Environmental Rules in Macon-Bibb County, GA (2026)
6 rules for unincorporated Macon-Bibb County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Macon-Bibb County's stormwater system is run by the Macon Water Authority under a 2019 intergovernmental agreement, and Chapter 23 bans discharging pollutants into the county's storm drains or watercourses. Violators face civil penalties up to $2,500 per day plus criminal fines and jail time for intentional or flagrant violations under Section 23-53.
Macon-Bibb County Stormwater Discharge Rules
Significant RestrictionsMacon-Bibb County Code § 23-13(a)-(b)
(a)No person shall throw, drain, discharge, or cause to be discharged into the MS4 or watercourses any materials, including but not limited to pollutants or waters containing any pollutants that cause or contribute to a violation of applicable water quality standards, other than stormwater.(b)The commencement, conduct, or continuance of any illegal discharge to the storm drain system is prohibi...
Erosion Control
Macon-Bibb County requires a land-disturbing permit from the Macon Water Authority before any grading, clearing, or construction activity disturbs the ground, under County Code Chapter 21. Projects must follow the state Manual for Erosion and Sediment Control, keep a 25-foot buffer along state waters (50 feet on trout streams), and pay fees up to $80 per disturbed acre.
Macon-Bibb County Erosion and Sediment Control Permit
Significant RestrictionsMacon-Bibb County Code of Ordinances § 21-5(b)(1)
No person shall conduct any land-disturbing activity within the jurisdictional boundaries of Macon-Bibb County without first obtaining a permit from the Macon Water Authority to perform such activity and providing a copy of Notice of Intent submitted to EPD if applicable.
Flood Zones
Macon-Bibb County requires a development permit before any construction, filling, grading, or land alteration in a mapped Area of Special Flood Hazard. The Macon Water Authority, not the county planning office, administers the permit as the chapter's Local Issuing Authority under a 2019 intergovernmental agreement.
Macon-Bibb Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsMacon-Bibb County Code §§ 11-5, 11-7
This chapter shall apply to all Areas of Special Flood Hazard within Macon-Bibb County. ... A development permit issued by the Authority as the Local Issuing Authority (LIA) shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this chapter PRIOR to the commencement of any development activities.
Boat Dock Permits
Macon-Bibb County requires a construction permit application to the Tobesofkee Recreation Area Manager before building a dock, boathouse or seawall at Lake Tobesofkee, with strict frontage, length and height limits set in Code Section 17-55.
Lake Tobesofkee Dock & Boathouse Permits
Significant RestrictionsMacon-Bibb County Code of Ordinances Sec. 17-55
(c)Application.(1)A person desiring to construct a dock or boathouse, either or both shall first make application to the Manager of the Tobesofkee Recreation Area on application forms provided by the same.(d)Requirements.(2)A dock or boathouse shall not be constructed where there is less than 100 feet of frontage at the 360-foot contour line. The shoreline will be measured from pin to pin.(4)No...
Vehicle Idling Restrictions
A Macon-Bibb County-owned motor vehicle cannot idle more than 15 minutes while not in traffic, extended to 25 minutes for heat/AC or cold-weather use; violators face fines up to $500.00.
Macon-Bibb County Vehicle Idling Time Limit
Some RestrictionsMacon-Bibb County Code of Ordinances § 28-95
No person shall stop or stand any Macon-Bibb County-owned motor vehicle and idle for more than fifteen (15) minutes while not in traffic. This limitation shall not apply under the following conditions: (1)Emergency vehicles, construction and maintenance vehicles where the engines must run to perform the needed work;(2)Motor vehicle is being used to supply heat or air conditioning necessary for ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
In Macon-Bibb County flood zones mapped as AE without a designated floodway, no fill, new structure, or substantial improvement is allowed unless a registered engineer certifies the cumulative effect on nearby development won't raise the base flood water surface more than one foot. Qualifying buildings still must be elevated or flood-proofed.
Macon-Bibb AE Zone Encroachment and Elevation Rules
Some RestrictionsMacon-Bibb County Code § 11-22.1
(1)No encroachments, including fill material, new structures or substantial improvements shall be located within areas of special flood hazard, unless certification by a registered professional engineer is provided demonstrating that the cumulative effect of the proposed development, when combined with all other existing and anticipated development, will not increase the water surface elevation...
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