Inspections & Reviews

Water Utility Environmental Compliance Review

All Occupational Tax Applications are reviews by Water Utility Environmental Compliance for to ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local regulations for compliance of backflow prevention devices, grease interceptors, lint interceptors, reclaim tanks, hair interceptors, oil/grit interceptors and oil/water separators. Backflow protection is required on all water services such as commercial domestic, irrigation, and fire service. The devices are required to have an annual test performed by a Backflow Assembly Tester approved in the State of Georgia. All food establishments are required to have grease interceptors installed.

As the requirements vary widely depending on the business, location, and other factors, the timeline for their review may vary. Some items that may be inspected are, but not limited to:

• The commercial domestic, irrigation, and fire water service line will require backflow preventer installation, testing, or repair/replacement.
• The sewer service or plumbing will require a grease interceptor installation, testing, or repair/replacement. This includes but is not limited to:
  • Restaurants
  • Cafeterias
  • Cafes
  • Fast-Food Outlets
  • Schools
  • Fraternal Organizations
  • Churches
  • Hospitals
  • Daycare Centers
• The sewer service or plumbing will require an oil/water interceptor installation, testing, or repair/replacement.
• The dumpster drain may require an oil/grit interceptor installation, testing, or repair/replacement.
• For existing commercial businesses, verify backflow test and /or Fats, Oils, and Grease manifest are current.

For more information, see the Water Utility: Engineering and Inspections page, email Environmental Compliance, or call 706-863-6928.

Health Department

All Commercial Occupational Tax Applications are reviewed by the Health Department to determine if on county water/sewer and to determine if permitting by the Health Department will be required.

As the requirements vary widely depending on the business, location, and other factors, the timeline for their review may vary. Some items that may be inspected are, but not limited to:

• It must be determined if the business is served by county sewer or if it will be served by an on-site sewage system (septic tank). If county sewer is not available then the suitability of an on-site sewage system must be examined.
• It must be determined if the business is served by county or city water or well water. If on well water state and local testing of the water supply may be required.
• Most food service businesses will require a permit from the Health Department or Georgia Department of Agriculture. The business owner should contact the Health Department for information regarding plan review and requirements. View the applications for food service establishments on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.
• Public Swimming Pools: require a permit from the Health Department. The business owner should contact the Health Department for information regarding plan review and requirements. Information pertaining to public swimming pool requirements can be found on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.
• Tourist Courts: The business owner should contact the Health Department for information regarding plan review and requirements. Information pertaining to tourist court facilities can be found on the Georgia Department of Public Health website.

For more information, email the Health Department or call 706-868-3330.

Fire Marshal

All Commercial Occupational Tax Applications are reviewed by the Fire Marshal for fire and life safety code compliance.

As the requirements vary widely depending on the business, location, and other factors, the timeline for their review may vary. Some items that may be inspected are, but not limited to:

• Potential fire hazards for occupants or firefighters in the event of an emergency
• Fire suppression and alarm systems
• Exit and emergency lights
• Mechanical and electrical rooms
• Fire-rated walls

For more information, email the Fire Marshal or call 706-868-3420.