Unincorporated Morgan County

County materials say floodplain permits are required for most construction in the county and for any development touching the flood hazard area. County notice also says building permits are required for all new buildings over 100 square feet.

• Exempt Practical county exclusions appear limited to work outside floodplain controls, but applicants should still confirm driveway, sewage, and any site-specific restrictions before starting

Building code

Morgan County public pages do not publish a standalone county building code for unincorporated territory. For OBC-regulated work inside municipalities, the local municipality or its delegated building department handles code enforcement. For unincorporated Morgan County, public pages emphasize floodplain, sewage, and driveway regulation rather than a countywide general building code

Contractor requirements

Floodplain site plan must be prepared by licensed surveyor, engineer, or architect

1. 01
   Identify whether the site is in a floodplain by contacting the Engineer's Office or using the county GIS/flood hazard layers.
2. 02
   If the project is in or near floodplain hazard area, obtain a floodplain development permit before starting work.
3. 03
   For residential sewage disposal, obtain Health Department approval after floodplain status is known.
4. 04
   For driveway access work, obtain a driveway permit from the Highway Department or ODOT if the access is to a state route.
5. 05
   Begin work only after all required permits are in hand.

Source: Morgan County Office of the Engineer, Floodplain Administrator ↗

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Call the Engineer's Office at 740-962-3171 (phone)

Typical sequence: Floodplain determination first, then permit issuance, then compliance with permit conditions, then construction

Noncompliance can trigger a $300 per day penalty; county materials warn that failure to comply with floodplain conditions can require demolition of the work