FAQs • Columbia County, GA • CivicEngage

How is my address affected if I have multiple structures on my property?: The primary structure on a property will have the same number assigned to it as the real property or land. Every additional structure will be assigned its own unique address. Structures with more than one use or occupancy will have a separate number for each use or occupant. For example, duplexes will have two numbers assigned.

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311 - GIS

1. How do I have an address assigned?: Please contact the Columbia County GIS and Addressing Department at 706-868-3421 to have an address assigned. You should be able to provide the name of the road your driveway will be off, the tax map and parcel of the property if available, and a copy of the record plat of the property if it was recently platted.

2. What is the difference between Single-Base, VRS, and CORS?: All three of these methods allow for centimeter horizontal and vertical accuracy based upon your receiver type. Single-Base is a service provided at no-cost and is available for real-time corrections during data collection. Trimble VRS Now™ is subscription based and allows for real-time corrections from multiple Trimble Reference stations. CORS is no-cost, and is provided for differential correction after data is collected in the field. CORS correction information originates from the GPS constellation.

3. If a road is assigned a name, does that mean the County is responsible for maintaining it?: A road name does not require the County to maintain a roadway if it is a privately owned road. The road name is assigned to aid in emergency response and postal delivery.

Reflective address numbers can be purchased through a variety organizations, including the

Columbia County Fire Rescue headquarters
3910 Desoto Drive
Martinez, Georgia 30907

5. What are the requirements for posting address numbers for a commercial building?: Commercial structures require numbers that are at least 4 inches tall to be posted on the structure itself within 5 feet of the front door and visible from the roadway. Posting along the driveway access is also recommended.

6. What are the requirements for posting address numbers for a duplex or other multi-family residence?: Multi-family residences, like duplexes, are required to have 3 inch tall numbers posted on the building within 5 feet of the front door and visible from the road if possible. Posting along the driveway access is also recommended.

7. Why is my address being changed?: Address changes can result from a variety of changes like road renaming, driveway access changes, new development, parcel changes, etc.

8. Who does the County notify when they change my address?: The county will notify both the regional and local postmasters as well as the Columbia County Tax Assessor’s Office, Water Utility, Fire Rescue, and 911 of an address change. You are responsible for updating accounts with any other service providers or agencies.

9. How can I make sure 911 has the correct address tied to my home phone number?: If you have a landline, you can contact 911 by calling the non-emergency phone at 706-541-2800 for a test call to verify the address linked to your phone number.

10. How is an address determined?: The driveway location determines the roadway and address number. For corner lots, the National Emergency Number Association (NENA)'s standards state that if a house faces a different street than the driveway, the driveway location will be the officially recognized 911 address for emergency response. In urban areas, driveways providing access to structures that do not have their own road frontage, and which are located behind other addressable structures, should be named and addressed as streets, especially if there are 3 or more residences.

11. What is the address numbering system?: Even address numbers appear on the left side of the road while odd address numbers appear on the right side of the road as they increase along the roadway. Address numbers begin at the intersection where the road begins. As for roads that have access or intersections on either end, the address numbers begin at the intersection with the busiest road.

12. How is my address affected if I have multiple structures on my property?: The primary structure on a property will have the same number assigned to it as the real property or land. Every additional structure will be assigned its own unique address. Structures with more than one use or occupancy will have a separate number for each use or occupant. For example, duplexes will have two numbers assigned.

13. What happens with addressing if a road crosses a County or city boundary?: Whenever a road crosses a municipality boundary, we will continue the address numbers as best we can to create a smooth transition.

14. What should I do about addressing if I am demolishing and rebuilding or building a house or other structure?: It is your responsibility to contact Columbia County GIS and Addressing to have an address number assigned before a permit can be issued. You can reach the Addressing department by calling 706-868-3421.

15. What are the requirements for posting address numbers for a single family residence?: Single family homes are required to have 3 inch tall numbers posted on a fence, wall, or mailbox post approximately 4 feet tall near the driveway access. The numbers should be clearly seen from both directions along the road.

16. How should I post my address number if I live on a private drive?: If a residence is on a private drive that serves more than one building, the address number should be posted on the main road for emergency responders in addition to posting it near the driveway access off of the private drive. If a structure has more than one address assigned for multiple uses or duplexes, numbers should be displayed near the door to each unit as well.

17. Is it possible to have more than one address number assigned or displayed?: The only address number that should be displayed is the one that has been officially assigned by the Columbia County GIS and Addressing Department. If you have any questions about your official address, please contact Addressing Department at 706-868-3421.

18. How do you decide if a roadway needs to be named?: A road that serves three or more structures or properties will be named regardless of public or private ownership.

19. How do you decide what name to give a roadway?: We avoid any same or similar sounding road-names when assigning road names to reduce confusion in emergency situations. We like to work with the affected property owners when a private road name is assigned.

20. Where can I find the Addressing code and Structure Naming code?: They have changed, be sure to contact the GIS and Addressing Department for the most up-to-date version. The Columbia County Code is available online at the Municode Website. The most recent changes to the code may not be reflected in the online version. If you suspect the regulations