Early County Code Enforcement

Quite often I get inquiries from heirs to property, about whether they can build or place a home on a lot they have inherited. Sadly, there have been several heirs I've spoken with over the years, that had been bequeathed property that was not compliant with our ordinances. What may be even worse is a property owner dying without designating a guardian or conservator to oversee his/her estate. I would like to encourage all property owners to think about this when drafting ...your will, or doing your estate planning. If you use an attorney, ask him/her if your plans to divide your property are compliant with local ordinances. The simple rules for Unincorporated Early County are as follows. The minimum requirement to place a dwelling is 1.5 Acres AND 150' of road frontage AND at least 100' wide at the building line. Without that 150' of road frontage, the minimum size increases to 2 Acres AND the lot must have a 30' perpetual easement to the roadway (Flag Lot). These are the bare minimums, and there may be other restrictions as well. The purpose of these minimums are to allow enough space between your well, and your septic system to meet requirements set by the State of Georgia. The easement to the Flag Lot will afford you legal ingress and egress to your property. A permit is required to divide a property that leaves any portion equal to or less than 25 Acres in size. See more

Just a reminder: All new construction or additions that are 250 Square Feet (aggregate) or larger require a building permit. This includes dwellings, carports, storage buildings, pole barns, sheds and portable buildings. When in doubt reach out. (229) 723-5163 Application fees are doubled if construction is begun prior to obtaining a permit, and may result in a citation.

On November 30th, Sgt. Jim Atchley and GW Thomas Sibley were patrolling in Early County when they heard two rifle shots come from a wooded area just off a rural... dirt road. They spotted a vehicle that they knew belonged to a convicted felon, due to numerous encounters he previously had with other Game Wardens. They observed the hunter in a tree stand a short distance away, not wearing the required fluorescent orange. They made contact with the hunter and escorted him back to the vehicle to address the fluorescent orange violation. During this time, they were able to positively identify him as the convicted felon. He was placed under arrest for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and hunting without orange. The following day, Capt. Rick Sellars, Sgt. Atchley, Sgt. Quinn Fogle, and Sgt. Greg Wade, along with K-9 Cuff returned to the area to search for evidence. Sgt. Wade and Cuff located two .308 caliber shell casings in the pine straw underneath the stand. Cuff then located an eight-point buck that was killed in the wooded area in front of the stand. The subject is currently on a probation hold in the Early County Jail. See more

'Tis the season... Your chance of a house fire increases during the winter months. Please check your Smoke Alarms monthly to ensure your family's safety. Your smoke alarm may still light up and beep, but it is not code compliant if it is over 10 years old! Please add these to your shopping list if yours are older or inoperable.

Thanksgiving Holiday closure notice for Early County government offices.

Code Enforcement will be closed Tuesday, November 10th. All County Offices will be closed Wednesday, November 11th.

In honor of our Chairman's Homecoming, the Early County Planning Commission will not meet this month. Our community was blessed to have such a dedicated man who gave so much of himself. I have never known a finer man. I was blessed with the opportunity to work closely with him for the past 8 years. I will cherish that forever. I was proud to have him as a friend, mentor and neighbor.