Environmental Rules in Augusta-Richmond County, GA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Augusta-Richmond County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Augusta-Richmond County bans dumping anything but authorized storm or surface runoff into its storm sewer system and funds the program through monthly impervious-area service charges billed to every developed parcel, enforced by the Department of Engineering under Title 5, Chapter 1.
Augusta-Richmond Stormwater Discharge Rules
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 5, § 5-1-8(a)
It is unlawful for any person to throw, drain, run, or otherwise discharge to any component of the municipal separate storm water system or to cause, permit or suffer to be thrown, drained, run, or allow to seep or otherwise discharge into such system all matter of any nature excepting only such storm or surface water runoff as herein authorized.
Erosion Control
Augusta-Richmond County requires a Land Disturbing Permit before any land-disturbing activity of one acre or more, backed by an approved erosion, sedimentation and pollution control plan reviewed by the Augusta Engineering Department.
Augusta-Richmond County Erosion Control Permits
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 4, Ch. 2, Art. 8, § 4-2-99(B)(1)
No person shall conduct any land-disturbing activity within the jurisdictional boundaries of Local Issuing Authority without first obtaining a Land Development Permit (LDA) from the County to perform such activity and providing a copy of Notice of Intent submitted to EPD if applicable.
Flood Zones
Augusta-Richmond County requires a Development Permit before any construction in the Area of Special Flood Hazard, with new structures elevated at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation.
Augusta-Richmond County Flood Zone Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 8, Ch. 1, § 8-1-44(a)
Where Base Flood Elevation data are available, new construction and substantial improvement of any structure, including manufactured homes, and accessory structures not used solely for parking or storage, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than three (3) feet above the Base Flood Elevation (also known as the "flood protection elevation").
Boat Dock Permits
Augusta-Richmond County's zoning ordinance lists noncommercial boat piers, slips, and boat houses as permitted uses by right in the Agricultural (A) Zone, so private waterfront docks need no special exception before construction.
Boat Docks Permitted By Right in Augusta-Richmond County
Few RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 8, Ch. 5, § 8-5-1 (Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance § 7-1(e), A Zone permitted uses)
No land, no body of water, and no structure shall be put into use ... for any purpose other than the following: ... (e) Noncommercial boat piers, or slips, or boat houses for docking of private water craft.
Flood Elevation Requirements
Augusta-Richmond County requires new construction and substantial improvements in flood hazard areas to elevate the lowest floor at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation, exceeding FEMA's minimum standard.
Augusta-Richmond County 3-Foot Freeboard Above BFE
Some RestrictionsAugusta-Richmond County Code, Tit. 8, § 8-1-44(a)
Where Base Flood Elevation data are available, new construction and substantial improvement of any structure, including manufactured homes, and accessory structures not used solely for parking or storage, shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than three (3) feet above the Base Flood Elevation (also known as the "flood protection elevation").
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