Frequently Asked Questions

Emanuel County does not have its own county-specific zoning regulations, offering greater flexibility in land use for residents and businesses. We are proud to be one of the few counties in Georgia that does not impose additional zoning restrictions. However, we still adhere to state and federal zoning laws to ensure safety and compliance with broader regulations.

A permit is required for most residential, commercial, and industrial projects in Emanuel County, including new construction, additions, renovations, and manufactured home setups. Additionally, permits are necessary for structures over 200 square feet such as garages, pole barns, storage buildings, and sheds as well as for moving site-built homes, installing signs, constructing towers, building swimming pools and enclosures, and adding decks over 200 square feet.

You do not need a permit for cosmetic and finishing work like painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar interior updates. Fences under six feet high and retaining walls under three feet also do not require a permit.

Yes, a mobile home permit is required to ensure that the structure meets safety and compliance standards. This application process includes providing information about the mobile home’s age, condition, and intended location. Forms are available online as fillable PDFs or can be downloaded and submitted to our office.

Septic tank and well permits are issued by the Emanuel County Health Department. You can contact them at 478-237-7501 or 50 Highway 56 North, Swainsboro.

Yes—sort of. If it's a Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)-approved structure, it is permitted as a residence. However, it cannot be a storage building.

No. We require residential structures to be approved by HUD or DCA, and RVs do not meet these standards.

Yes. We do not permit mobile homes built in 1977 or earlier. Mobile homes from 1978 or newer are allowed, provided they are structurally sound.

Five acres or less must have at least 200 feet of road frontage.

Five acres or more must have at least 60 feet of road frontage.

Tracts must be at least 200 feet by 200 feet, or a minimum of 1 acre.

Common reasons for failing a building inspection include issues with electrical wiring, plumbing, structural integrity, and fire safety. Our team will provide feedback on any violations found and help you understand the steps needed to bring your project up to code.

To apply for an alcohol license, contact the county clerk to begin the process. Our team is involved in inspecting the establishment to ensure it meets safety and compliance standards as required by local, state, and federal regulations. This is one of the last steps in the process. The county clerk will provide details about the process, including a timeline for your inspection, when you turn in your application.

The Building Inspection & Code Enforcement Department responds to animals in crisis in the county, working alongside the Betty Gambrell Animal Shelter, the Emanuel County Humane Society, and local law enforcement as needed. To file a report about an animal in need in the county, contact the Building Inspection & Code Enforcement Department directly by phone or visit our office during business hours. For animals in the City of Swainsboro, call the staff at the shelter directly at 478-237-4040.

To obtain a 911 address, complete the Emanuel County 911 Address Request Form. Once submitted, Emanuel County's contractor for 911 addressing, GIS1, will call you within 24 hours (excluding weekends) with your address or to obtain additional details if necessary. After verification, your address is assigned, updated in the county’s system, and added to the qPublic map.

Emanuel County Building Inspection & Code Enforcement employees carry badges, and they will be wearing branded county attire and arriving in a county-marked truck for all inspections.