Augusta-Richmond County, GA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

Augusta-Richmond County bars encroachments and business conducted on public sidewalks except within a designated right-of-way encroachment zone, limited to lots whose buildings sit ten feet or less from the right-of-way line. Permitted items include tables, chairs, planters, benches, and sandwich-board signs under twelve square feet. A sidewalk cafe extending restaurant furnishings onto the sidewalk requires a permit from the Planning & Development Department; merchandise display needs department approval but not a permit. The encroachment permit fee is twenty-five dollars, covering one inspection, with each additional inspection billed at twenty-five dollars.