Athens City Code

Unless otherwise stated herein, no persons shall perform any clearing, excavation, or earthwork within the city without first having obtained a grading permit from the public works department. A separate permit will be required for each and every individual site. This section explains the procedure for applying for grading permits and the process by which the public works department reviews and approves permits. This policy is applicable but is not limited to the following activities:

1. (1) Excavating, cutting, filling, grading, draining, or paving of lots, parcels, or other areas.
2. (2) Altering, rerouting, deepening, widening, obstructing, or changing in any way an existing drainage system or feature.
3. (3) Development for residential (greater than one lot or other subdivisions), commercial, institutional, industrial, utility or other activities.
4. (4) Commencing any other development or excavation which may significantly increase or decrease the rate and/or quantity of surface water runoff; degrade the quality of water; or adversely affect any sinkhole, watercourse, or water body.