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Environmental Rules in Houston County, GA (2026)

3 rules for unincorporated Houston County, Georgia.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Houston County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Stormwater Management

Houston County regulates stormwater quality and quantity for all surface waters in the unincorporated county through its separately adopted Water Resources Protection Ordinance, incorporated into the Code at § 30-121 under the federal NPDES Phase II program. The adoption took effect by county resolution on November 15, 2005.

Houston County Stormwater Management Rules

Some Restrictions

Houston County, GA Code of Ordinances § 30-121

Pursuant the NPDES Phase II requirements, Articles 1 through 4 of the Houston County Water Resources Protection Ordinance and the Local Design Manual are hereby adopted in their entirety as the water quality and quantity policies applicable to all surface waters in unincorporated Houston County, with the like effect as if recited in this section.

Erosion Control

Houston County requires a land-disturbing permit with an approved erosion, sedimentation, and pollution control plan for most grading, clearing, or excavation under Code § 30-61 et seq. Enforcement runs through stop-work orders and permit revocation, with the county engineer and chief building official inspecting sites.

Houston County Erosion & Sediment Control

Significant Restrictions

Houston County, GA Code of Ordinances § 30-64(a)-(b)(1)

Soil erosion, sedimentation and pollution control measures and practices shall conform to the minimum requirements of section 30-64(b) and (c) of this article. The application of measures and practices shall apply to all features of the site, including street and utility installations, drainage facilities and other temporary and permanent improvements. Measures shall be installed to prevent or ...

Flood Zones

Houston County's FH Flood Hazard District bars new human-habitation structures and requires Board of Zoning Appeals approval before any building, street, bridge, or utility line is built within its boundaries, under Land Development Regulations § 74.3. The county separately adopted a FEMA-based flood damage prevention ordinance at Code § 30-141.

Houston County Flood Hazard District Rules

Significant Restrictions

Houston County, GA Comprehensive Land Development Regulations § 74.3.1, § 74.3.4(1)

74.3.1. Intent of District. To restrict or prohibit uses which may be dangerous to health, safety, or property in times of flood, or which may cause increased flood heights or velocities... 74.3.4. Required Plans. No permit shall be issued for the construction of any building or structure including railroads, streets, bridges, and utility lines or for any use within the Flood Hazard District un...

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