Environmental Rules in Walker County, GA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Walker County, Georgia.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Walker County Code §§ 22-694 and 22-695 require post-development stormwater management standards for new development and redevelopment countywide in unincorporated Walker County, triggered by 5,000 square feet of land disturbance, 5,000 square feet of new impervious surface, or 1 acre of other land development activity.
Walker County Post-Development Stormwater Rules
Some RestrictionsWalker County Code § 22-694; § 22-695(1)
The purpose of this article is to protect, maintain and enhance the public health, safety and general welfare by establishing minimum requirements and procedures to control the adverse effects of increased post-development stormwater runoff and nonpoint source pollution associated with new development and redevelopment. ... (1)To prevent the adverse impacts of post-development stormwater runoff...
Erosion Control
Anyone disturbing land in unincorporated Walker County needs a permit from the Planning and Development Office before grading, clearing or building, under the county's Soil Erosion and Sedimentation Control ordinance. Walker County Code § 16-560(b)(1) requires an approved erosion, sedimentation and pollution control plan first, with narrow exemptions for small single-family lots and farming.
Walker County Erosion & Sediment Control Permit
Significant RestrictionsWalker County Code § 16-560(b)(1)
(1)No person shall conduct any land-disturbing activity within the jurisdictional boundaries of Walker County without first obtaining a permit from the Walker County Planning and Development Office to perform such activity and providing a copy of Notice of Intent submitted to the EPD if applicable.
Flood Zones
Any development inside a FEMA-mapped flood hazard area of unincorporated Walker County needs a Development Permit under Sec. 22-360 before work starts. Violating the flood damage prevention ordinance is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, 60 days in jail, or both, with each day of noncompliance a separate offense.
Floodplain Development Permit in Walker County
Some RestrictionsWalker County Code § 22-360
(1)Lands to which this section applies. This section shall apply to all Areas of Special Flood Hazard within the unincorporated areas of Walker County, Georgia. ... (3)Establishment of development permit. A Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this section prior to the commencement of any development activities.(4)Compliance. No structure or land shall here...
Flood Elevation Requirements
Commercial and industrial buildings in a mapped Walker County flood hazard area must, under Sec. 22-361(b)(2), have their lowest floor at least 1 foot above the base flood elevation, or be fully floodproofed to that level and certified watertight by a registered engineer or architect.
Non-Residential Flood Elevation Rule in Walker County
Some RestrictionsWalker County Code § 22-361(b)(2)
(2)Non-residential construction. New construction or substantial improvement of any commercial, industrial or non-residential structure shall have the lowest floor, including basement, elevated no lower than 1 foot above the level of the base flood elevation. Structures located in all A zones may be floodproofed in lieu of being elevated, provided that all areas of the structure below the requi...
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