5 rules for unincorporated Columbia County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Georgia has no statewide ADU mandate, so a second dwelling in Columbia County is allowed only where the Chapter 90 zoning district permits it. Most residential districts do not, and any unit needs a building permit and Planning Services approval.
Sheds in Columbia County follow Chapter 90 zoning. Under Section 90-144, an accessory building of 400 square feet or less must sit at least five feet from any property line; larger sheds meet the full principal-building setbacks.
Turning a garage into living space is a change of occupancy that needs a Columbia County building permit. The converted room must meet the state residential code for egress, insulation, and smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms.
A carport is a roofed accessory structure, so it needs a Columbia County building permit and must meet Chapter 90 setbacks. Under Section 90-144, a carport of 400 square feet or less sits at least five feet from any property line.
A tiny home's status in Columbia County turns on its foundation. On a permanent foundation it is a dwelling under the state building code; on wheels it is a titled RV that Chapter 90 zoning does not treat as a permanent home.
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