Augusta-Richmond County, GA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit trigger
- 1 acre or more disturbed
- Application fee
- $15 per disturbed acre
- Bond
- Up to $3,000 per acre
- Stream buffer
- 25 ft; 50 ft trout streams
- Max penalty
- $2,500 per day per violation
Summary
Augusta-Richmond County requires a Land Disturbing Permit before any land-disturbing activity of one acre or more, backed by an approved erosion, sedimentation and pollution control plan reviewed by the Augusta Engineering Department.
No person shall conduct any land-disturbing activity within the jurisdictional boundaries of Local Issuing Authority without first obtaining a Land Development Permit (LDA) from the County to perform such activity and providing a copy of Notice of Intent submitted to EPD if applicable.
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
The county's Soil Erosion, Sedimentation and Pollution Control ordinance (Code Tit. 4, Ch. 2, Art. 8) requires a Land Disturbing Permit from the Augusta Engineering Department before disturbing one acre or more of land, or any acreage within a larger common plan of development, or land within 200 feet of state waters. Applicants must submit an erosion, sedimentation and pollution control plan reviewed by the Brier Creek Soil and Water Conservation District, pay a $15 per-acre fee, and may be required to post a bond up to $3,000 per acre. Sites must maintain a 25-foot vegetated buffer along state waters, 50 feet along trout streams.
Violations & Fines
Working without a permit risks a stop-work order, business-license revocation, and civil penalties up to $2,500 per day in Magistrate Court.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the permit apply to single-family homes?
Who reviews erosion control plans?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
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