Augusta-Richmond County, GA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- Zone
- A (Agricultural), county-wide default
- Permitted uses
- Farming, dairying, ranching, forestry buildings
- Special exception
- Kennels need 2 acres, 400-ft setback
- Excludes
- Blythe and Hephzibah (own codes)
- Penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 60 days
Summary
Zone "A" (Agricultural) is Augusta-Richmond County's default zoning district, covering nearly the whole consolidated government except land specifically mapped into other zones, and permits farming, dairying, ranching, and forestry buildings as of-right uses.
The area of Zone "A" shall be all of Augusta excepting therefrom any and all areas that have been, or may hereafter be, specifically covered by other zones created in accordance with the provisions of this Ordinance...No land, no body of water, and no structure shall be...used or occupied for any purpose other than the following:(a)Single-family Residential buildings...(b)Agriculture, dairying and ranching.(c)Buildings incidental to agriculture, dairying and ranching.(d)Building incidental to forestry.
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
Section 7 of Augusta's Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance designates Zone "A" (Agricultural) as the baseline district covering essentially the entire consolidated government outside areas specifically mapped into other zones; it excludes Blythe and Hephzibah, which zone under their own municipal codes. Permitted uses include agriculture, dairying, ranching, buildings incidental to farming or forestry, single-family homes built to R-1 standards, and manufactured homes on individual lots. Animal kennels, boarding facilities, and RV parks require a Special Exception through the Augusta Planning and Development Department; kennels need at least two acres and 400 feet of separation from a dwelling.
Violations & Fines
Violating the zoning ordinance is a misdemeanor under Augusta-Richmond County Code Section 601, punishable by up to $1,000 in fines or 60 days in jail per Section 1-6-1, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I farm on Zone A land in Augusta-Richmond County?
Does this zoning code apply in Blythe or Hephzibah?
What if I want to run a kennel or RV park on agricultural land?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Augusta-Richmond County
Compare Augusta-Richmond County to another location·View the Georgia right to farm overview
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