Environmental Rules in Chatham County, GA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Chatham County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Chatham County's Storm Water Management Ordinance, Sec. 24-708, makes it unlawful to dump trash, landscape debris or other material into any stream, channel, ditch or storm water facility, or to alter, obstruct or tamper with the county's drainage system without the Director's written authorization. The ordinance applies countywide under Sec. 24-705.
Chatham County Stormwater Management Rules
Some RestrictionsChatham County Code § 24-708
1. It shall be unlawful to dump, deposit, or otherwise cause any trash, landscape debris, or other material to be placed in any stream, channel, ditch, or any portion of the storm water management facilities. ... 4. It shall be unlawful for any person to maliciously, willfully, or negligently break, damage, destroy, uncover, deface, modify, or tamper with any storm water structure, appurtenance...
Erosion Control
Chatham County requires an erosion, sedimentation and pollution control plan for land-disturbing activity, with best management practices meeting state manual standards. A 25-foot undisturbed buffer applies along state waters and coastal marshlands. Violations draw stop-work orders and fines up to $2,500 per day.
Erosion & Sediment Control in Chatham County, GA
Some RestrictionsCode of Chatham County Sec. 24-804(2)(o)
There is established a 25 foot buffer along the banks of all state waters, as measured horizontally from the point where vegetation has been wrested by normal stream flow or wave action... No land-disturbing activities shall be conducted within a buffer and a buffer shall remain in its natural, undisturbed state of vegetation until all land-disturbing activities on the construction site are com...
Flood Zones
Chatham County requires a development permit before any land-disturbing or construction activity in a Special Flood Hazard Area, plus an FDPO Approval Letter for parcels in the SFHA. New and substantially improved structures must be anchored, built with flood-resistant materials and elevated or floodproofed above the Base Flood Elevation.
Flood Zone Development Rules in Chatham County
Significant RestrictionsCode of Chatham County Sec. 24-114, 24-116
24-114 Establishment of Development Permit. A development permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities. 24-116 General Standards... 2. The entire residential structure: ... d. Shall utilize flood damage-resistant materials, components, or systems for all areas not situated three feet above the BFE
Boat Dock Permits
Chatham County requires a construction permit for every private dock built in the unincorporated area, with the fee for each dock set through the County Revenue ordinance under section 20-316. The permit falls under the same Standard Codes adopted for all structures countywide, enforced by Building Safety and Regulatory Services.
Boat Dock Permits in Chatham County, GA
Some RestrictionsChatham County Code § 20-201; § 20-316
§20-201 Adoption of Standard Codes. The regulations and administrative procedures of the following Standard Codes ... are hereby adopted as the regulations governing the construction of buildings and other structures in the County ... it shall be unlawful to erect or construct any building or structure in the county in violation of, or without complying with, these regulations ... §20-316 Docks...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Chatham County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance requires new and substantially improved structures in A1-30, AE, AH or A flood zones to elevate the lowest floor at least three feet above the Base Flood Elevation. A development permit and FDPO approval come first.
Base Flood Elevation Rules in Chatham County
Some RestrictionsCode of Chatham County §24-117
§24-117 Specific Standards for Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHA) designated as A1-30, AE, AH, or A with estimated Base Flood Elevation (BFE). For new construction and/or improvements in the above listed SFHA zones, the following standards shall be required: New residential construction and/or substantial improvements - Any residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, e...
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