FAQs • Glynn County • CivicEngage

I am considering developing a piece of property, but it’s my first time and I’m not sure how it works. How do I get started?: The best way to get started is to meet with the Development Review Team. This group (DRT) meets every Wednesday morning to discuss development in the County at 700 Gloucester Street, Suite 200 Brunswick GA, 31520. There is a free walk-in time at 9 am at these meetings for applicants to ask questions of the group.

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Community Development

1. What is zoning?: Zoning is the law that determines what can be built on a property. All property is assigned to a zoning district. It also regulates the type of use of the property. These rules are specified in the Zoning Ordinance.

2. How do I find the Zoning for my property?: The zoning map changes frequently. For the most accurate information call the planning office at 554-7456 and ask a County Planner the zoning. Or you may view the official zoning map (please note that this is a very large file set at a large scale, and you will be required to scroll and zoom to find your information).

3. What am I allowed to do in my zoning district?: Each zoning district has a list of “permitted uses”. This list is provided in each zoning district located within the Zoning Ordinance. In addition there are “conditional” or “special uses” that require additional approval from a Planning Board.

4. What if I want to change the zoning of my property?: Speak with a County Planner about the possible options. Although you have the right to apply the Planning Staff may determine that it’s not in the best interest of the community to rezone a property in all cases. If you wish to move forward with a request, submit a rezoning application. This application will go to public hearing at the appropriate Planning Commission, and then later at the County Commission. The Planning Commission will give a recommendation to the County Commission. The County Commission has the final decision. The total process takes approximately 3 months to complete.

5. What kind and how many animals am I allowed to have?: That depends on your zoning. Residential property has restrictions on the type and number of animals/pets that you can have. On residential property you are allowed a maximum of no more than 3 dogs or 3 cats. But if your property has agricultural zoning the restrictions are far different. It’s best to speak to a county planner and give them your address. They will be able to look-up your property and tell you what the rules are.

6. How do I change my property lines, or create a new lot?: Speak with a County Planner about the possible options. You will be required to hire a survey to draw the changes to the property lines. Then, submit the applicable subdivision application along with the survey that has been drawn. Some applications can be approved by staff; others are required to be approved by the appropriate planning commission.

7. I am considering developing a piece of property, but it’s my first time and I’m not sure how it works. How do I get started?: The best way to get started is to meet with the Development Review Team. This group (DRT) meets every Wednesday morning to discuss development in the County at 700 Gloucester Street, Suite 200 Brunswick GA, 31520. There is a free walk-in time at 9 am at these meetings for applicants to ask questions of the group.

8. I saw a site plan sign posted on a property. How can I find out about it?: You can view site plans on our Development Review Page. Or you can call our office and speak to a planner if you need more details.

9. How many people can live in a house?: There is no limit if you are related by blood or marriage. However no more than 5 unrelated people can live in the same dwelling.

10. What can I do in an easement?: Easements are set aside to serve a public purpose. The most common easements are to provide drainage, access, or public utilities. From time to time the County or utility provider will be required to do work within the easement. Therefore, no structures shall be placed in, or on an easement.

11. Where can I put my fence?: The County does not require a permit for fences. However, make sure you place the fence on your property and that it does not block the view of an intersecting street as described in Section 615 and 616 of the Zoning Ordinance.

12. Where can I put a pool or storage building on my property?: Pools and storage buildings are required to meet set-back rules, just like a house. Your setbacks are determined by the zoning district that you’re located in.

13. Can I put a mother-in-law suite on my property? What are the rules?: Only one dwelling unit is permitted per lot. If you wish to have a mother-in-law suite on your property it is limited to sleeping and living space only. This suite is not allowed to have a kitchen or cooking facilities.

14. Can I run a business out of my home?: The requirements for having a business in your home are found in Section 608 of the Zoning Ordinance. If you are able to meet all of these requirements, then contact the County Finance Office for a occupational license to begin the approval process

15. What are the rules for Recreation Vehicles (RV’s)?: An RV is considered a vehicle and not a residence. It cannot be used for a residence and it if is being used as a dwelling it is in violation of the Zoning Ordinance and subject to action by Code Enforcement. RV’s are allowed in designated RV parks.

16. Day care/group home in Residential Zoning?: : In some residential zoning districts this type of use can be allowed as a “Special Use Permit”. A Special Use Permit requires an application, a public hearing by the Planning Commission, and a public hearing by the Board of Commissioners. There is no guarantee of approval for this application.

17. Will the County enforce the covenants in my subdivision?: No, the County does not enforce private covenants. The County only enforces laws in the Code of Ordinances. The individual property owners associations are responsible for the enforcement of covenants.

18. Who do I contact about a possible zoning violation?: You can file a complaint on the Code Enforcement Webpage or call Code Enforcement at 554-7111 on weekdays between 8am and 5pm.

19. Who can rezone my property?: Only the owner of the property or someone authorized to act on their behalf or the County Board of Commissioners can request a zoning change. If the County is requesting a change the owner is required to be notified and will have the opportunity to speak at public hearings to support or speak against the request.

20. How many vehicles can be parked at a home?: Section 609.1 of the Zoning Ordinance permits a maximum of 4 automobiles per single-family dwelling, or 2 automobiles per multi-family dwelling, or 1.5 automobiles per group dwelling

21. What are the rules for signs in the County?: Rules for signs are found in Article 8 of the Zoning Ordinance and are divided by zoning district.

22. Does my property line go to the edge of the street pavement?: Probably not. Most of the time the street pavement is not the end of the street right-of-way. The only way to show an accurate location of property lines is by looking at a plat or survey of the property.