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1. Under what circumstances do I need a Driveway Permit?

If you are installing a new driveway or are repairing a driveway within the right of way.

2. What is required in order to obtain a Driveway Permit?

In order to obtain a Driveway Permit, you must complete a permit application. This application must be accompanied by a scaled site plan and the application fee ($65 for new driveway, $35 for repair). Please bring these to the Transportation & Public Works office, located at 120 West Dougherty Street (lower level). The permit is reviewed and approved/disapproved within 1-2 business days. (Cash or check only)

3. What is required in order to obtain a Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit?

In order to obtain a Right-of-Way encroachment permit, please fill out a permit application. Bring this application along with a drawing of how you plan to encroach in the Right-of-Way, and the $65.00 application fee (cash or check). Your permit application will be looked at within 1-2 days, depending on the Permit Supervisor’s schedule.

Permit Application Form

4. How do I report a streetlight issue?

Streetlights are leased by the Unified Government from the individual power providers and maintained by each power provider. Streetlight issues may be reported directly to the power provider or the Department of Transportation and Public Works. 

To address concerns about the process or to request glare shields, follow the process below: Please have the following information ready when you call or email about a streetlight concern:

• Name
• Email
• Phone Number
• Street Address 
• Pole Number (Jackson EMC) 

Report an issue to Georgia Power 

Report an issue to Walton EMC 

Report an issue to Jackson EMC 

Report an issue to Rayle EMC 

Issue may also be reported to publicworks@accgov.com, or call the Transportation & Public Works Engineering Tech at 706-613-3457, ext. 7806. 

Traffic Signal outages may be reported to the Traffic Engineering Division at solretta.barnes@accgov.com Pedestrian Lantern outages may be reported to the Central Services Department at beth.smith@accgov.com For further information regarding Streetlights please contact publicworks@accgov.com.

5. Who can I contact for assistance with a soil erosion problem?

Please call the Transportation and Public Works Department’s Engineering Division 706-613-3440.

6. Who can I contact for assistance with a flooding problem?

Who you contact depends on where the drainage issue is located:

• For flooding due to construction, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works Department / Engineering Division 706-613-344.
• For flooding in the right of way, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Streets & Drainage Division at 706-613-3465
• For flooding outside the right of way, your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Stormwater Division at 706-613-3440.
• For water quality issues regarding streams, creeks, etc. your first contact should be the Transportation and Public Works / Stormwater Division at 706-613-3440.
• If you are unsure whether the drainage issue is inside or outside of the right of way, contact the Transportation and Public Works / Engineering Division at 706-613-3440 and we will be able to properly direct your call.

7. How can I determine if my property lies in a floodplain?

A property owner can visit FEMA’s website at www.msc.fema.gov with their address and get a good idea of where the floodplain lies. For more detailed information that will show the location of the floodplain with respect to their particular property, the property owner should visit the Planning Department’s GIS office. For a nominal charge, a printout can be obtained if the property does lie in the floodplain, or they can simply verify that it does not.

8. How can I determine the location of the right-of-way on a given roadway?

Our office has a listing of the estimated rights-of-way for some streets within Athens-Clarke County. However, to find that information for a particular address, deed research may be required.

9. Under what circumstances do I need a Right-of-Way Encroachment Permit?

Any time that you are working within the ACC right of way you need  to submit a permit application, a drawing of proposed work within the right of way, as well as the $65.00 permitting fee (cash or check).

10. What is a FEMA Elevation Certificate, when do I need one, and how can I obtain one for my property?

A FEMA Elevation Certificate is a form available on FEMA's website that is used to certify building elevations in order to demonstrate compliance with the A-CC Flood Protection Ordinance. It is also used to determine the flood insurance premium rate, and/or to support a request to FEMA to remove a property from the regulated floodplain.

• New construction or substantial improvement of an existing structure within or adjacent to the floodplain generally requires an Elevation Certificate. An initial certificate based on plans is required for the Building Permit, and another one, based on finished construction, is required for the Certificate of Occupancy. An Elevation Certificate is also needed whenever a property owner disputes the location of the floodplain on their property and wishes to request that FEMA remove their property from the floodplain.
• A property owner must secure the services of a professional engineer, land surveyor, or architect licensed in Georgia in order to execute an Elevation Certificate.

FEMA website

11. Under what circumstances do I need a Stormwater Management Permit, and how do I obtain one?

A Stormwater Management Permit is needed for any land development that creates 10,000 square feet or more of impervious cover, or that replaces one acre or more of impervious cover, or that involves other land development activity of one acre or more.

The permit is obtained from the Transportation & Public Works Department and requires an application, fees, and a stormwater management plan prepared by a professional engineer or landscape architect licensed in Georgia. The plan must meet A-CC requirements, and must be reviewed and approved by the department prior to permit issuance. Permit Application