FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I talk to someone about my property/project?
Yes! Please call (706) 236-5025 to schedule an appointment to speak with one of our planners.
How can I see what a property is zoned?
Locate your address or parcel using our Parcel Viewer.
What does the zoning allow for?
See Article 3.4 (page 68-85) of the Unified Land Development Code for lists of minimum setbacks for each Zoning District.
Does my property allow for backyard chickens?
Chickens are allowed in the Agricultural Residential (A-R) Zoning District in the county. Within the city limits, chickens are only allowed with the approval of a Special Use Permit in the Suburban Residential (S-R) Zoning District.
I want to build something how far does it need to be from the property line?
All principal buildings on a lot shall be set back from the rights-of-way lines and property lines bounding the lot no less than the distances shown on the following table
*Residential lots shall not be platted to front directly on the right-of-way of a major arterial, unless adequate provisions for access have been established.
**Development that is not permitted along major streets
***If the adjacent property on both sides is developed with a similar use, new construction or infill development shall provide a setback equal to the average setback on the adjacent properties
****Individual townhouse units may provide 0 feet side yard separation, but end units must provide 20-foot side yards on the periphery of the lot.
*****No setback required where adjacent to rail line. For parcels zoned H-I, side and rear setbacks shall be the same as for the L-I district when adjacent to other H-I properties.
Any accessory buildings and structure having a floor are of 144 square feet of less must be at least 5 feet front any property line. No accessory use or structure shall be allowed on any lot except in relation to an existing principal use on the lot to which it is an accessory. Accessory buildings and structures cannot be located closer to a public right-of-way than the principal structure.
For more information, see Article 3.5.2 (page 88) of the Unified Land Development Code for lists of minimum setbacks for each Zoning District.
What do I need to know before I build a fence?
Article 4.2.5 (page 148-149) of the Unified Land Development Code
a. District Use, Materials and Height Limitations
(1) Agricultural-Residential, Office, Commercial, Multifamily, and Industrial Districts
(a) No fence or free-standing wall may exceed 8 feet in height, unless approved by the Planning Commission to adequately shield objectionable materials or activities.
(b) Fences or free-standing walls occupying the front yard may not exceed 4 feet in height unless constructed parallel to the building, with the exception of agricultural and heavy industrial uses. Any fence or free-standing wall occupying the front yard must be designed and located to ensure that it does not create a hazard for vehicles or pedestrians.
(c) Security wire may only be used in heavy commercial and industrial districts. However, barbed wire fences are permitted on properties where an agricultural activity is the principal use.
(2) In the Single-Family Residential zoning districts, the following shall apply: (see figures below)
(a) A fence or free-standing wall in any yard adjacent to a street may not exceed 4 feet in height. Any fence or free-standing wall occupying the front yard must be designed and located to ensure that it does not create a hazard for vehicles or pedestrians.
(b) A fence or free-standing wall in any side or rear yard may not exceed 6 feet in height.
b. Setback Limitations (see figures below)
There shall be no minimum setback for fences or free-standing walls, provided that any fence or free-standing wall shall not obstruct visibility at street intersections and driveway accesses.
Fences seven feet in height or taller require a permit. Contact the Building Inspection Office.
Fences eight feet in height or taller require engineered footings. Contact the Building Inspection Office.
Areas in blue are considered frontages so fences can be no taller than four feet. Areas in red are considered sides and/or rears so fences can be up to six feet tall.
If a property owner desires a fence that is inconsistent with the ULDC then the owner must first apply for and be approved for a variance.
Fences seven feet or taller require a building permit. Fences eight feet or taller require engineered footings.
All fences within a historic district must first be approved by the Historic Preservation Commission.
Call 811 before you dig to locate utilities.
Can I put a manufactured home on a piece of property?
We recommend that you contact the Rome/Floyd Planning Department prior to buying property for a manufactured home.
Manufactured homes are allowed by right with limitations in the Agricultural Residential (A-R) and Suburban Residential (S-R) Zoning Districts. Within the city limits, they require that the property owner first obtain a special use permit, which must be approved by the Rome City Commission. The unincorporated county allows for manufactured homes by right in areas that are NOT land development projects in which two or more lots were created, along with the streets and utilities needed to support the construction of buildings on the lots, except where such development was specifically designed for manufactured homes.