Bacon County’s Administration page states that no building permits are required in the county outside the city limits of Alma. Inside Alma, the City’s code puts the city manager or code enforcement officer in charge of the state minimum construction codes. A septic system anywhere in the county still needs Health Department approval.
What requires a permit in Bacon County?
Unincorporated county
- No county building permit (County Administration)
Inside Alma
- Construction under the codes adopted in Chapter 14 of the Alma Code
- A City licence for contractors, plumbers, builders and electricians
- A land-disturbance permit, applied for through the city clerk
A septic system is a separate matter: homes and businesses without public or community sewer need an on-site sewage system approved by the Bacon County Health Department’s Environmental Health staff, whether or not a building permit applies.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →Who handles permitting in Bacon County?
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Unincorporated county | No county building permit required |
| County Administration | 502 W. Twelfth St, Ste. 200, Alma, GA 31510 · 912-632-5214 |
| Inside Alma | City of Alma (city manager or code enforcement officer) |
| Septic systems | Bacon County Health Department, 101 North Wayne Street, Alma · (855) 473-4374 |
County Administration runs public works, road services, the airport, the fire department, budgeting and county-owned buildings. The Board of Commissioners meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 5 p.m. in the first-floor meeting room of the Bacon County Courthouse.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →How to start a building project in Bacon County
Outside Alma’s city limits, the County does not issue or require a building permit.
Alma’s code makes the city manager or code enforcement officer responsible for the construction codes, and land-disturbance applications go to the city clerk.
Without public sewer, apply to Environmental Health at the Bacon County Health Department on North Wayne Street.
The City requires its licence for contractors, plumbers, builders and electricians working inside city limits.
Local Bacon County and Alma details
Alma building rules: Chapter 14 of the Alma Code adopts the technical codes as amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, with the state edition controlling. Storage sheds and shipping containers may serve as garages, workshops, greenhouses or storage, but only in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from every property line, and never as a home or office unless rebuilt to meet the residential or commercial codes.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Land disturbance in Alma: applications go to the city clerk with three copies of the erosion and sediment control plan, and the City will not consider occupancy approval until the required erosion control measures are in place.
Health Department: 101 North Wayne Street, Alma, open 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Friday, closed from noon to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. Phone (855) 473-4374.
Georgia building code
Georgia's State Minimum Standard Codes apply statewide: the 2024 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code, with Georgia Amendments, in force since 1 January 2026; the energy code is still the 2015 IECC with Georgia supplements. The Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes
Bacon County permit search and official resources
County, city and health district pages for building in Bacon County:
Rather not deal with the Bacon County building department?
Get a free quote →- Georgia DCA — Current State Minimum Codes
- Bacon County — Official Website
- Bacon County — Administration
- City of Alma Code, Chapter 14: Buildings and Construction
- Bacon County Health Department (Southeast Health District)
- Southeast Health District On-Site Sewage program
Bacon County permit FAQs
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Do I need a building permit in Bacon County?
Not outside Alma. The County’s Administration page says no building permits are required for areas outside the city limits of Alma.
Who enforces building codes in Alma?
The City of Alma. Its code names the city manager or the code enforcement officer as the official who enforces the state minimum codes.
Do I still need a septic permit outside Alma?
Yes, where there is no public or community sewer. Environmental Health at the Bacon County Health Department, 101 North Wayne Street, Alma, handles on-site sewage systems.
Can I put a shipping container or shed in my yard in Alma?
Yes, for storage, a garage, workshop or greenhouse, if it sits in the rear yard at least 5 feet from every property line and meets City setbacks and zoning. It may not be used as a home or office.
What is the Bacon County Administration phone number?
912-632-5214. The office is at 502 W. Twelfth St, Suite 200, Alma.
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Simplify Bacon County permitting with Alliance Permitting
Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Georgia. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
Ready to break ground in Bacon County sooner?
Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Bacon County permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Georgia permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Bacon County permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.