Hall County, GA Environmental Rules: Boat Dock Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 7.4.2.C
- Marina zoning status
- Special Use in 8 residential/ag districts
- By-right districts
- S-S, H-B, M-U, I-1, I-2
- Parking required
- 5 spaces/ramp plus 1 per 3 rental slips
- Electrical standard
- Army Corps boat dock regs, Sec. 15.10.050.B.2
- Max penalty
- $1,000 fine or 6 months jail per day
Summary
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.
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 applicable use standards, except where the use standards are expressly modified by the County Commission as part of the approval. [Sec. 7.1.7.B] Electrical services for boat docks and marinas. The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers Regulations for Electrical Services for Boat Docks attached to this resolution codified in this section and on file in the office of the county clerk is permitted to be used for demand factors for electrical services and feeders for boat docks and marinas in the county. [Sec. 15.10.050.B.2]
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 80).
Full Breakdown
Under the county's Allowed Use Table at Sec. C, a marina, defined as "a dock or basin providing secure moorings for docking or storage, and other related goods or services, for private watercraft," carries a Special Use (SU) designation in the AG-1, AR-1, V-C, R-1-L, R-1, R-TF, R-X and R-MF districts, meaning the Hall County Board of Commissioners must approve it through the hearing process at Sec. 2 before it can operate. Marinas are not permitted at all in the Manufactured Home Park or Office and Institutional districts, and become a by-right (P) use only in Suburban Shopping, Highway Business, Mixed-Use, Light Industrial and Heavy Industrial zoning.
Under Sec. B, a Special Use designation means the use "may be permitted in the respective district only where approved by the County Board of Commissioners," and remains subject to every other applicable UDC requirement unless the Commission expressly modifies a standard as part of its approval. 1's parking standard of 5 spaces for each boat ramp plus 1 space for every 3 boat slips available for rent or lease. Electrical work at the dock is governed separately: Sec. S. Army Corps of Engineers Regulations for Electrical Services for Boat Docks, a copy of which is on file with the county clerk.
Violations & Fines
Operating a marina without the required Special Use Permit is a UDC violation. Under Sec. 11.4.3, the Building Official or county attorney may seek an injunction, mandamus or other court action to stop construction, correct the violation, or block occupancy, and may ask utilities to withhold service until the site complies. Sec. 11.4.4 makes every violation a misdemeanor punishable, per Sec. 1.50.020, by a fine of up to $1,000.00 or up to six months in jail, with each day of noncompliance charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Hall County require a permit to build a marina on Lake Lanier?
How much parking must a Hall County marina provide?
What electrical code applies to boat docks and marinas in Hall County?
What happens if a marina operates without county approval?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Hall County
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