Chatham County, GA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit issuer
- Public Works Director (Administrator)
- Emergency repair grace period
- 2 working days to apply
- Max fine
- $500 per offense
- Max jail term
- 30 days per offense
- Driveway financial guarantee
- $300, forfeited after 12 months
Summary
Anyone building or installing a structure, utility line or driveway in a Chatham County right-of-way, including pedestrian walkways, needs a Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit from the Public Works Director before starting work.
An encroachment permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of this Ordinance prior to the commencement of any construction activity within a right-of-way. Emergency repairs made to existing facilities shall be allowed prior to issuance of a permit provided that the permitee/owner applies to the County for an encroachment permit within 2 working days of commencing the work.
Full Breakdown
The Rights-of-Way Encroachment Ordinance applies throughout unincorporated Chatham County to any person or utility seeking access to or a structure within a right-of-way (Sec. 12-1101), a term the ordinance defines to include roads, streets, alleys, bridges, pedestrian walkways, ditches, storm sewers and canals (Sec. 12-1102). Sec. 12-1103 requires an encroachment permit before any construction activity in a right-of-way, covering telephone, gas, water, sewer, electrical, fuel and cable line installation, storm drainage and canal work, landscaping and tree work, and driveway access including culverts. Emergency repairs to existing facilities may proceed before a permit issues only if the owner applies for the permit within 2 working days of starting the work.
The Public Works Department Director is the designated Administrator (Sec. 12-1102), and Sec. 12-1104 bars any utility, agency or person from constructing, installing or paving a structure in the right-of-way, or entering or altering it, without full compliance with the ordinance. Applications go to the Public Works Director under Sec. 5-by-11 paper, a 24-hour emergency contact, and an application fee set by the county's Revenue Ordinance (waived for Public Service Commission-regulated carriers). Sec. 12-1108 requires a financial guarantee to restore the right-of-way if damaged; a driveway permit specifically requires a $300 guarantee, forfeited if the work is not completed within 12 months of issuance.
Violations & Fines
Sec. 12-1106(8) makes failure to comply, including working without applying for a permit, grounds for revocation of the permit and denial of future permits. A conviction carries a fine of not more than $500 or up to 30 days in the county jail, or both, plus payment of all costs of the case, with each day of continued violation charged as a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to put a driveway culvert in the county right-of-way?
What if a utility line breaks and needs emergency repair?
What happens if I encroach without a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Chatham County
Compare Chatham County to another location·View the Georgia sidewalk & pedestrian rules overview
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