Permits

What types of permits are needed?

The city issues permits for many activities. These permits work towards assuring compliance with federal laws and regulations, state laws and regulations, and Harlem ordinances. A description of the various permits are provided below. The actual permit applications are found at the bottom of the page. 

PLEASE SEE THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE FOR PERMIT FORMS

Backyard Chickens and Ducks

The city permits up to six (6) chickens and ducks on a residential parcel. NO ROOSTERS! The permit helps to reduce any nuisance situations for neighbors as well as to help develop a safe and humane chicken and duck living environment. Note:  for larger residential lots, a specialty permit for horses, goats, sheep, and turkeys can be requested from Staff.

Building Permits

Construction Codes have become an important issue for Georgia's local governments, building professionals and citizens alike.  The City of Harlem has adopted the Georgia Construction Code Program, as outlined by the Department of Community Affairs, including enforcement, local amendments, current codes and whom to call if you have questions regarding construction codes and related issues.  The list of mandatory codes (meaning that under Georgia law, any structure built in Georgia must comply with these codes) and permissive code listing is as per Construction Codes | Georgia Department of Community Affairs (ga.gov) . 

These codes are designed to save lives, to prevent injury, and to protect property value. In most cases, a building permit is needed so that state mandated inspections can be performed. Construction without a building permit can result in a $500.00 fine. Please contact the Building Official at 706-556-0043 to ask about the need for a building permit.

Communication Tower Permit Application

Harlem permits communication towers (cell towers) to be constructed by right in industrial zoned properties. To do so, a communication tower permit application is required.

Contractor Registration

Prior to purchasing a building permit, a state licensed contractor will need to be registered with the City to do work within the city limits.  This is an annual registration from January 1^st – December 31^st.  Contractor registration ensures our citizens that companies are licensed, bonded and insured.  Proof of State licensure, Liability & Workers Compensation Insurance coverage, a Surety Bond, a valid Occupational Tax Certificate and possibly a GSWCC Land Disturbance Card is needed to get registered and a copy of each must be provided annually.

Donation Bins

The city has a registration requirement for donation bins. This registration assures a responsible entity for regular collection of donated items as well as for cleanliness around the donation bin. 

Driveway Permits

The city is seeing requests to add additional driveways to residential properties. Such requests require additional design in order to protect water lines, sewer lines, stormwater pipes, and broadband cables. The Driveway Permit assigns the construction process to do so.

Food Truck / Push Cart / Ice Cream Truck Permits

Harlem is seeing more dining and eating options becoming available. The Food Truck / Push Cart / Ice Cream Truck permit exists to assure Georgia Department of Public Health regulations are followed. These exist to reduce food poisoning outbreaks.

Land Disturbance

Harlem is seeing a large amount of residential and commercial growth. With this growth comes situations where rainfall / stormwater begins to be a problem. For instance, when a new building is constructed and the rain from the roof flows through gutters and downspouts and then to a neighbor's property.

The city, following federal and state laws, is charged with issuing Land Disturbance Permits. These permits are designed to reduce the stormwater impact of new development upon neighboring properties. There are situations where a Georgia Notice of Intent is required due to the size of the development. Also, the city can require a grading plan in order to document where stormwater will flow and what actions must be taken to protect neighbors.

Mothballing of Structure

Unfortunately, at times an empty home or business structure must be sealed (Mothballed) in order to protect the structure and to avoid trespass usage of the property. This permit is designed to document that the mothballing process follows building code standards.

Moving Permit

The city requires a Moving Permit application from property owners building an accessory building (shed) or moving an accessory building (shed) into the city. This permit is to review placement requirements, possible stormwater issues, and fire protection requirements. Please use the Building Permit Application below for this permit.

Road Side Stands and Produce Markets

The Harlem area has a large number of farmers and gardeners who grow healthy, wholesome food. This permit is designed to provide a safe and accessible sales location in accordance with Georgia Department of Agriculture rules as well as Georgia Department of Public Health rules.

Sidewalk Obstruction Permit

The city is responsible for maintaining public sidewalks accessible to all. Depending upon the width of a public sidewalk, a business may be able to display items or allow for dining on a public sidewalk. This permit allows for that use if public accessibility is maintained.

Sign Permit

Signs are a complex First Amendment issue. The city does issue sign permits to assure that signs are placed in accordance with health and safety criteria as described in U.S. Supreme Court decisions. SIgns are permitted on private property as well as commercial property. Depending upon the sign, a building permit may also be required. Signs within historic districts do have different permitting requirements. 

Specialty Contractor Registration

Pool Contractors, Landscapers, Remodelers, Roofers, Yard Sprinkler Installers & Fence Installers need to be registered with the City, as well.  They must provide the same documentation as listed above in the Contractor Registration section but carry a lesser bond valuation.

Timber Harvesting

The city has enacted a timber harvesting (lumbering) ordinance in order to protect its streets, stormwater ditches, and rights-of-way. The city has entered into a partnership with the Georgia Forestry Commission for Timber Harvesting Permits. For those that are beginning timber harvesting (lumbering), please visit https://gatrees.org/forest-management-conservation/timber-harvest-notifi.... A sample form is provided at the bottom of this page.

Trash Service

Trash collection accounts are handled thru the City of Harlem. Please contact Terrie Rigdon at 706-556-3448 for more information.

Water and Sewer Accounts

The Columbia County Water Utility provides water and sewer services within the City of Harlem. Please call 706-863-6928 to set up water and sewer service. This number should also be called if new construction requires water and sewer service taps.