inspections must be passed before gas can be turned on.
- The building final must be passed before certificate of occupancy issuance.
“All required inspections must be passed before requesting a building final. 19. CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY: The building final must be passed before issuance of a Chatham County Certificate of Occupancy.”
Inspection Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Certificate of occupancyRequired
Occupancy of permitted structures in unincorporated Chatham County.
- All required inspections must be passed before the building final.
- For structures in a flood zone, all required documentation must be submitted.
- Engineering must approve all site improvements before certificate issuance and electrical power release.
“The building final must be passed before issuance of a Chatham County Certificate of Occupancy. The building shall not be occupied without a Certificate of Occupancy.”
Inspection Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Zoning districtsPublished
County zoning districts and related official zoning materials applicable in unincorporated Chatham County.
- The county code incorporates the Zoning Ordinance of Chatham County, Georgia by reference and states that it is available in the offices of the County Clerk, Zoning Administrator, and Metropolitan Planning Commission.
- The official zoning map, not the County Tax Assessor’s database, must be used to identify zoning districts.
- Applicable land-use schedules must be consulted to determine whether a proposed use is allowed.
- Residential & Conservation / Recreational districts are addressed in Section 4-5.1; Business & Industrial districts in Section 4-5.2; and PUD districts in Section 4-6.6.
- The zoning ordinance was enacted and adopted August 10, 1962, and the county code excerpt states it was revised as of September 1987.
zoning ordinance adoption date: 1962-08-10 · residential and conservation/recreational district land-use schedule: Section 4-5.1 · business and industrial district land-use schedule: Section 4-5.2 · planned unit development district land-use schedule: Section 4-6.6
“there are hereby established within the unincorporated areas of Chatham County the following zoning districts:”
Chatham County Code Book, Chapter 3: Land Uses ↗Re-checked Sep 25, 2026
Living in an RVTemporary only
Travel trailers, self-propelled motor homes, truck campers, and camping trailers used as camping sites in the Chatham County R-A zoning district.
- The use is limited to camping sites involving temporary overnight residence for a recreational purpose.
- The use schedule identifies camping sites as permitted in the R-A district; the schedule does not establish authorization for permanent or non-recreational RV residence.
- Other applicable building, health, septic, floodplain, and permitting requirements may still apply.
“List of Uses C-A C-M R-A R-A-1 R-M-H RMH-1 R-1 R-1-A R-1-B R-1-C R-2 R-2-A R-3 [...] 40b. Camping sites - - X - - - - - - - - - -”
Chatham County Zoning Regulations, Section 2: Definitions ↗Re-checked Sep 25, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Installation of on-site sewage management systems in Chatham County, which is served by the Georgia Coastal Health District.
- The Environmental Health program is responsible for permitting and inspecting on-site sewage management systems.
- The system must conform to Georgia Department of Public Health rules, Chapter 511-3-1.
- All work must be completed by a Georgia state certified septic installer.
- Final inspection by the County Health Department is required before final cover material is applied.
“The Coastal Health District of Georgia serves the counties of Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long & McIntosh [...] The Environmental Health program is responsible for permitting and inspecting on-site sewage management systems to ensure they meet all requirements.”
On-Site Sewage/Septic Systems - Georgia Coastal Health District ↗Re-checked Sep 25, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent
The Zoning Ordinance of Chatham County, Georgia (enacted 1962, as amended) governs the unincorporated county and is administered through the Metropolitan Planning Commission (MPC).
Metropolitan Planning Commission - Chatham County Zoning Regulations ↗Scouted from the county site, not yet independently re-checked

Georgia rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
An owner building the owner's own home in Georgia, as an exemption from the state residential/general contractor licensing requirement.
- The exemption concerns contractor licensure and does not waive local building codes, permits, inspections, zoning, or other requirements administered by the authority having jurisdiction.
- The Georgia Secretary of State directs owners to check with the applicable local authority for all required local building codes and regulations.
“Georgia does not require that you hold a license to build your own home; [...] comply with all required local building codes and regulations.”
Residential and Commercial General Contractors Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Building code adoptedAdopted
The Georgia mandatory state minimum construction codes, including the International Building Code, International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, International Fire Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, National Electrical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, apply to construction statewide.
- Any structure built in Georgia must comply with the mandatory codes whether or not the local government chooses to locally enforce them.
- Local governments are not required to adopt the mandatory codes, but must adopt administrative procedures to enforce them under O.C.G.A. Section 8-2-25(a).
- A local government may choose which mandatory codes it will locally enforce.
- Local amendments cannot be less stringent than the state minimum code; must be based on local climatic, geologic, topographic, or public safety factors; must identify the need for more stringent requirements in legislative findings; and must be submitted to DCA 60 days before proposed adoption.
- DCA has 60 days after submission to make a recommendation. If DCA recommends against adoption, the local governing body must specifically reject that recommendation before adopting and enforcing the amendment. If DCA does not respond within 60 days, the local government may adopt the amendment. Adopted local amendments must be filed with DCA.
“As noted above, the building, one and two family dwelling residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, gas, electrical, energy, and swimming pool codes are mandatory codes, meaning that under Georgia law, any structure built in Georgia must comply with these codes, whether or not the local government chooses to locally enforce these codes. In addition, since Georgia law gives the enumerated codes statewide applicability, it is not required that local governments have to adopt the mandatory codes.”
Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
3 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Partial — Georgia permissive state construction codes, including the Disaster Resilient Building Code IBC Appendix, Disaster Resilient Building Code IRC Appendix, International Property Maintenance Code, International Existing Building Code, and National Green Building Standard.
  “The remaining codes are referred to as permissive codes. Unlike the mandatory codes, in order for a local government to enforce one or more of these permissive codes, that code or codes must be adopted, either by ordinance or resolution, by the local jurisdiction. A copy of the ordinance or resolution adopted must be forwarded to DCA (O.C.G.A. Section 8-2-25 (b)).”
  Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Partial — Georgia construction, including residential construction, under the statewide State Minimum Standard Codes framework.
  “The mandatory codes are applicable to all construction whether or not they are locally enforced and the permissive codes are only applicable if a local government chooses to adopt and enforce one or more of these codes.”
  Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Adopted — Georgia construction, including residential construction in unincorporated county areas.
  “The mandatory codes are applicable to all construction whether or not they are locally enforced”
  Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Tiny homesLimited
Site-built or modular tiny homes used as single-family dwelling units in Georgia.
- Tiny homes that are modular dwellings or site-built dwellings are subject to the applicable Georgia building codes.
- A tiny home must be approved for siting by the applicable local government; local zoning controls land use, location, height, width, foundation type, stories, and minimum lot or building size.
- The 2020 Georgia IRC Appendix Q tiny-house provisions are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopted local ordinance.
- This claim does not establish statewide permission for RV-based or manufactured-home tiny homes, which are subject to different standards.
tiny house floor area: <= 400 square feet or less, excluding lofts · minimum habitable room size referenced in Georgia amendment: >= 70 square feet (source fact sheet describes the 2012 IRC amendment; current local adoption and code edition must be confirmed)
“Tiny homes are dwelling units and therefore they are subject to the same building code regulations as any other traditional site-built or stick-built home.”
Georgia Tiny House Fact Sheet ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Manufactured homesLimited
Occupancy of manufactured homes installed in Georgia.
- The home must qualify as a manufactured dwelling unit and satisfy applicable HUD standards.
- A licensed installer must obtain the Georgia installation permit for each new or pre-owned manufactured home.
- The installation must comply with state manufactured-housing rules, including inspection and reporting requirements before release of the completed home set for occupancy.
- Local zoning, siting, utility, and other lawful local requirements may still affect whether a particular parcel may contain the home.
minimum manufactured-home size: >= 320 square feet · manufactured-home installation permit fee: 60 USD per home · installation report deadline: 3 business days before completion and release for occupancy
“Installers must purchase a permit from the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Office for each new or pre-owned manufactured home installed in Georgia.”
Manufactured Housing ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Who permits septicMixed
Statewide regulation of onsite sewage management systems in Georgia, with statewide rules administered through the Georgia Department of Public Health and permits, inspections, and possible supplemental rules handled by County Boards of Health.
- County regulations may supplement Department regulations but may not contradict them.
- The applicable county environmental health office must be consulted for local procedures and records.
“County Boards of Health [are] also authorized to enact regulations ... provided those county regulations do not contradict those of the Department.”
Onsite Sewage ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
Onsite sewage management systems before backfilling or use in Georgia.
- The County Board of Health must conduct the final inspection and issue written approval before the system is backfilled or used.
- Inspection also applies to repairs, replacements, and additions to existing systems.
“until a final inspection has been made”
Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Off-grid sanitationLimited
Off-grid sanitation using privies, approved alternative onsite sewage systems, or certified composting toilets in Georgia.
- Privies must meet the Manual's minimum design and construction criteria.
- Alternative onsite sewage systems must be approved by the Department and meet the Manual's minimum design and construction criteria.
- Composting toilets must be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to current Standard 41 or certified by the manufacturer as meeting a nationally recognized standard.
- Applicable County Board of Health permits and inspections remain required where the system is an onsite sewage management system.
“composting toilets may be considered”
Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Well permitLimited
Domestic and other water-well construction in Georgia.
- All water wells must comply with the Water Well Standards Act.
- A water-well contractor must contact the local county health department in advance for site review.
- Certain county health departments require a well-construction permit before construction.
- Agricultural irrigation wells require a Letter of Concurrence before drilling begins.
- Well Construction Data must be sent to the owner and local health department within 30 days after completion.
well construction data submission deadline: <= 30 days after completion
“certain county health departments require well construction permits prior to well construction”
Water Well Standards ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Buildings, residences, and properties designed or intended for human occupancy or congregation in Georgia when a public or community sewage treatment system is available.
- Connection is required when a public or community sewage treatment system is available within 200 feet of the property line or in a public right-of-way abutting the property.
- If an existing onsite sewage system fails, immediate connection to a public or community sewerage system is required if such a system is available.
- If a public or community sewage treatment system is to be constructed, an existing public or community sewer is to be extended to serve a lot, or an approved onsite sewage management system is to be used, the building sewer must be installed to ensure gravity flow at a self-cleaning velocity throughout.
- A residential onsite sewage system of less than 2,000 gallons per day that is failing may be exempted from connecting to sewer if repair or replacement meets the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems criteria and the County Board of Health determines that sufficient area and usable soils exist.
sewer availability distance: <= 200 feet from property line (A public right-of-way abutting the property is an alternative availability condition.) · failing residential onsite sewage system flow: < 2000 gallons per day (The County Board of Health must determine sufficient area and usable soils, and repair or replacement must meet the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems criteria.)
“Connection shall be made to a public or community sewage treatment system if such system is available within two hundred feet (200') of the property line, or available in a public right-of-way abutting the property. [...] If an existing on-site sewage system fails, immediate connection shall be made to a public or community sewerage system if such a system is available. (b) A residential on-site sewage system of less than two thousand gallons per day that is failing may be exempted from connecting to sewer if the repair or replacement of the system will meet the criteria set forth in the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems and has sufficient area and usable soils as determined by the County Board of Health.”
GA DPH Onsite Sewage Manual ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
Bona fide agricultural and/or timber property qualifying for Georgia conservation-use current-use assessment.
- The property must be devoted to a qualifying conservation use.
- The property must be maintained in a qualifying use for ten years.
- The owner must file the application with the county board of tax assessors by the county deadline for filing ad valorem tax returns.
- This is a property-tax assessment benefit and does not itself establish an exemption from local zoning or building regulations.
assessment basis: 40 percent of current use value · minimum covenant period: >= 10 years
“Real property that is devoted to bona fide conservation uses is assessed at 40% of its current use value.”
Conservation Use Land Values ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Available (with conditions) — Farm buildings or structures qualifying under Georgia law for exemption from the state minimum standard building codes.
  “exempts such buildings from the state minimum standard building codes.”
  Codes Update Newsletter Spring 2011 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- Available (with conditions) — Crop-management and animal-husbandry practices involved in producing agricultural or farm products on private property in Georgia.
  “regulating crop management or animal husbandry practices involved in the production of agricultural or farm products on any private property.”
  Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 2 Agriculture ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Statewide Georgia legal framework for subdivision creation and enforcement of properly adopted county subdivision ordinances.
- County subdivision ordinances and regulations remain enforceable against the developer or owner seeking to create the subdivision.
- Local subdivision ordinances may not alter the superior-court clerk’s mandatory recording duties or add recording requirements beyond those prescribed by general law.
- The source is an Attorney General opinion addressing the recording statute and local subdivision regulation.
“All of the properly adopted ordinances and regulations of a county remain fully enforceable against the developer or owner seeking to create the subdivision.”
2005-5, Office of the Attorney General ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Creation and recording of subdivisions and subdivision plats in Georgia, subject to applicable state recording law and properly adopted local subdivision ordinances.
  “All of the properly adopted ordinances and regulations of a county remain fully enforceable against the developer or owner seeking to create the subdivision.”
  2005-5 ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
- Limited — Creation and recording of subdivisions and subdivision plats in Georgia, subject to applicable county and municipal ordinances and statutory plat-recording rules.
  “All of the properly adopted ordinances and regulations of a county remain fully enforceable against the developer or owner seeking to create the subdivision.”
  2005-5 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Driveway accessRequired
Construction or non-routine maintenance involving driveways or other permit work within a Georgia State Highway Right-of-Way.
- Applications must be made at the appropriate GDOT District office.
- Commercial driveway applications go to the District Traffic Operations Office.
- Residential driveway and temporary-use driveway applications go to the District Area Office.
- The applicant must be the property owner, lessor, or authorized representative of the entity owning or leasing the abutting property; lease and written-authorization conditions apply as stated in the manual.
- Commercial or special encroachment applications may also be submitted through GPAS AMPS.
“A permit is required prior to performing any construction work or non-routine maintenance within the State Highway Right-of-Way.”
Regulations for Driveway & Encroachment Control Manual ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Building in a floodplainLimited
Development in flood-prone areas in Georgia communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.
- NFIP participation is voluntary.
- Floodplain management ordinances are administered by the communities, not uniformly by the state.
- Georgia EPD recommends model ordinances for participating communities; proposed ordinances are to be populated with community-specific information and locally adopted.
- The parcel-specific floodplain status and applicable local ordinance were not determined.
“The maps and products are used by the communities to administer their floodplain management ordinances.”
Floodplain Management ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Short-term rentalsLimited
Property-management services for Georgia properties available for less than 90 days' occupancy by guests or occupants; this is a conditional exemption from Chapter 40 of Title 43 and does not eliminate applicable zoning, tax, licensing, permit, or other local requirements.
- The property manager must enter into a written agreement with the owner specifying all management terms and conditions, reporting of income and expenses, and remitting income to the owner.
- The management agreement must not allow the property manager to rent or lease the property, and the guest or occupant agreement must not be a lease or rental agreement.
- Applicable zoning laws must not prohibit short-term occupancy uses of the property.
- The guest's or occupant's occupancy must be for less than 90 days.
- No deposit may exceed the cost of the rental required for the minimum rental period.
- The guest or occupant must pay required state or local sales taxes or excise taxes on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations, and the property manager must have required state or local business licenses or permits.
- The property manager must have authority to specify the rooms or units the guest or occupant will occupy.
- No extra charge may be made for basic utilities.
- Notice is not required for a guest or occupant to terminate occupancy of the room or unit, except as provided under Article 1 of Chapter 21 of Title 43.
- The room or unit must not be the guest's or occupant's permanent residence.
- The cited enactment concerns exemption from real-estate-broker licensing requirements; it is not a statewide authorization overriding local short-term-rental ordinances or private restrictions.
maximum occupancy duration: < 90 days (The condition requires occupancy for less than 90 days.)
“(a) Except as otherwise provided, this chapter shall not apply to: [...] (11) Any person who provides property management services on properties available for less than 90 days' occupancy by guests or occupants and meets all of the following conditions:”
House Bill 399 (AS PASSED HOUSE AND SENATE) ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
Permit processPartial
Administration and enforcement of state minimum standard construction codes in Georgia.
- Local governments must adopt reasonable administrative provisions to administer and enforce the state minimum standard codes.
- Local enforcement procedures may include inspections, permits, hearings, appeals, and local code-enforcement arrangements.
- If a local government chooses to enforce a state code, it must enforce the latest editions and DCA amendments.
“local governments must adopt reasonable administrative provisions.”
Enforcement of State Minimum Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
county zoning authorityGeneral
Georgia counties exercising zoning power over unincorporated areas within their territorial boundaries.
- The Zoning Procedures Law confirms local-government zoning authority generally; it does not require a local government to exercise zoning power.
- For counties, territorial boundaries are the unincorporated areas and certain areas defined in O.C.G.A. § 36-70-2(5.1).
- County zoning ordinances and zoning decisions remain subject to the statutory minimum procedures, including public-hearing and notice requirements.
- The statute defines zoning to include districting property for various uses, prohibiting other uses within zones or districts, and regulating development and improvement of real estate within those zones or districts.
“While recognizing and confirming the authority of local governments to exercise zoning power within their respective territorial boundaries [...] “Local government” means any county or municipality”
Georgia Zoning Statutes Compilation ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
county building authorityGeneral
Georgia counties administering and enforcing state minimum construction codes, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.
- Local governments must adopt reasonable administrative provisions for administering and enforcing state minimum standard codes.
- Those administrative powers include inspecting buildings, employing inspectors and other personnel, requiring permits and establishing permit charges, and contracting with other local governments for code enforcement.
- A local government may choose which mandatory state codes it locally enforces, but any mandatory code locally enforced must use the latest edition and DCA amendments.
- Local amendments may not be less stringent than the state minimum code, must be based on local climatic, geologic, topographic, or public-safety factors, require legislative findings identifying the need, and must be submitted to DCA 60 days before proposed adoption.
- Local amendments must be filed with DCA after adoption.
“These powers include: [...] Requiring permits and to establishment charges for said permits; and Contracting with other local governments for code enforcement.”
Administration and Enforcement of State Minimum Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in unincorporated Chatham County zoning districts.
Minimum lot size — Minimum lot size in unincorporated Chatham County zoning districts.
Setbacks — Building setbacks in unincorporated Chatham County zoning districts.
Lot coverage — Lot coverage in unincorporated Chatham County zoning districts.
Building height — Building height in unincorporated Chatham County zoning districts.

2 more unanswered

Camping on your land
Accessory dwellings

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Chatham County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Georgia’s water agency.

Over-appropriated / declining

The aquifer here is over-appropriated and declining. A domestic well is usually still permit-exempt, but long-term supply is a genuine risk.

Household wellExempt — no permit or water right

O.C.G.A. 12-5-96: no groundwater permit below 100,000 gpd. Household wells (a few hundred gpd) are exempt statewide; local well-construction rules still apply.

Limit: withdrawal permit only at/above 100,000 gpd

Georgia Code 12-5-96 (Ground-Water Use Act) ↗

Coastal Georgia Upper Floridan Saltwater-Intrusion Management Area (Red/Yellow Zones)partial of county
Within EPD's 24-county coastal plan, Upper Floridan withdrawal restrictions bind these capped sub-areas: Red Zone (Chatham + south Effingham, hold to ~2004 levels then reduce; new permits generally require surface water), Yellow Zone (Bryan, Liberty), and the Glynn/Brunswick saltwater plume (no new Upper Floridan wells). Restrictions apply to PERMITTED withdrawals >=100,000 gpd; household wells are not capped even in the Red Zone.
Georgia EPD — Coastal Georgia Salt Water Intrusion Plan (2006) ↗

Regulated-riparian state (large uses permitted). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Georgia state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Chatham County, Georgia

Is Chatham County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Chatham County scores 56/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and workable self-sufficiency basics: 48.1″/yr rainfall and 40.1% wooded land. Watch-outs: about 246,931 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Chatham County, Georgia?

Chatham County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Chatham County Health Department Environmental Health (Coastal Health District, GA DPH). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Chatham County, Georgia?

Land in Chatham County runs about $4,753 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Chatham County?

Chatham County gets about 48.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 12.4% of years. On water rights, Chatham County lies in the Coastal Georgia Upper Floridan Saltwater-Intrusion Management Area (Red/Yellow Zones) — Within EPD's 24-county coastal plan, Upper Floridan withdrawal restrictions bind these capped sub-areas: Red Zone (Chatham + south Effingham, hold to ~2004 levels then reduce; new permits generally require surface water), Yellow Zone (Bryan, Liberty), and the Glynn/Brunswick saltwater plume (no new Upper Floridan wells). Restrictions apply to PERMITTED withdrawals >=100,000 gpd; household wells are not capped even in the Red Zone..

How remote is Chatham County?

A representative private-land location has about 246,931 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,176,468 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Chatham County, Georgia

At a glance

Who to call

Do you need a building permit in Chatham County, Georgia?

Who is the Chatham County building department, and how do you reach them?

Does Chatham County have zoning, and what does it mean for RVs, tiny homes and setbacks?

How do septic permits work in Chatham County?

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Chatham County?

Building a home in Chatham County: the steps, in order

What to check before you buy land in Chatham County

Watch-outs

Sources

Chatham County in Georgia

How Chatham County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Answers from the rulebook for Chatham County

Chatham County rules

Georgia rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Water rights & wells in Chatham County

Living off-grid in Chatham County, Georgia

Is Chatham County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Do you need a building permit in Chatham County, Georgia?

How much does land cost in Chatham County, Georgia?

What is the water situation in Chatham County?

How remote is Chatham County?

How Chatham compares in Georgia