Environmental Rules in Hall County, GA (2026)
5 rules for unincorporated Hall County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
New development in unincorporated Hall County must treat stormwater before it leaves the site: Sec. 10.5.8.D requires the system to remove at least 80 percent of the average annual sediment load from a 1.2-inch rainfall event once on-site runoff reduction is used to the maximum extent practicable. The Georgia Stormwater Management Manual sets the underlying design detail.
Hall County Post-Construction Stormwater Rule
Some RestrictionsHall County Code of Ordinances § 10.5.8.D.2
2.For development with a stormwater management plan submitted on or after December 1, 2020, the applicant shall choose (a) runoff reduction and additional water quality shall not be required. To the extent a. runoff reduction has been determined to be infeasible for all or a portion of the site using the practicability policy, then b. water quality shall apply for the remaining runoff from a 1....
Erosion Control
Hall County requires a land-disturbing permit and state-approved best management practices for construction sites under Sec. 10.1.3, and Sec. 10.1.3.C.20 sets a 25-foot vegetated buffer along the banks of state waters that grading crews cannot disturb without a Director-approved variance. Development Services and the Engineering Department enforce the standard on every subdivision and building site.
Hall County Erosion Control Stream Buffer
Some RestrictionsHall County Code of Ordinances § 10.1.3.C.20
20.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, except:a.As provided in paragraphs 20 and 21 of this subsection.b.Where the Director determines to allow a variance that is at least as protective of natural resources and the environment.c.Where otherwise a...
Flood Zones
No owner or developer may start any development activity in a Hall County area of special flood hazard or future-conditions flood hazard without first meeting the county's flood protection permit requirements. Sec. 10.2.3.A requires a Hall County Development Services permit application before any grading, filling, or construction begins on a mapped flood-hazard parcel.
Hall County Floodplain Development Permit
Significant RestrictionsHall County Code of Ordinances § 10.2.3.A
No owner or developer shall perform any development activities on a site where an area of special flood hazard or area of future-conditions flood hazard is located without first meeting the requirements of this section prior to commencing the proposed activity.
Boat Dock Permits
Hall County's Unified Development Code defines a marina under Sec. 7.4.2.C as a dock or basin providing secure moorings for private watercraft. On Lake Lanier and elsewhere in the unincorporated county, a marina needs a Special Use Permit from the Board of Commissioners in every agricultural and residential district, and is permitted outright only in Suburban Shopping, Highway Business, Mixed-Use, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial zones.
Hall County Boat Dock and Marina Permits
Significant RestrictionsHall County Code of Ordinances §§ 7.4.2.C, 7.1.7.B, 15.10.050.B.2
A dock or basin providing secure moorings for docking or storage, and other related goods or services, for private watercraft. [Sec. 7.4.2.C] Special Use (SU) Indicates a use may be permitted in the respective district only where approved by the County Board of Commissioners in accordance with Sec. 11.2. Special uses are subject to all other applicable requirements of this UDC, including any ap...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New residential construction in Hall County's mapped floodplain must sit at least three feet above the base flood elevation, a full two feet beyond FEMA's usual one-foot freeboard floor. Sec. 10.2.5.B.1.a sets that elevation, and Sec. 10.2.5.B.2.a sets a one-foot standard for nonresidential buildings, which can be floodproofed instead of elevated.
Hall County Base Flood Elevation Freeboard
Some RestrictionsHall County Code of Ordinances § 10.2.5.B.1.a
1.Residential Buildings.a.New construction. New construction of principal residential structures shall not be allowed within the limits of the future-conditions floodplain unless all requirements of Secs. 10.2.4.C., 10.2.4.D., and 10.2.4.E. have been met. If all of the requirements of Secs. 10.2.4.C., 10.2.4.D., and 10.2.4.E. have been met, all new construction shall have the lowest floor, incl...
All Hall County ordinances
See every category we cover for Hall County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Hall County Ordinance Hub →