Franklin County Zoning

Zoning Guidance

ITEMS TO BE ADDRESSED

BUILDABLE LOTS

  • A parcel of land must be a minimum of one (1) acre or a lot of record prior to August of 1978; there must be proof that a lot that is less than one acre was created prior to August of 1978

    • The Clerk of Courts office has a copy of the original deed and acreage on file.

  • All components of your build must meet setbacks. Standard setbacks for MOST lots are:

    • 25 Feet front setback
    • 10 Feet side setback
    • 10 Feet rear setback
    • 50 Feet setback from wetlands or water bodies

  • How can I confirm that my property is buildable?

    • Franklin County staff cannot confirm that a lot is buildable.
    • The only way to confirm that your lot is buildable is to obtain a survey that includes all setback lines and any wetland coverage. Your site plan can be placed on the survey to ensure that everything will fit in the buildable area. Be sure to include EVERYTHING on your site plan, including septic and well (if applicable).

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ACCESSORY STRUCTURES

  • Accessory structures cannot be constructed until a principal structure is erected. (Sea walls and docks are exempt from this requirement.)

    • Accessory structures are any structure or use subordinate to the principal structure - this includes pole barns, pools, and sheds.
    • Example: Pole barns cannot be built on a vacant lot. Pole barns are not allowable until a principal structure (a dwelling for residential lots) has been built.
    • See Ordinance 2024-07.

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BUILDING DEPARTMENT AND PERMITTING GUIDANCE

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WETLANDS

  • Staff may require a Certified Wetland Delineation as part of a development application when there is potential for wetlands to be present on the property.
  • Wetland delineations are typically required when there is reasonable evidence or indication of wetlands, which may include review of available data sources such as the National Wetlands Inventory (NWI), site conditions, or other environmental indicators. Applicants are encouraged to review their parcel using the NWI Wetlands Mapper; however, this tool is for reference only and not a regulatory determination.
  • Wetlands and flood zones are not the same and do not necessarily correlate. Wetlands are identified based on hydrology, soil conditions, and vegetation, whereas flood zones are determined by flood risk and elevation data.
  • National Wetlands Inventory

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CAMPER TRAILERS - TRAVEL TRAILERS - RECREATIONAL VEHICLES (RV) - FIFTH WHEELS

  • Prohibited as permanent living quarters in Franklin County.
  • May be stored on your property.
  • Camping is allowed for up to 14 days - campers must be self-contained
    • Connecting to Power, Water, Sewer, or Septic is not permitted

To search for local campgrounds in Franklin County, click here.

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CELL TOWERS & COMMUNICATION TOWERS

  • Before you apply for a Building Permit for a Cell Tower, board approval is required.

    • Cell towers are allowed in all classified zones as a special exception

      • Find applications on the Planning & Zoning Applications page.

        • All cell towers require special exception approval
        • If over 47 feet tall, a height variance approval is required

    • Standard setback requirements apply

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COMPLAINTS AND CONCERNS

By law, no complaint or concern can be submitted anonymously.

  • To submit your complaint or concern by using the Report a Concern/Complaint feature, visit the page.

    Compliance Portal

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WATER & SEWER AVAILABILITY

  • Contact your area Water & Sewer department:

    • Alligator Point Water: (850) 349-2274
    • Apalachicola Water & Sewer: (850) 653-9319
    • Carrabelle Water & Sewer: (850) 697-2727
    • Eastpoint Water & Sewer: (850) 670-8177
    • St. George Island Water: (850) 927-2648

  • If water and sewer are not available, contact the Department of Environmental Protection for septic permits and the North Florida Water Management District for well permits.

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DO YOU HAVE OTHER QUESTIONS NOT LISTED HERE?

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