Putnam County, GA: Owner-Builder Allowed

Unincorporated Putnam County, Georgia requires building permits for agricultural, residential and commercial construction, including additions, accessory structures and manufactured homes¹. Putnam County also administers zoning and subdivision reviews²³. The County Health Department handles septic construction permits and inspections under Georgia rules⁴⁵. Georgia's owner-builder license exemption does not waive local permits, codes or zoning⁶.

At a glance

Building permit: Required for agricultural, residential and commercial construction, including manufactured homes¹
Zoning: Yes; residential setbacks vary by location and structure type⁷
Septic permit: Required before developing a site that will use septic; issued after a favorable county site inspection⁸
Owner-builder: You can build your own home without a Georgia contractor's license, but local permits and zoning still apply⁶
Short-term rental: Allowed after a rental certificate and occupation tax certificate are issued and applicable taxes are paid⁹
Manufactured home: Needs a state installation permit from a licensed installer, plus the county building permit¹⁰¹
Tiny home: Allowed as a matter of right in the MHP manufactured home park district; elsewhere treated as a regular dwelling under Georgia's building code and subject to local zoning¹¹¹²
Land splits: County review covers final plats, minor subdivisions and preliminary plats; a development/subdivision permit applies at five or more parcels³

Who to call

Building permits

Putnam County Planning and Development

Building, sign, site plan and land-disturbance permits, final plats, minor subdivisions, zoning compliance, occupational and home-occupation licenses for unincorporated Putnam County

706-485-2776

117 Putnam Drive, Suite B, Eatonton, GA 31024

Planning & zoning

Putnam County Planning & Zoning Commission

Hears and recommends zoning map amendments, conditional use permits and text amendments, and decides building setback variances for Putnam County

Putnam County Administration Building, Room 203, 117 Putnam Drive, Eatonton, GA 31024

Septic permits

Putnam County Health Department — Environmental Health

Septic (on-site sewage) system permitting and inspection, private well guidance, and general environmental health for Putnam County

(706) 485-8591

117 Putnam Drive, Suite C, Eatonton, GA 31024

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Putnam County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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

Yes. Putnam County requires building permits for agricultural, residential and commercial construction, including additions, remodels, new construction, accessory structures, manufactured homes, modular homes and relocated homes¹. Contractors must submit a state contractor's license and an occupational tax certificate with each permit¹. The county's published residential schedule charges $0.40 per square foot of enclosed space, $0.35 for garage, storage-building or barn space, and $0.25 for porches, decks or open sheds; separate trade fees may apply¹³. Georgia's mandatory construction codes apply statewide whether or not each code is locally enforced¹⁴. Georgia's owner-builder license exemption does not waive Putnam County permits, inspections, codes or zoning⁶.

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

For building, sign, site plan and land-disturbance permits, plus zoning compliance, contact Putnam County Planning and Development at 117 Putnam Drive, Suite B, Eatonton, GA 31024, phone 706-485-2776¹⁵. Most Planning and Development applications can be filed through the GeoPermits online portal, although some still require email or hand delivery¹⁶. The department also handles final plats, minor subdivisions, occupational licenses and home-occupation licenses¹⁵. Zoning cases such as map amendments, conditional-use permits and building setback variances go before the Putnam County Planning & Zoning Commission at the Putnam County Administration Building, Room 203, 117 Putnam Drive, Eatonton, GA 31024¹⁷. For septic and well questions, contact Putnam County Health Department's Environmental Health section at 117 Putnam Drive, Suite C, Eatonton, GA 31024, phone (706) 485-8591¹⁸.

Does Putnam County have zoning?

Yes. Putnam County administers planning and zoning for the county and the City of Eatonton². For residential-zoned property, the published diagram shows a 30-foot front setback, 50 feet on a main arterial or state highway, 20-foot side setbacks, 15-foot side setbacks for accessory structures, a 15-foot rear setback off-lake, and 65 feet from the nearest point of a lake⁷. In the R-1, R-1R and R-2 single-family districts, a lot on an individual well and septic needs at least 1.1 acres off-lake and 1.5 acres on-lake, and smaller lots are allowed with public water or sewer¹⁹²⁰²¹. Confirm the parcel's district and applicability with Planning and Development before designing; an administrative setback variance cannot exceed 25% of the applicable minimum²². Putnam County reviews final plats and minor subdivisions³. Short-term vacation rentals are allowed after issuance of a rental certificate and occupation tax certificate and payment of applicable state and county taxes⁹.

How do septic permits work in Putnam County?

Putnam County septic permits run through the County Health Department under Georgia Department of Public Health rules, with the County Board of Health handling site and final inspections⁴. A construction permit is required before physical development or installation on a site that will use septic, and issuance requires a favorable site inspection⁸. The permit remains valid for no more than 12 months⁸. New systems and repairs to malfunctioning systems are subject to inspection⁵. Public or community sewer generally must be used when available within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting public right-of-way, subject to limited exceptions²³. Only 38.8% of Putnam County soils avoid a severe USDA limitation rating for a conventional septic drain field, so make county site approval a purchase contingency²⁴.

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

We could not confirm a Putnam County rule on long-term RV occupancy or temporary camping on ordinary residential or agricultural land, so ask Planning and Development whether the parcel's district permits either use²¹⁵. The zoning code does address two cases. In the MHP Manufactured Home Park District, tiny homes are an allowed use as a matter of right and recreational vehicles are allowed for less than 30 days¹¹²⁵. In areas of special flood hazard, a recreational vehicle must be on site fewer than 180 consecutive days and be road-ready, or else meet the elevation and anchoring rules for new construction²⁶. Outside the MHP district, a site-built or modular tiny home is a dwelling subject to applicable Georgia building codes, while local zoning controls its site and dimensions¹². We could not confirm a countywide minimum dwelling size; one R-1 rezoning approval imposed parcel-specific minimums of 1,200 square feet for a site-built or modular home and 1,000 square feet for a manufactured home, but those conditions do not establish a rule for other parcels²⁷. Manufactured homes require a Putnam County building permit and state-compliant installation, and the county documents an inspection for pre-owned units¹¹⁰²⁸.

How do you build a home in Putnam County, Georgia?

Ask Putnam County Planning and Development to identify the parcel's zoning, allowed use and applicable setbacks²¹⁵.
Ask Putnam County Environmental Health whether sewer is available or the site may use septic; sewer is generally required when service is within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting public right-of-way²³.
If the site may use septic, obtain the County Health Department's construction permit before physical development or installation⁸.
Submit the county building-permit application, using GeoPermits if available; contractors must provide license and occupational-tax documents¹⁶¹.
For a private well, have the well contractor contact the county health department in advance and ask whether a well-construction permit is required²⁹.
Arrange building and trade inspections with Planning and Development; we could not confirm the inspection sequence for every building type³⁰¹⁵.
Complete the required septic inspection before using the system⁵.
For access onto a state highway, obtain the applicable GDOT right-of-way permit before construction³¹.

What should you check before buying land in Putnam County?

Terrain and clearing matter: about 67.7% of Putnam County is at a slope of 15% or less, while 78.5% is wooded³²³³. Putnam County averages 46.7 inches of precipitation annually and has experienced severe drought in about 15.8% of years³⁴³⁵. The nearest city with at least 100,000 people is about 41 miles from the county center³⁶. The typical effective property-tax rate is 0.7%, and the median annual property-tax bill is $1,604³⁷³⁸. Farmland averages about $4,713 per acre, the typical home value is about $419,703, and a typical annual homeowner's insurance premium is about $1,718³⁹⁴⁰⁴¹. Only 38.8% of county soils avoid a severe USDA limitation rating for conventional septic drain fields, so make site approval a purchase contingency²⁴. Check flood status and the locally administered floodplain ordinance for the parcel, and confirm whether access is from a county road or a state highway⁴²³¹.

Watch-outs

Putnam County's published residential setbacks change for highways, lakes and accessory structures, so confirm which standard applies before siting a building⁷¹⁵.
Putnam County building permits cover agricultural, residential and commercial construction, including manufactured homes; a qualifying farm-building code exemption does not itself waive zoning or other local requirements¹⁴³.
We could not confirm a Putnam County rule on living in an RV outside the MHP manufactured home park district, where RV stays are limited to under 30 days, so don't assume you can live in an RV on your land until Planning and Development confirms it for your zoning district²⁵¹⁵.
Putnam County publishes residential building fees by floor area, but electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other permit fees can be separate¹³.

Sources

Written October 9, 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.

Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Putnam County requires a building permit for a home.

Rule	Putnam County	Greene County	Baldwin County	Jasper County	Hancock County	Morgan County	Jones County
Building permit	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required	Required
County zoning	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Septic permits	County Env. Health Dept.	County Env. Health	County Env. Health	County Env. Health Dept.	County Env. Health Dept.	Northeast Health District Env. Health	County Env. Health Dept.

How Putnam County scores

Seclusion46100% ev.

Self-Sufficiency65100% ev.

Admin Boringness44100% ev.

Durability57100% ev.

Property Autonomy56100% ev.

Carry Cost7096% 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 →

$420kTypical home

0.7%Property tax

$4,713Land / acre

46.7"Annual rain

15.8% of yrsSevere drought

17.3 / yr (+14.9)Mid-century 100°F days

15.3 daysMid-century dry spell

2.01" (+6.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain

1.34×Wildfire change factor

100%Forward climate coverage

$1,718Home insurance / yr

-0.2% / yrInsurance growth

0.9%Nonrenewal rate

single ZIP shrunk to state medianInsurance basis

20,853People within 30 min

7,503,791People within 2 hr

35,545Radius comparison (15 mi)

67.1People / sq mi

6.8%Federal land

67.7%Land at 15% slope or less

38.8%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)

82,625 acWorkable land screen

78.5%Wooded land

46.5 tonsBiomass / forest ac

63.2°FAvg temp

Answers from the rulebook for Putnam County

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

Putnam County rules

Building permitRequired
Agricultural, residential, and commercial construction handled by Putnam County.
- Includes additions, remodels, new construction, accessory structures, manufactured homes, DCA modular homes, and existing home relocation.
- Contractors must submit a State Contractor's License and an Occupational Tax Certificate with each permit.
“Building permits are required for any agricultural, residential or commercial construction which includes any additions, remodels, new construction, accessory structures (including storage buildings, carports, barns, detached garages, swimming pools, etc.), manufactured homes, DCA modular homes and existing home relocation.”
Contact Us - Permit Information ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — Agricultural, residential, and commercial construction in Putnam County, including additions, remodels, new construction, accessory structures, manufactured homes, DCA modular homes, and existing-home relocation.
  “Building permits are required for any agricultural, residential or commercial construction which includes any additions, remodels, new construction, accessory structures”
  Contact Us — Permit Information ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
InspectionsLimited
Inspections documented for pre-owned manufactured homes in Putnam County.
- The county form contains an inspection checklist and requires inspection approval or denial; this source does not establish a universal inspection schedule for every building type.
“Inspection Date_______________ Inspected by: ________________________________________________ Putnam County Building Inspector”
Manufactured Home Requirements ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)
County zoning administration in Putnam County.
- The county page identifies zoning administration, rezoning, variances, conditional uses, plats, development site plans, and zoning compliance; parcel-specific applicability must be confirmed with Planning and Development.
“The Zoning Division is responsible for the processing of rezoning, variance, conditional use, preliminary and final plat applications, and development site plans.”
Planning and Development ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Present (with conditions) — Planning and zoning administration for Putnam County and the City of Eatonton.
  “The Planning and Zoning Department is responsible for the current and long-range planning activities which guide the orderly growth and development of Putnam County and the City of Eatonton.”
  Planning and Development | Putnam County, GA ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Zoning districtsPartial
Publication and administration of Putnam County zoning districts and zoning-map-related applications.
- The county provides an official Code of Ordinances link and directs applicants to contact Planning and Development to locate property zoning.
- The current district schedule and numeric controls were not extracted.
“To locate the zoning of your property please contact the Planning and Development department at 706-485-2776.”
Zoning Administration ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified
A specific R-1-zoned parcel considered by the Putnam County Planning and Zoning Commission in the cited rezoning matter.
- The cited approval imposed parcel-specific conditions: the minimum site-built or modular home size was 1,200 square feet.
- The cited approval imposed a 1,000-square-foot minimum for manufactured homes.
- The cited approval also prohibited campgrounds on the property.
- This source does not establish a countywide minimum dwelling size for every zoning district or parcel.
minimum site-built or modular home size: >= 1200 square feet · minimum manufactured home size: >= 1000 square feet
“Staff recommendation is for approval with the following conditions: 1.)The minimum size site built or modular home shall be 1,200 square feet; 2.) The minimum size manufactured home shall be 1000 square feet and; 3.) No campgrounds shall be allowed.”
Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Minimum lot sizeSpecified
Minimum lot size in the R-1 Single-Family Residential District.
- Individual well and septic: off-lake 47,916 square feet (1.1 acre); on-lake 65,340 square feet (1.5 acres).
- Public well and septic: off-lake 30,000 square feet (.69 acre); on-lake 36,250 square feet (.83 acre).
- Individual well and sewer: off-lake 30,000 square feet (.69 acre); on-lake 36,250 square feet (.83 acre).
- Public well and sewer: 20,000 square feet (.46 acre).
- The section lists ordinances dated 2007-07-17, 2012-04-17, 2013-09-17, 2020-12-04, 2021-12-03, and 2024-06-25.
off-lake individual well and septic: 47916 square feet (1.1 acre) · on-lake individual well and septic: 65340 square feet (1.5 acre) · off-lake public well and septic: 30000 square feet (0.69 acre) · on-lake public well and septic: 36250 square feet (0.83 acre) · off-lake individual well and sewer: 30000 square feet (0.69 acre) · on-lake individual well and sewer: 36250 square feet (0.83 acre) · public well and sewer: 20000 square feet (0.46 acre)
“Off-lake lot: 47,916 square feet (1.1 acre). [...] Public well and sewer: 20,000 square feet (.46 acre).”
Sec. 66-82. Development standards ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Specified — Minimum lot size in the R-1R Single-Family Residential Restricted District.
  “Off-lake lot: 47,916 square feet (1.1 acre). [...] Public well and sewer: 20,000 square feet (.46 acre).”
  Sec. 66-79. Development standards ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
- Specified — Minimum lot size in the R-2 Single-Family Residential District.
  “Off-lake lot: 47,916 square feet (1.1 acre). [...] Public well and sewer: 20,000 square feet (.46 acre).”
  Sec. 66-85. Development standards ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
SetbacksSpecified
Residential-zoned property subject to the Putnam County Planning and Development residential setback diagram and standards.
- Front setback is 30 feet from the front property line.
- Front setback is 50 feet on a main arterial or state highway.
- Side setbacks are 20 feet from each side property line.
- Accessory structures such as garages and sheds have a 15-foot side setback.
- Rear setback is 15 feet when the property is not on a lake.
- Lake setback is 65 feet from the nearest point to the lake.
- The source does not state whether these standards apply inside incorporated municipalities; confirm municipal applicability separately.
front setback: 30 feet (50 feet on a main arterial or state highway) · side setback: 20 feet (15 feet for accessory structures only) · rear setback: 15 feet (if not on lake) · lake setback: 65 feet (from the nearest point to the lake)
“Residential zoned setbacks: 30 ft. off front property line 50 ft. off front property line on main arterial or state highway 20 ft. off each side property lines 15 ft. off each side property lines for accessory structures only (garage, shed, etc.) 15 ft. off rear property line if not on lake 65 ft. from the nearest point to the lake”
putnamcountyga.us ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Specified — A Putnam County Planning and Zoning Commission matter for Lot 11, Southland Drive, Map 053C, Parcel 208, presently zoned R-2; the minutes addressed side-yard setbacks for a pavilion and storage/work shed and a rear-yard variance measured from Lake Sinclair.
  “Mr. Yearwood is requesting a 35 ft. rear yard variance to allow the pavilion to be 65 ft. from the nearest point of the lake.”
  Planning and Zoning Commission Minutes ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- District specific (with conditions) — Putnam County zoning development standards governing front, side, rear, and yard areas adjacent to a public street; the actual minimum varies by applicable zoning or development standard.
  “The authority to grant such variance shall be limited to variance from the following requirements: a. Front, side, rear, or yard adjacent to the public street – variance not to exceed 25 percent of the minimum requirement.”
  Application for Administrative Variance ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Living in an RVLimited
Recreational vehicles placed in areas of special flood hazard in Putnam County.
- The rule applies where base flood elevation data are available.
- A recreational vehicle may instead be fully licensed and ready for highway use, meaning it is licensed, on its wheels or jacking system, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, with no permanently attached structures or additions.
- Alternatively, the recreational vehicle must meet all new-construction requirements, including anchoring and elevation requirements.
- The ordinance also states that floodway encroachments are prohibited unless required hydrologic and hydraulic analysis demonstrates no increase in flood levels or floodway widths.
site duration: < 180 consecutive days (Alternative compliance paths are provided for highway-ready vehicles and vehicles meeting new-construction requirements.)
“Be on the site for fewer than 180 consecutive days;”
Sec. 34-30. Specific standards ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Recreational-vehicle occupancy in the MHP Manufactured Home Park District.
  “Recreational vehicles, less than 30 days.”
  Sec. 66-87. Uses allowed ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)
Tiny-home occupancy in the MHP Manufactured Home Park District.
- Tiny homes are allowed as a matter of right in MHP, subject to section 66-34, article III performance standards, and the MHP district requirements and development standards.
- Uses not listed are not permitted in this district, except as provided in section 66-36.
- The section was amended by ordinances dated 2020-12-04 and 2024-06-25.
“The uses allowed in the MHP zoning district as a matter of right are subject to section 66-34 , general requirements of this article, to performance standards of article III, and to the requirements and development standards of this district. Uses not listed herein are not permitted in this district, except as provided in section 66-36 , undefined uses, of this article. Consult article III, performance standards, or the other zoning districts if the use you seek is not listed in this district. (a) Allowed uses. Dwelling, manufactured homes. Dwelling, single-family detached dwelling for exclusive use of owner/manager residing on site. Dwelling, tiny homes. Recreational vehicles, less than 30 days.”
Sec. 66-87. Uses allowed ↗Re-checked Oct 9, 2026
Who permits septicMixed (with conditions)
On-site sewage management systems in Putnam County, Georgia.
- Georgia DPH Chapter 511-3-1 supplies the statewide regulatory framework.
- The County Health Department and County Board of Health issue, approve, deny, and inspect on-site sewage permits.
- The rules exclude systems under Department of Natural Resources jurisdiction, public or community sewage treatment systems, and systems subject to shared-jurisdiction agreements.
“On-site sewage management system construction permits shall be issued only after a site inspection by the County Board of Health”
Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems, Section A – Rules ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Mixed (with conditions) — On-site sewage systems in Putnam County administered locally under Georgia Department of Public Health rules.
  “On-site sewage management system construction permits shall be issued only after a site inspection by the County Board of Health shows favorable findings relative to absorption rates, soil characteristics, groundwater, rock, and any other factors which would affect the acceptability of the lot.”
  Onsite Sewage ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- Mixed (with conditions) — On-site sewage management in Putnam County.
  “without having first obtained from the County Health Department a construction permit for the installation of an onsite sewage management system.”
  Onsite Sewage ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Septic permitRequired
Physical development or installation of an on-site sewage management system in Putnam County where the system will be used.
- A construction permit must be obtained before physical development or installation.
- The completed written application must be approved or disapproved within 20 days.
- The application includes owner/applicant information, property location, plans and specifications, facility type, utilities and trash pits, bedroom/person or flow data, soil characteristics, applicant signature, and other suitability information.
- The County Board of Health may waive part of the application information when sufficient information is already available.
- If public sewer is available within 200 feet of the property line or in an abutting public right-of-way, connection is generally required; a limited exception exists for certain failing residential systems under 2,000 gallons per day.
- Permits may be denied or revoked for unsuitable lots or noncompliance and remain valid for no more than 12 months.
- For tracts of at least 3 acres, conventional or chamber systems may be used when percolation does not exceed 120 minutes per inch; greater rates require a special soil study and licensed-engineer site plan demonstrating the limitation can be overcome.
application decision time: <= 20 days (after receipt of a completed application) · construction permit validity: <= 12 months (from date of issue) · percolation threshold for conventional or chamber systems on tracts of at least 3 acres: <= 120 minutes per inch (greater rates require the stated special study and engineer site plan) · public sewer connection distance: <= 200 feet (from property line or an abutting public right-of-way)
“nor install an on-site sewage management system or component thereof, without having first obtained from the County Health Department a construction permit”
Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems, Section A – Rules ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Required — On-site sewage management system construction in Putnam County.
  “No person may begin the physical development of a lot or structure where an on-site sewage management system will be utilized, nor install an on-site sewage management system or component thereof, without having first obtained from the County Health Department a construction permit for the installation of an onsite sewage management system.”
  On-Site Sewage Management Systems Manual ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
Septic inspectionRequired
On-site sewage management systems in Putnam County before operation, backfilling, or use.
- All systems must be inspected before being put into operation.
- The inspection request must provide contractor/installer contact information, owner name, property location, installation permit number, directions, and the time the system will be ready.
- The installer must have a copy of the installation permit on site; otherwise the inspection is discontinued and rescheduled.
- No person may backfill or use the system until final inspection and written approval by the County Board of Health.
- The final inspection report must be provided to the owner, builder, developer, or agent.
- Repairs, replacements, and additions to existing systems must also be permitted and inspected.
“All on-site sewage management systems must be inspected before they are put into operation.”
Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems, Section K – Field Inspections ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)
Subdivision and plat approval in Putnam County.
- The county planning department processes final plats and minor subdivisions.
- The fee schedule identifies a development/subdivision permit for subdivisions with five or more parcels.
- Preliminary and final plat approval processes and inspections are separately listed.
subdivision permit threshold: >= 5 parcels (development/subdivision permit)
“Development/subdivision permit (this applies to subdivisions with 5 or more parcels of property.)”
Planning and Development ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and plat activity in Putnam County.
  “The department is responsible for making administrative decisions on the following types of requests: Sign Permit Building Permit Site Plan Permit Land Disturbance Permit Final Plat Minor Subdivision Zoning Compliance Occupational License Home Occupation License”
  Planning and Development | Putnam County, GA ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- Regulated (with conditions) — Final plats, minor subdivisions, preliminary plats, and related subdivision approvals handled by Putnam County Planning and Development; the department also handles City of Eatonton permitting under an SSD agreement.
  “The department is responsible for making administrative decisions on the following types of requests: [...] Final Plat Minor Subdivision Zoning Compliance”
  Planning and Development ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Short-term rentalsAllowed (with conditions)
Short-term vacation rentals in Putnam County.
- A short-term vacation rental certificate is required.
- An occupation tax certificate is required.
- Applicable state and county taxes must be paid.
- The county application page identifies the short-term vacation rental ordinance as effective September 1, 2023.
“Putnam County allows short-term vacation rentals to be offered to the public for rental following issuance of a short-term vacation rental certificate, receipt of an occupation tax certificate, and payment of any applicable state and county taxes.”
Approved Locations | Putnam County, GA ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
One more reviewed finding on this topic
- Limited — Short-term vacation rentals in Putnam County.
  “Short Term Vacation Rental Ordinance - Effective September 1, 2023”
  Administration Applications and Forms ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026
Permit feesPublished (with conditions)
Putnam County residential, manufactured-home, modular-home, multi-family, alteration/remodel, and permanent residential swimming-pool building permits covered by the county Planning and Development fee schedule.
- The source is a Putnam County Planning & Development document marked “Revised 10-1-23”; that revision stamp is not treated as an effective date.
- For fee calculation, floor area is the gross overall outside area of a building at each story, including all portions under roof.
- When a building permit fee is paid for a new building or addition, separate permits and fees are not required for fences, walls, awnings, masonry fence walls, site work, or other components normal to building construction.
- Separate fees are required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, miscellaneous, or other permits shown elsewhere in the schedule.
- Residential enclosed area is $0.40 per square foot or fractional part thereof for each story below and above grade; garage, storage building, or barn space is $0.35 per square foot; porches, decks, or open shed space are $0.25 per square foot.
- Manufactured-home enclosed residential space is $0.35 per square foot; garage, storage building, or barn space is $0.35 per square foot; porches, decks, or open shed space are $0.25 per square foot.
- Modular-home and multi-family enclosed residential space is $0.40 per square foot; garage, storage building, or barn space is $0.35 per square foot; porches, decks, or open shed space are $0.25 per square foot.
- Alterations, including major repair to buildings or other structures, are $6.00 for each $1,000 of estimated cost or fractional part thereof.
- Permanent residential swimming-pool installations above or in-ground, including fencing, are $125.
residential enclosed area fee: per 0.4 USD per square foot (each story below and above grade; fractional square feet included) · residential garage, storage building, or barn fee: per 0.35 USD per square foot · residential porch, deck, or open shed fee: per 0.25 USD per square foot · manufactured-home enclosed residential fee: per 0.35 USD per square foot (each story below and above grade; fractional square feet included) · modular-home enclosed residential fee: per 0.4 USD per square foot (each story below and above grade; fractional square feet included) · multi-family enclosed residential fee: per 0.4 USD per square foot (each story below and above grade; fractional square feet included) · alteration or remodel fee: per 6 USD per $1,000 of estimated cost (fractional $1,000 included) · permanent residential swimming-pool installation fee: 125 USD (includes fencing; above-ground or in-ground)
“Building Permits (Residential) Residential Fee For each square foot of enclosed area or fractional part thereof residential space, foreach story below and above grade .40 For each square foot of garage, storage building, or barn space .35 For each square foot of porches, decks, or open shed space .25”
Residential/Modular Building Permit Application and Building Permits Fee Schedule ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
2 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Published (with conditions) — County planning, zoning, building, manufactured-home, modular-home, trade, inspection, and related permit fees listed in the county schedule.
  “Schedule of Fees Effective 1/1/2021 [...] For each square foot of garage, storage building, or barn space $0.30 [...] Minimum fee for any permit $55.00”
  Putnam County Planning & Development Schedule of Fees ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
- Published (with conditions) — Putnam County residential, manufactured-home, modular-home, multifamily, alteration/remodel, and related building permits covered by the county fee schedule.
  “For each square foot of enclosed area or fractional part thereof residential space, foreach story below and above grade .40 For each square foot of garage, storage building, or barn space .35 For each square foot of porches, decks, or open shed space .25”
  Residential/Modular Building Permit and Building Permit Fees ↗Re-checked Oct 6, 2026
Permit processPublished (with conditions)
County planning and development permit applications in Putnam County.
- Most applications may be submitted through the GeoPermits online portal.
- Applicants must select Georgia and Putnam County, Georgia in the portal.
- Required fields and document uploads cannot be left blank.
- Some applications must be submitted manually by email or hand delivery.
“For your convenience, we now offer online permitting for most applications.”
Applications and Forms ↗Re-checked Sep 30, 2026

Georgia rules that apply here

Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)
An owner building the owner's own home in Georgia, as an exemption from the state residential/general contractor licensing requirement.
- The exemption concerns contractor licensure and does not waive local building codes, permits, inspections, zoning, or other requirements administered by the authority having jurisdiction.
- The Georgia Secretary of State directs owners to check with the applicable local authority for all required local building codes and regulations.
“Georgia does not require that you hold a license to build your own home; [...] comply with all required local building codes and regulations.”
Residential and Commercial General Contractors Frequently Asked Questions ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
4 more reviewed findings on this topic
- Adopted (with conditions) — Georgia mandatory state minimum construction codes applicable in Putnam County.
  “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.”
  Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 29, 2026
- 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)).”
  Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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.”
  Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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”
  Mandatory and Permissive State Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
dca.georgia.gov ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
Manufactured Housing ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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”
Manual for On-Site Sewage Management Systems ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Well permitLimited
Domestic and other water-well construction in Georgia.
- All water wells must comply with the Water Well Standards Act.
- A water-well contractor must contact the local county health department in advance for site review.
- Certain county health departments require a well-construction permit before construction.
- Agricultural irrigation wells require a Letter of Concurrence before drilling begins.
- Well Construction Data must be sent to the owner and local health department within 30 days after completion.
well construction data submission deadline: <= 30 days after completion
“certain county health departments require well construction permits prior to well construction”
Water Well Standards ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
Mandatory utility hookupSewer (with conditions)
Buildings, residences, and properties designed or intended for human occupancy or congregation in Georgia when a public or community sewage treatment system is available.
- Connection is required when a public or community sewage treatment system is available within 200 feet of the property line or in a public right-of-way abutting the property.
- If an existing onsite sewage system fails, immediate connection to a public or community sewerage system is required if such a system is available.
- If a public or community sewage treatment system is to be constructed, an existing public or community sewer is to be extended to serve a lot, or an approved onsite sewage management system is to be used, the building sewer must be installed to ensure gravity flow at a self-cleaning velocity throughout.
- A residential onsite sewage system of less than 2,000 gallons per day that is failing may be exempted from connecting to sewer if repair or replacement meets the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems criteria and the County Board of Health determines that sufficient area and usable soils exist.
sewer availability distance: <= 200 feet from property line (A public right-of-way abutting the property is an alternative availability condition.) · failing residential onsite sewage system flow: < 2000 gallons per day (The County Board of Health must determine sufficient area and usable soils, and repair or replacement must meet the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems criteria.)
“Connection shall be made to a public or community sewage treatment system if such system is available within two hundred feet (200') of the property line, or available in a public right-of-way abutting the property. [...] If an existing on-site sewage system fails, immediate connection shall be made to a public or community sewerage system if such a system is available. (b) A residential on-site sewage system of less than two thousand gallons per day that is failing may be exempted from connecting to sewer if the repair or replacement of the system will meet the criteria set forth in the Manual for Onsite Sewage Management Systems and has sufficient area and usable soils as determined by the County Board of Health.”
GA DPH Onsite Sewage Manual ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Conservation Use Land Values ↗Re-checked Sep 9, 2026
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.”
  Codes Update Newsletter Spring 2011 ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
- 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.”
  Official Code of Georgia Annotated, Title 2 Agriculture ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Regulations for Driveway & Encroachment Control Manual ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Floodplain Management ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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”
Georgia Zoning Statutes Compilation ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026
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.”
Administration and Enforcement of State Minimum Codes ↗Re-checked Sep 26, 2026

Still unanswered

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

Lot coverage — Lot coverage in Putnam County.
Building height — Building height in Putnam County.
Camping on your land — Temporary camping in Putnam County.
Accessory dwellings — Accessory dwelling occupancy in Putnam County.

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 Putnam County, Georgia

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

Putnam County scores 64/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and workable self-sufficiency basics: 46.7″/yr rainfall and 78.5% wooded land.

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

Putnam County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Putnam County Environmental Health Department (North Central Health District, Georgia DPH). 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.

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

Living in an RV on your own land in Putnam County is limited to specific cases: Recreational vehicles placed in areas of special flood hazard in Putnam County. The rule applies where base flood elevation data are available. A recreational vehicle may instead be fully licensed and ready for highway use, meaning it is licensed, on its wheels or jacking system, attached only by quick-disconnect utilities and security devices, with no permanently attached structures or additions. A tiny home is limited to specific cases. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Putnam County, Georgia?

Land in Putnam County runs about $4,713 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Putnam County?

Putnam County gets about 46.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 15.8% of years.

How remote is Putnam County?

A representative private-land location has about 20,853 people within a 30-minute drive and 7,503,791 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.

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

At a glance

Who to call

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

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

Does Putnam County have zoning?

How do septic permits work in Putnam County?

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

How do you build a home in Putnam County, Georgia?

What should you check before buying land in Putnam County?

Watch-outs

Sources

Compared with neighboring counties

Putnam County in Georgia

How Putnam County scores

Find land. Bring the promising ones back.

Parcel due diligence

Cities and towns in Putnam County

Answers from the rulebook for Putnam County

Putnam County rules

Georgia rules that apply here

Still unanswered

Living off-grid in Putnam County, Georgia

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

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

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

How much does land cost in Putnam County, Georgia?

What is the water situation in Putnam County?

How remote is Putnam County?

How Putnam compares in Georgia