Paulding County, GA Right to Farm: Agricultural Zoning Protection (2026)
Key Facts
- District purpose
- Rural, agricultural, low-density land use
- Min. home size
- 1,100 sq ft heated living area
- By-right ag uses
- Crop production, greenhouses, riding stables, golf courses
- Special Exception uses
- Kennels, produce stands, animal production
- Special Use Permit uses
- Hog/pig farming, RV parks, shooting ranges
Summary
Paulding County's A-1 Agricultural District is built around "land having a predominantly rural character" and reserves large tracts for farming, crop production and single-family homes rather than nuisance-heavy commercial uses. Under UDO Section 210-10, agriculture-related uses like crop production, greenhouses, riding stables and single-family homes on lots with as little as 1,100 square feet of heated area are permitted outright.
210-10.01 Purpose and Intent. The A-1 District is comprised of land having a predominantly rural character and provides locations for large parcels of undeveloped land, agricultural uses, and single-family residential uses on larger tracts of land. These areas are generally within or on the edge of properties delineated for residential categories. A-1 is appropriate in the Conservation and Rural Character areas of the Future Development Map of the Paulding County, Georgia 2017 Comprehensive Plan as may be amended.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 35).
Full Breakdown
01 defines the Purpose and Intent of the A-1 District: it "is comprised of land having a predominantly rural character and provides locations for large parcels of undeveloped land, agricultural uses, and single-family residential uses on larger tracts of land," and is designated appropriate for the Conservation and Rural Character areas of the county's 2017 Comprehensive Plan. 02 permits, by right and without any special exception or use permit, Backyard Chickens, Botanical Gardens, Breeders, "Crop Production including those identified in NAICS Code 1119," Golf Courses, Greenhouse Nursery and Floriculture Production, Nature Parks, Public Administration, Public Elementary and Secondary Schools, Public Utilities, Riding Stables, and Single-Family Detached Dwellings with a minimum 1,100 square feet of heated living area.
04 reserves Hog and Pig Farming and RV Parks and Campgrounds for Special Use Permit review by the Board of Commissioners. The district carries the county's lowest baseline development intensity of any residential-capable zone, reflecting its rural and agricultural purpose rather than the higher-density standards applied in ER, R-1, R-2 and R-3.
Violations & Fines
Operating a use not listed as permitted, a Special Exception, or a Special Use Permit use within the A-1 District, such as commercial hog and pig farming without Board of Commissioners approval, is a zoning violation subject to Community Development Department enforcement. Building a single-family home with less than 1,100 square feet of heated living area also fails the district's minimum size standard under Section 210-10.02.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do by right on A-1 zoned land in Paulding County?
Can I raise hogs or pigs on my A-1 property?
How is A-1 different from Paulding County's other residential zones?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Paulding County
Compare Paulding County to another location·View the Georgia right to farm overview
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