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Augusta-Richmond County, GA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)

Few Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Zone
Permitted by right in A Zone
Use covered
Noncommercial docks, piers, boat houses
Special exception
Not required for private docks
Building permit
Still required under Section 30-1
Max penalty
$500 fine and/or 60 days jail

Summary

Augusta-Richmond County's zoning ordinance lists noncommercial boat piers, slips, and boat houses as permitted uses by right in the Agricultural (A) Zone, so private waterfront docks need no special exception before construction.

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Augusta-Richmond County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

No land, no body of water, and no structure shall be put into use ... for any purpose other than the following: ... (e) Noncommercial boat piers, or slips, or boat houses for docking of private water craft.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Recodification).

Full Breakdown

Augusta-Richmond County's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, incorporated into the Code at Title 8, Chapter 5, Section 8-5-1, lists 'noncommercial boat piers, or slips, or boat houses for docking of private water craft' as a use permitted by right in the Agricultural (A) Zone under Section 7-1(e). Because Section 7-1 defines Zone A as essentially all of Augusta not otherwise zoned, most riverfront and lake-adjacent parcels outside platted subdivisions fall under this provision, letting residents build a private dock without a special exception or Board of Zoning Appeals hearing. A standard building permit is still required under Section 30-1, and commercial docks or marinas are not covered by this by-right listing.

Violations & Fines

Building a dock without a permit, or running a commercial dock without special-exception approval, violates Section 32-3; Section 32-4 fines violators up to $500 and/or 60 days in jail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a special permit for a private dock in Augusta-Richmond County?
No. In the Agricultural (A) Zone, noncommercial boat piers, slips, and boat houses are permitted uses by right under Section 7-1(e), so no special exception or variance is needed.
Does this cover commercial docks or marinas?
No. Section 7-1(e) only covers noncommercial docking of private watercraft; commercial marina or dock operations are not listed as a permitted A-Zone use.
What happens if I build a dock without following the zoning ordinance?
Augusta-Richmond County can seek an injunction or abatement, and violators face a fine up to $500 and/or up to 60 days in jail under Section 32-4.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County

Noise Ordinances: Quiet HoursSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Dog Leash LawsSome RestrictionsFire Regulations: Fire Pits & Backyard FiresSignificant RestrictionsFlood ZonesSome RestrictionsErosion ControlSome RestrictionsFlood Elevation RequirementsSome RestrictionsStormwater ManagementSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Commercial & Oversized VehiclesSome RestrictionsAnimal Ordinances: Bird ProtectionHeavy Restrictions

All Augusta-Richmond County rules

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