Bolthole Index

Henry County, Georgia

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Henry County, Georgia

44Index Score / 100
#152 of 159 in Georgia

Unincorporated Henry County, Georgia requires a building permit for a new single-family home and applicable residential additions or accessory structures1. The county also applies zoning in unincorporated areas2. District 4 Environmental Health handles local septic permits and inspections under Georgia's statewide rules3. An owner may act as general contractor for a personal residence by submitting the required affidavit and identification4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for residential construction in unincorporated Henry County1
Zoning
Applies in unincorporated Henry County under the Unified Land Development Code2
Septic permit
Required for septic service; District 4 Environmental Health administers permits and inspections35
Owner-builder
Available for a personal residence with an affidavit, identification and occupancy restrictions4
Development impact fee
$7,085.90 per home, effective July 1, 20266
Tiny home
Treated as a standard dwelling, subject to the full building code and local zoning7
Well
A well permit is required when a well will serve the property8

Who to call

Building permits

Henry County Building & Plan Review Department

Reviews plans, issues residential building permits, and coordinates the combined Building & Plan Review / Planning & Zoning compliance checklist for unincorporated Henry County

(770) 288-6051

140 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA 30253

Septic permits

District 4 Public Health - Environmental Health (Henry County)

Administers septic (onsite sewage management system) permits and inspections for Henry County under Georgia DPH Rule 511-3-1

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

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Do you need a building permit in Henry County, Georgia?

Yes. Unincorporated Henry County requires a building permit for a new single-family detached home and for applicable residential additions or accessory structures1. A residential land-disturbance permit is also required before the building permit when the project will disturb 200 square feet or more1. Georgia's mandatory construction codes apply statewide whether or not they are locally enforced9. For each permitted single-family dwelling or townhouse, the county's $7,085.90 development impact fee is due before permit issuance as of July 1, 2026; this amount is not the complete building-permit fee schedule610. Henry County allows an owner-builder to pull a permit for a personal residence by submitting the Homeowner/Builder Affidavit and identification, but the owner must intend to occupy the home and may not build it to sell, rent or house another person or family4. The owner-builder remains responsible for code compliance and cannot build another residence under that option for 2 years after receiving the certificate of occupancy4.

Who is the Henry County building department, and how do you reach them?

Henry County's Building & Plan Review Department is at 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough, Georgia 30253, phone (770) 288-605111. Residential applications and supporting paperwork go through SAGESGov, where the applicant must choose the correct project type and complete the applicable checklist sections12. Building permits, land-disturbance permits and lot-modification applications may remain separate application records, and each process must be filed under the proper record unless staff directs otherwise13. Incomplete or inaccurate submissions can lead to intake denial, correction requests and delays12.

Does Henry County have zoning?

Yes. Henry County uses a Unified Land Development Code and Highway Corridor Overlay District for zoning in unincorporated Henry County2. Georgia does not impose one statewide district map, so the parcel's district, permitted uses and development standards must come from the applicable county or municipal ordinance14. A city may administer different rules inside its limits, so ask the city with jurisdiction there2. For unincorporated land, Henry County separately reviews lot divisions and modifications when applicable, including minimum lot size, lot width, zoning conditions, variances and legal access15. One district-specific exception: inside the Towaliga Watershed Protection District, a single-family lot needs at least 1 1/4 acres unless public sewerage serves it16. Parcels in that district that are adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of a reservoir owned or operated by Henry County or the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority need at least 3 acres, with buildings and septic field lines set back 250 feet1718. Outside that watershed district, we could not confirm numeric minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage, building height or minimum dwelling size; ask the Building & Plan Review Department for the standards tied to the parcel's district11.

How do septic permits work in Henry County?

District 4 Environmental Health administers Henry County septic permits, inspections and complaints under Georgia Department of Public Health rules3. District 4 publishes separate applications for new residential systems, residential repairs, new commercial systems and commercial repairs19. Apply before developing a lot or structure that will use septic; the site must receive a favorable inspection before the construction permit is issued20. The permit remains valid for no more than 12 months20. Final inspection is required after construction and before final cover, and the County Board of Health must give written approval before the system is backfilled or used2122. Residential additions such as pools, detached garages and outbuildings on septic property also require contact with the local Environmental Health Office, an application and associated fees19. About 72% of Henry County soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field, but the specific site still must pass review23.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Henry County?

A site-built or modular tiny home in Georgia is a dwelling subject to the applicable building codes and local siting and zoning requirements7. Georgia's IRC Appendix Q tiny-house provisions apply only when the local government has specifically adopted them, and we could not confirm Henry County's adoption or its local tiny-home occupancy rule7. Ask the Building & Plan Review Department whether the parcel's zoning district allows the proposed home and which code provisions apply11. We also could not confirm Henry County's rule for long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on private land. Ask the department about both the intended duration and whether utility connections or an active building permit change the answer11.

Building a home in Henry County: the steps, in order

  1. Confirm the parcel's zoning district and whether county or city rules apply before design214.
  2. Decide how water and wastewater will be served. Provide a public-water meter receipt or obtain District 4's location permit for a non-public well, and obtain a septic permit when the property will use septic rather than sewer2425.
  3. Apply to District 4 Environmental Health for septic site review and a construction permit before site development; the permit lasts no more than 12 months320.
  4. Submit the Homeowner/Builder Affidavit and identification if you will act as your own builder, and make sure the occupancy restrictions fit your plan4.
  5. Submit each applicable record through SAGESGov; building, land-disturbance and lot-modification applications may be separate13.
  6. Obtain the land-disturbance permit first when disturbing 200 square feet or more, then obtain the building permit1.
  7. Before final cover or use of the septic system, obtain the required final inspection and written approval2122.

What to check before you buy land in Henry County

Confirm whether the parcel is in unincorporated Henry County or a city, then identify the zoning district and permitted use214. Check septic feasibility before committing: about 72% of county soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field, but the individual site still needs approval2320. Verify whether the property has public water and sewer. A county residential submission needs a water-meter receipt for public water or a well permit for a well, while septic documentation is required for septic service but not sewer service24. District 4 issues location permits for non-public wells, and private-well applicants must use a licensed water-well contractor25. If access touches a state highway right-of-way, obtain the required state permit before construction there26. Also ask the county about parcel-specific floodplain approval and county driveway rules, which we could not confirm.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm RV or camper occupancy rules for unincorporated Henry County; ask the Building & Plan Review Department before planning to live in one11.
  • Georgia's tiny-house Appendix Q provisions apply only if Henry County adopted them locally; confirm adoption with the Building & Plan Review Department711.
  • The published $7,085.90 amount is a development impact fee effective July 1, 2026, not a complete building-permit fee schedule; confirm all current charges before budgeting106.

Sources

  1. Residential New Home Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Zoning, quoted and re-checked
  3. Wastewater Management, quoted and re-checked
  4. Residential New Home Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  5. Residential New Home Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  6. Building & Plan Review Department, quoted and re-checked
  7. Georgia Tiny House Fact Sheet (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  8. Residential New Home Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  9. Mandatory and Permissive State Codes, quoted and re-checked
  10. Building & Plan Review Department, quoted and re-checked
  11. Henry County Building & Plan Review Department (henrycountyga.gov)
  12. Building & Plan Review Department, quoted and re-checked
  13. Residential New Home Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  14. Governing Statutes, Regulations, and Guidance (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  15. henrycountyga.gov, quoted and re-checked
  16. Henry County Code of Ordinances, Sec. 3-5-383. Restricted use of certain land, quoted and re-checked
  17. Henry County Code of Ordinances, Sec. 3-5-383. Restricted use of certain land, quoted and re-checked
  18. Henry County Code of Ordinances, Sec. 3-5-383. Restricted use of certain land, quoted and re-checked
  19. Wastewater Management, quoted and re-checked
  20. On-Site Sewage Management Systems Manual, quoted and re-checked
  21. Residential Repair Permit Application, quoted and re-checked
  22. On-Site Sewage Management Systems Manual, quoted and re-checked
  23. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  24. Residential New Home Permit Checklist, quoted and re-checked
  25. Well Water, quoted and re-checked
  26. Regulations for Driveway & Encroachment Control Manual (Georgia statewide rule), quoted and re-checked

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Henry County has countywide zoning.

RuleHenry CountyButts CountyClayton CountySpalding CountyNewton CountyRockdale CountyFayette County
Building permitRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsDistrict 4 Public HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Health DistrictCounty Env. Health OfficeCounty Env. HealthCounty Board of HealthCounty Env. Health Dept.

County locator

Henry County in Georgia

44
County map
Henry County highlighted among the Georgia counties · colored by Index score

How Henry County scores

Seclusion13100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency77100% ev.
Admin Boringness44100% ev.
Durability76100% ev.
Property Autonomy56100% ev.
Carry Cost59100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$323kTypical home
0.9%Property tax
$8,949Land / acre
51.1"Annual rain
16.2% of yrsSevere drought
8.6 / yr (+8)Mid-century 100°F days
15.5 daysMid-century dry spell
2.37" (+6.6%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.35×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,837Home insurance / yr
2.5% / yrInsurance growth
2.71%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
719,600People within 30 min
8,735,609People within 2 hr
565,825Radius comparison (15 mi)
798.9People / sq mi
1%Federal land
85.7%Land at 15% slope or less
71.9%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
139,209 acWorkable land screen
68.4%Wooded land
71.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
62.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Henry County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: McDonough · Stockbridge

Answers from the rulebook for Henry County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Henry County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    New single-family detached homes and residential building permits processed through Henry County SAGESGov.

    • A separate land-disturbance permit or lot-modification application may also be required.
    • A residential land-disturbance permit is required when 200 square feet or more will be disturbed and must be issued before the building permit when required.

    disturbed area threshold: >= 200 square feet (Residential land-disturbance permit requirement stated for building permits.)

    “New single-family detached home / residential building permit”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — New single-family detached homes and applicable residential additions or accessory structures using the county residential permitting process.
      “New single-family detached home / residential building permit”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    An owner acting as general contractor for a residential permit in Henry County.

    • The owner must confirm they are acting as their own general contractor.
    • The permit must be solely for occupancy or use by the owner's personal family.
    • For a residence, the owner must intend to live in and occupy the structure as their residence when completed.
    • The owner may not build the home to sell, rent, or use for another person or family.
    • The owner cannot build another residence as a homeowner/builder for two years after receiving the certificate of occupancy.
    • The owner remains responsible for compliance with all Building and Technical Codes.
    • A homeowner/builder affidavit and homeowner identification are required when applicable.

    waiting period before building another residence as homeowner/builder: 2 years after certificate of occupancy

    “I understand I cannot build another residence as a homeowner/builder for two (2) years after receiving my Certificate of Occupancy.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — A property owner acting as the general contractor for a personal residence, accessory structure, or utility connection.
      “I, , hereby confirm that I am acting as my own General Contractor, which does not require me to have a State of Georgia Contractor’s License”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning in unincorporated Henry County.

    • The county Planning & Zoning page identifies the Unified Land Development Code and Highway Corridor Overlay District as county planning and zoning instruments.
    • Incorporated municipalities may administer separate local rules.
    “Planning & Zoning [...] Unified Land Development Code [...] Highway Corridor Overlay District”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Permitted residential uses on property within the Towaliga Watershed Protection District that is not located in the specified reservoir-adjacent or reservoir-designated area described in Sec. 3-5-383(a).

    • The parcel must be within the Towaliga Watershed Protection District.
    • For single-family dwellings, the minimum lot size is 1 1/4 acres unless served by public sewerage.
    • Multifamily dwellings must be served by public sewerage.
    • The rule is limited to the residential uses permitted by Sec. 3-5-383(b).

    minimum single-family residential lot size: 1 1/4 acres (unless served by public sewerage) · multifamily dwelling sewer service: public sewerage (required by Sec. 3-5-383(b)(1)(b))

    “a. Single-Family Dwellings—Minimum Lot Size: One and one-quarter (1¼) acres (unless served by public sewerage). b. Multi-family dwellings which are served by public sewerage.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Permitted residential uses on property adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of an existing or designated reservoir owned, managed, maintained, or operated by Henry County or the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority within the Towaliga Watershed Protection District.
      “a. Minimum lot size: three (3) acres. b. Minimum Setback Lines for Buildings or Structures: two hundred fifty (250) feet.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Buildings or structures and nitrification field lines on property adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of an existing or designated reservoir owned, managed, maintained, or operated by Henry County or the Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority within the Towaliga Watershed Protection District.

    • The parcel must be within the Towaliga Watershed Protection District.
    • The property must be adjacent to or within 1,000 feet of an existing or designated reservoir identified in Sec. 3-5-383(a).
    • For permitted residential uses, the minimum setback line for buildings or structures is 250 feet and the minimum setback line for nitrification field lines is 250 feet.
    • For permitted agricultural uses, the minimum setback line for buildings or structures is 250 feet, the minimum setback line for nitrification field lines is 250 feet, and the minimum setback line for cultivation is 250 feet.
    • Commercial and industrial structures or uses are prohibited in the specified reservoir-area parcels.

    minimum building or structure setback: 250 feet (specified reservoir-area property within the T.W.P.D.) · minimum nitrification field line setback: 250 feet (specified reservoir-area property within the T.W.P.D.)

    “b. Minimum Setback Lines for Buildings or Structures: two hundred fifty (250) feet. c. Minimum Setback Lines for Nitrification Field Lines: two hundred fifty (250) feet.”
  • Who permits septicMixed

    On-site sewage management in Henry County.

    • Georgia DPH establishes statewide onsite-sewage rules and program standards.
    • The Georgia rules and manual assign permitting and final approval functions to the County Health Department or County Board of Health.
    • Locally related services and inspections are directed to the county environmental health office.
    “call your County Environmental Health Office”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Mixed (with conditions) — On-site sewage management systems in Henry County administered through District 4 Environmental Health and governed by Georgia Department of Public Health rules.
      “District 4 Environmental Health Offices are responsible for administering permits, performing inspections and investigating complaints for on-site sewage management systems”
    • Local (with conditions) — Henry County onsite sewage management and septic permitting administered through District 4 Environmental Health Offices.
      “District 4 Environmental Health Offices are responsible for administering permits, performing inspections and investigating complaints for on-site sewage management systems”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Residential construction using a septic tank in Henry County.

    • The county checklist requires a septic permit when the property will use a septic tank; it is not required for a property on sewer.
    • District 4 Environmental Health provides residential septic permit applications and work permits.
    “Septic permit Required when the property will use a septic tank. If the property is on sewer, this item is not required.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage management systems, including new and existing septic systems, in Henry County, Georgia, administered through the District 4 Public Health Henry County Environmental Health Office.
      “District 4 Environmental Health Offices are responsible for administering permits, performing inspections and investigating complaints for on-site sewage management systems”
    • Required — New residential and commercial septic systems and residential septic repairs in Henry County through District 4 Environmental Health.
      “New Residential Septic Permit Application”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Residential septic-system repair or installation in Henry County.

    • Final inspection is required after construction and before final cover.
    • The permit expires 12 months from the date of issue.
    • The system must conform to Georgia DPH Chapter 511-3-1.

    permit validity: 12 months (From date of issue.)

    “I understand that final inspection is required and will notify the County Environmental Health Department upon completion of construction and before applying final cover.”
  • Well permitRequired

    A residential property where a well will serve the property.

    • A water-meter receipt is used for public water service; a well permit is required when a well will serve the property.
    “Water meter receipt or well permit Provide water meter documentation for public water service or a well permit when a well will serve the property.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Non-public and private wells in Henry County.
      “District 4 is responsible for issuing location permits and conducting bacterial analysis for non-public wells.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Residential building-permit submissions requiring water-service or private-well documentation and owner-builder utility connections.

    • A water-meter receipt is required for public water service, or a well permit when a well will serve the property.
    • The homeowner-builder utility affidavit concerns electrical and/or gas service and requires the owner to occupy the residence.
    • Septic documentation is required when the property uses a septic tank; it is not required when on sewer.
    “Provide water meter documentation for public water service or a well permit when a well will serve the property.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Conditional — Residential permit applications where water or wastewater service documentation is required.
      “Water meter receipt or well permit Provide water meter documentation for public water service or a well permit when a well will serve the property.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Lot divisions, lot splits, consolidations, and subdivision-related review in unincorporated Henry County.

    • Lot modification/division is processed as a separate application record when applicable.
    • Minimum lot size, lot width, zoning conditions, variances, and legal access must be checked.
    “For boundary line adjustments, lot splits, or consolidations. Include this section when the project involves a lot modification/division”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Henry County development impact fees for each permitted single-family dwelling or townhouse.

    • The impact fee applies to development and is set by the Henry County Board of Commissioners under Unified Land Development Code Section 8.7.
    • The source states that impact fees are required to be paid before building permit issuance for each permitted single-family dwelling or townhouse.
    • The county page states the impact fee was restored effective July 1, 2026.

    single-family detached housing/townhouse impact fee total: 7085.9 USD (Includes Library $36.94; Parks & Recreation $2,531.42; Greenspace $51.49; Animal Control $42.84; Fire/EMS $405.52; Sheriff $187.98; Police $354.09; E-911 $29.36; Road Improvements $3,446.26)

    “Effective July 1, 2026, the Impact Fee will be restored to $7,085.90.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Henry County residential permitting fee information published by Building and Plan Review.
      “the Impact Fee will be restored to $7,085.90.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential development impact fees associated with Henry County building permits.
      “Effective July 1, 2026, the Impact Fee will be restored to $7,085.90.”
  • Permit processPublished

    Residential permit submissions handled by Henry County Building and Plan Review and Planning and Zoning.

    • Applicants should select the project type associated with the specific SAGESGov application.
    • Applicants should complete only checklist sections applicable to that process.
    • Building permits, land disturbance permits, and lot modification applications may remain separate application records.
    • Incomplete or inaccurate submissions may result in intake denial, review denial, correction requests, and processing delays.
    • The checklist does not replace county codes, approved zoning conditions, construction codes, or other regulatory requirements.
    “Applicants should select the project type associated with the specific SAGESGov application”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential permit submissions handled through the Henry County Building and Plan Review and Planning and Zoning departments.
      “Although the requirements are included in one document for convenience, building permits, land disturbance permits, and lot modification applications may still be processed as separate application records.”
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential building, land-disturbance, lot-modification, addition, and accessory-structure submissions through Henry County SAGESGov.
      “Applicants should select the project type associated with the specific SAGESGov application being submitted and complete only the checklist sections that apply to that process.”

Georgia rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted

    The Georgia mandatory state minimum construction codes, including the International Building Code, International Residential Code for One- and Two-Family Dwellings, International Fire Code, International Plumbing Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, National Electrical Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, apply to construction statewide.

    • Any structure built in Georgia must comply with the mandatory codes whether or not the local government chooses to locally enforce them.
    • Local governments are not required to adopt the mandatory codes, but must adopt administrative procedures to enforce them under O.C.G.A. Section 8-2-25(a).
    • A local government may choose which mandatory codes it will locally enforce.
    • Local amendments cannot be less stringent than the state minimum code; must be based on local climatic, geologic, topographic, or public safety factors; must identify the need for more stringent requirements in legislative findings; and must be submitted to DCA 60 days before proposed adoption.
    • DCA has 60 days after submission to make a recommendation. If DCA recommends against adoption, the local governing body must specifically reject that recommendation before adopting and enforcing the amendment. If DCA does not respond within 60 days, the local government may adopt the amendment. Adopted local amendments must be filed with DCA.
    “As noted above, the building, one and two family dwelling residential, fire, plumbing, mechanical, gas, electrical, energy, and swimming pool codes are mandatory codes, meaning that under Georgia law, any structure built in Georgia must comply with these codes, whether or not the local government chooses to locally enforce these codes. In addition, since Georgia law gives the enumerated codes statewide applicability, it is not required that local governments have to adopt the mandatory codes.”
    5 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction in Henry County subject to Georgia mandatory state minimum codes.
      “The mandatory codes are applicable to all construction whether or not they are locally enforced and the permissive codes are only applicable if a local government chooses to adopt and enforce one or more of these codes.”
    • Adopted — Construction in Henry County subject to Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes.
      “The mandatory codes are applicable to all construction whether or not they are locally enforced”
    • Partial — Georgia permissive state construction codes, including the Disaster Resilient Building Code IBC Appendix, Disaster Resilient Building Code IRC Appendix, International Property Maintenance Code, International Existing Building Code, and National Green Building Standard.
      “The remaining codes are referred to as permissive codes. Unlike the mandatory codes, in order for a local government to enforce one or more of these permissive codes, that code or codes must be adopted, either by ordinance or resolution, by the local jurisdiction. A copy of the ordinance or resolution adopted must be forwarded to DCA (O.C.G.A. Section 8-2-25 (b)).”
    • Partial — Georgia construction, including residential construction, under the statewide State Minimum Standard Codes framework.
      “The mandatory codes are applicable to all construction whether or not they are locally enforced and the permissive codes are only applicable if a local government chooses to adopt and enforce one or more of these codes.”
    • Adopted — Georgia construction, including residential construction in unincorporated county areas.
      “The mandatory codes are applicable to all construction whether or not they are locally enforced”
  • InspectionsLimited

    Inspection and enforcement of state minimum standard construction codes by Georgia local governments.

    • Local governments must adopt reasonable administrative provisions to administer and enforce the state minimum standard codes.
    • Those provisions should include procedures for code enforcement, hearings, appeals from local inspectors, and other procedures necessary for local administration and enforcement.
    • Local-government enforcement powers include inspecting buildings and other structures to ensure code compliance.
    • If a local government chooses to locally enforce any state minimum code, it must enforce the latest editions and DCA-adopted amendments.
    • Local amendments must satisfy the Uniform Codes Act requirements, including that requirements cannot be less stringent than the state minimum code and proposed amendments must be submitted to DCA 60 days before proposed adoption.
    “Inspecting buildings and other structures to ensure compliance with the code;”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Certificate-of-occupancy issuance for Georgia construction projects where the applicable county or municipality requires or administers one.

    • Only a local governing authority may issue a certificate of occupancy.
    • Inspections may be necessary or required for issuance according to the governing authority's requirements.
    • The cited state materials do not establish a certificate-of-occupancy requirement for every building statewide.
    “Only a local governing authority shall be authorized to issue a certificate of occupancy.”
  • Zoning districtsPartial

    Georgia zoning authority and local zoning-district systems.

    • The state source establishes local-government authority to use zoning but does not publish the zoning districts for any particular parcel, county, or municipality.
    • The applicable zoning ordinance and district must be identified from the parcel's county or municipality.
    “It contains the Zoning Procedures Law which gives local governments the authority to use zoning to manage development activities.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Partial — Zoning regulation and zoning districts used to manage development activities in Georgia.
      “It contains the Zoning Procedures Law which gives local governments the authority to use zoning to manage development activities.”
  • Tiny homesLimited

    Site-built or modular tiny homes used as single-family dwelling units in Georgia.

    • Tiny homes that are modular dwellings or site-built dwellings are subject to the applicable Georgia building codes.
    • A tiny home must be approved for siting by the applicable local government; local zoning controls land use, location, height, width, foundation type, stories, and minimum lot or building size.
    • The 2020 Georgia IRC Appendix Q tiny-house provisions are not mandatory unless specifically referenced in the adopted local ordinance.
    • This claim does not establish statewide permission for RV-based or manufactured-home tiny homes, which are subject to different standards.

    tiny house floor area: <= 400 square feet or less, excluding lofts · minimum habitable room size referenced in Georgia amendment: >= 70 square feet (source fact sheet describes the 2012 IRC amendment; current local adoption and code edition must be confirmed)

    “Tiny homes are dwelling units and therefore they are subject to the same building code regulations as any other traditional site-built or stick-built home.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Occupancy of manufactured homes installed in Georgia.

    • The home must qualify as a manufactured dwelling unit and satisfy applicable HUD standards.
    • A licensed installer must obtain the Georgia installation permit for each new or pre-owned manufactured home.
    • The installation must comply with state manufactured-housing rules, including inspection and reporting requirements before release of the completed home set for occupancy.
    • Local zoning, siting, utility, and other lawful local requirements may still affect whether a particular parcel may contain the home.

    minimum manufactured-home size: >= 320 square feet · manufactured-home installation permit fee: 60 USD per home · installation report deadline: 3 business days before completion and release for occupancy

    “Installers must purchase a permit from the Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner's Office for each new or pre-owned manufactured home installed in Georgia.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Off-grid sanitation using privies, approved alternative onsite sewage systems, or certified composting toilets in Georgia.

    • Privies must meet the Manual's minimum design and construction criteria.
    • Alternative onsite sewage systems must be approved by the Department and meet the Manual's minimum design and construction criteria.
    • Composting toilets must be certified by the National Sanitation Foundation to current Standard 41 or certified by the manufacturer as meeting a nationally recognized standard.
    • Applicable County Board of Health permits and inspections remain required where the system is an onsite sewage management system.
    “composting toilets may be considered”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Bona fide agricultural and/or timber property qualifying for Georgia conservation-use current-use assessment.

    • The property must be devoted to a qualifying conservation use.
    • The property must be maintained in a qualifying use for ten years.
    • The owner must file the application with the county board of tax assessors by the county deadline for filing ad valorem tax returns.
    • This is a property-tax assessment benefit and does not itself establish an exemption from local zoning or building regulations.

    assessment basis: 40 percent of current use value · minimum covenant period: >= 10 years

    “Real property that is devoted to bona fide conservation uses is assessed at 40% of its current use value.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Farm buildings or structures qualifying under Georgia law for exemption from the state minimum standard building codes.
      “exempts such buildings from the state minimum standard building codes.”
    • Available (with conditions) — Crop-management and animal-husbandry practices involved in producing agricultural or farm products on private property in Georgia.
      “regulating crop management or animal husbandry practices involved in the production of agricultural or farm products on any private property.”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Construction or non-routine maintenance involving driveways or other permit work within a Georgia State Highway Right-of-Way.

    • Applications must be made at the appropriate GDOT District office.
    • Commercial driveway applications go to the District Traffic Operations Office.
    • Residential driveway and temporary-use driveway applications go to the District Area Office.
    • The applicant must be the property owner, lessor, or authorized representative of the entity owning or leasing the abutting property; lease and written-authorization conditions apply as stated in the manual.
    • Commercial or special encroachment applications may also be submitted through GPAS AMPS.
    “A permit is required prior to performing any construction work or non-routine maintenance within the State Highway Right-of-Way.”
  • Building in a floodplainLimited

    Development in flood-prone areas in Georgia communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program.

    • NFIP participation is voluntary.
    • Floodplain management ordinances are administered by the communities, not uniformly by the state.
    • Georgia EPD recommends model ordinances for participating communities; proposed ordinances are to be populated with community-specific information and locally adopted.
    • The parcel-specific floodplain status and applicable local ordinance were not determined.
    “The maps and products are used by the communities to administer their floodplain management ordinances.”
  • Short-term rentalsLimited

    Property-management services for Georgia properties available for less than 90 days' occupancy by guests or occupants; this is a conditional exemption from Chapter 40 of Title 43 and does not eliminate applicable zoning, tax, licensing, permit, or other local requirements.

    • The property manager must enter into a written agreement with the owner specifying all management terms and conditions, reporting of income and expenses, and remitting income to the owner.
    • The management agreement must not allow the property manager to rent or lease the property, and the guest or occupant agreement must not be a lease or rental agreement.
    • Applicable zoning laws must not prohibit short-term occupancy uses of the property.
    • The guest's or occupant's occupancy must be for less than 90 days.
    • No deposit may exceed the cost of the rental required for the minimum rental period.
    • The guest or occupant must pay required state or local sales taxes or excise taxes on rooms, lodgings, and accommodations, and the property manager must have required state or local business licenses or permits.
    • The property manager must have authority to specify the rooms or units the guest or occupant will occupy.
    • No extra charge may be made for basic utilities.
    • Notice is not required for a guest or occupant to terminate occupancy of the room or unit, except as provided under Article 1 of Chapter 21 of Title 43.
    • The room or unit must not be the guest's or occupant's permanent residence.
    • The cited enactment concerns exemption from real-estate-broker licensing requirements; it is not a statewide authorization overriding local short-term-rental ordinances or private restrictions.

    maximum occupancy duration: < 90 days (The condition requires occupancy for less than 90 days.)

    “(a) Except as otherwise provided, this chapter shall not apply to: [...] (11) Any person who provides property management services on properties available for less than 90 days' occupancy by guests or occupants and meets all of the following conditions:”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Georgia counties exercising zoning power over unincorporated areas within their territorial boundaries.

    • The Zoning Procedures Law confirms local-government zoning authority generally; it does not require a local government to exercise zoning power.
    • For counties, territorial boundaries are the unincorporated areas and certain areas defined in O.C.G.A. § 36-70-2(5.1).
    • County zoning ordinances and zoning decisions remain subject to the statutory minimum procedures, including public-hearing and notice requirements.
    • The statute defines zoning to include districting property for various uses, prohibiting other uses within zones or districts, and regulating development and improvement of real estate within those zones or districts.
    “While recognizing and confirming the authority of local governments to exercise zoning power within their respective territorial boundaries [...] “Local government” means any county or municipality”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Georgia counties administering and enforcing state minimum construction codes, including residential construction in unincorporated areas.

    • Local governments must adopt reasonable administrative provisions for administering and enforcing state minimum standard codes.
    • Those administrative powers include inspecting buildings, employing inspectors and other personnel, requiring permits and establishing permit charges, and contracting with other local governments for code enforcement.
    • A local government may choose which mandatory state codes it locally enforces, but any mandatory code locally enforced must use the latest edition and DCA amendments.
    • Local amendments may not be less stringent than the state minimum code, must be based on local climatic, geologic, topographic, or public-safety factors, require legislative findings identifying the need, and must be submitted to DCA 60 days before proposed adoption.
    • Local amendments must be filed with DCA after adoption.
    “These powers include: [...] Requiring permits and to establishment charges for said permits; and Contracting with other local governments for code enforcement.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Local zoning across Henry County, including incorporated municipalities.
  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling-size requirements in unincorporated Henry County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in unincorporated Henry County.
  • Building height — Building-height requirements in unincorporated Henry County.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy on private land.
2 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Accessory dwellings

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Henry County, Georgia

Is Henry County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Henry County scores 44/100 on the Bolthole Index, a marginal county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics: 51.1″/yr rainfall and 68.4% wooded land and mixed durability signals. Watch-outs: about 719,600 people within a 30-minute drive.

Do you need a building permit in Henry County, Georgia?

Henry County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by District 4 Public Health, Environmental Health (serving Henry County). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Henry County, Georgia?

Land in Henry County runs about $8,949 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Henry County?

Henry County gets about 51.1" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 16.2% of years.

How remote is Henry County?

A representative private-land location has about 719,600 people within a 30-minute drive and 8,735,609 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Henry compares in Georgia

Compare side-by-side →See all 159 Georgia counties ranked →