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Building & Zoning

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1. I want to move a manufactured/mobile home into Greene County, what is my first step?

You must make an application with the Greene County Building and Zoning office for an out of town inspection. The fee is $100 for all out of town inspections of manufactured/mobile homes. Our inspection consists of both an interior inspection and an exterior inspection. All manufactured homes entering Greene County must bear an identification data plate issued by the Urban Housing Authority. The following links will provide detailed assistance:

• Mobile Manufactured Home Permitting Procedures
• Section 9.4 of the Greene County Code of Ordinances

2. What are the setbacks in Greene County?

View the following for information:

• Article VIII. - Area, Yard and Height Requirements [Section 8.1. - Generally.]

3. I want to work as a Builder or Trade Professional in the construction industry in Greene County. Do I need a State License?

See State License Requirements for the Construction Industry for more information.

4. Can I have an Inspector come out at a specified time?

Due to the size of Greene County and the volume of inspection requests received, we are unable to honor a request for a specific time.

5. If the power has been disconnected from my property, does the property have to be inspected before the power company will reconnect it?

Yes. In areas where electrical inspection is provided, the Public Service Commission requires that all wiring and equipment in or upon the premises of the Customer to the point of the service connection shall have the approval of an inspector from the constituted authority (cities and counties, for example) prior to connecting the Customer service to the Company’s system. Also, the Service Regulations of the Company on file with the Georgia Public Service Commission shall be met.

You will first need to contact your power provider and pay any requirements set forth by that provider. You would then need to contact the Greene County Building and Zoning Department at 706-453-3333 and fill out an application for an electrical permit. An inspector will then visit your residence and conduct both an interior and an exterior inspection of your electrical system. This inspection is conducted for your safety and the safety of the structure. 

If there are any deficiencies in your electrical system, those deficincies will need to be corrected before your power can be restored. Once you have received a successful inspection of your power system, a letter will be sent to your power provider to have the power restored at your property.

6. If I have a complaint about a permit, inspection or zoning problem, who do I contact?

Our office strives to offer a fair and unbiased experience while following the rules and regulations set in place by federal, state and county laws. If at any time you feel you need to have your situation reviewed, you may contact the Building Official either by email or by phone at 706-453-3333.

7. Does Greene County require an Occupational Tax Certificate from contractors and subcontractors to obtain a permit?

According to Greene County Muni Code Section 10-86. - Contractor’s responsibilities:

It shall be the duty of every contractor who shall make contracts for the installation or repairs of building, structure, electrical, gas, mechanical, sprinkler or plumbing systems, for which a permit is required, to comply with state and local rules and regulations concerning licensing which the applicable governing authority may have adopted. In such case that the state requires a contractor to have obtained a state license before they are permitted to perform work, the contractor shall supply the building official with their license number before receiving a permit for work to be performed.

(Code 1998, § 17-109(E); Ordinance of December 9, 1999, § 17-109(E))

8. Does Greene County perform temporary power pole inspections?

• If your temporary power pole is part of the construction of a new dwelling, a signed letter by the Building Official is included in your residential building permit package that you will turn into your power provider to obtain electrical service.
• If your temporary power pole is not part of the construction of a new dwelling, an inspection is required for your temporary pole to be hooked up to the commercial power supply.

9. What type of business can I operate on my land?

Refer to Greene County’s Code of Ordinances. Part II, Chapter 31, Appendix B - Zoning.

10. Is a site plan required in Greene County?

A site plan drawn by a licensed surveyor is required for all permit applications applied for in Greene County.

11. Do you have plans in your office for review of a job built in Greene County?

To obtain a copy of the plans on a previous job, an Open Records Request will need to be completed.

12. I’m looking for someone to perform work at my house. Do you have a list of professional builders, engineers, or contractors you can recommend?

The Lake Oconee Builders Association (LOABA) has a list of the professional builders, engineers, and contractors in the lake Oconee area. Contact Wendy Daniel or Susie Noles at 706-999-1591 for a recommended professional for your project.

13. Where do I obtain a septic letter? How do I see if my parcel will perc for a septic permit?

To obtain a septic letter or perc test, contact the Greene County Environmental Health Manager at 706-453-7561.

14. I want to sub-divide my land and sell lots. What do I need to do?

You will first need to hire a licensed surveyor and have him or her draw a new plat to be submitted to the Greene County Building and Zoning office for review. Any land split that consist of five lots or less is considered a minor subdivision and can be approved by the Zoning Administrator. Any land split that consist of more than five lots is considered a major subdivision and a preliminary plat would be required. The preliminary plat would need to be filed with the Greene County Building and Zoning office along with a completed preliminary plat application. All preliminary plats for major subdivisions must first be reviewed by the Planning and Zoning Board and then recommended to the Board of Commissioners.

15. What permit application do I use for a remodel project in Greene County?

For a remodel project in Greene County that multiple trades would be involved in simply just complete the Building Permit Application (PDF).

16. Where can I obtain a Building Permit?

For the convenience of both our in-town and out-of-town contractors all of our Building Permits can be applied for and paid online.

17. Is there an Airport over-lay district?

Refer to the Greene County Zoning Map (PDF).

18. Is there a Short Term Rental Overlay District?

Refer to "How Can I Determine if My Home is in a Short Term Rental Overlay?".

19. Can I rent my house in Greene County?

If you own property in Greene County and you would like to rent your property for more than 31 days in a row you have the right to rent that home in any district located in Greene County. If you own a parcel of land in Greene County and would like to rent your parcel for less than 31 days in a row, you would first need to make sure your parcel of land is located in a Short-Term Rental Overlay District (STRO). If your property is zoned for short term rentals then you would then need to acquire a business license from Greene County. Hotel/Motel Taxes are required on short term rentals.

Helpful Links

• Hotel Motel Tax Ordinance Article III (PDF)
• Short Term Rental Ordinance Section 7.19. (PDF)