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Coroner

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1. Where will my relative or friend be taken?

Your relative or friend will be taken to the morgue.

2. Is it necessary for me to identify the body?

No. Visual identification is not required. Should it become necessary for you to come in or supply us with other records or x-rays, you will be contacted.

3. Is viewing allowed at the Coroner's Office?

No. The Coroner’s Office does not allow viewing. Arrangements can be made at the funeral home of your choice for viewing.

4. What about organ donation?

Depending upon the circumstances of the death, the approval of the Coroner, and the consent of the next-of-kin, tissue or organ donation may be possible to help others. You may be contacted by an organ donation representative.

5. Why is the Coroner involved?

State law required the Coroner to be notified. The Coroner then inquires into and determines the circumstances, manner, and cause of all sudden, violent or unusual deaths and those deaths where a doctor is not in attendance, or is present but unwilling to sign the death certificate according to state law.

6. What should I do now?

Within 48 hours you need to select a funeral home of your choice and make arrangements to meet with them. Inform the funeral director that the death is being handled by the Lumpkin County Coroner’s Office and ask them to notify us.

7. How long will it take before my relative or friend is released from the Coroner's Office?

Generally, the investigation and autopsy, if needed, should be done within 72 hours. Your funeral director will coordinate the release on your behalf or you may contact the office during normal business hours to obtain information about the status of your case.

8. Will an autopsy be performed?

When there is an additional need to establish the cause and manner of death the Coroner can order an autopsy. Each case is evaluated on an individual basis.

9. Will the Coroner make the funeral arrangements?

No. Our office does not select funeral homes or make recommendations or arrangements. We do not provide a list of funeral homes. You can access the Georgia Secretary of State’s Office to search a list of active funeral directors/homes in Georgia.

10. What information does the Coroner need to release the body of my relative or friend?

When the funeral director is meeting with you they will request the legal next-of-kin to sign a written release form providing authorization for the Coroner to release the body to that funeral home. The signed authorization should be sent directly to the Coroner's Office. When the body is ready for release, the Coroner’s Office will notify the funeral home.

11. Where can I obtain a death certificate?

You can get a death certificate from your funeral home or from Probate Court. They are usually ready within 14 days once certified by the Coroner’s Office. When an autopsy is performed, there can be a delay in the issuance of a death certificate. That process can take up to four months.

12. Will I be charged for Coroner services?

Normally no.  However, there are exceptions.  If these conditions exist. you will be notified by the Coroner's Office.

13. Are blood toxicology reports, coroner, and/or autopsy reports available?

Once completed and released by the Georgia Bureau of Investigations (GBI), reports from the Coroner’s Office can be released by filing an Open Records Request with Lumpkin County.

14. My relative or friend was in the military. Who can I contact for information?

Persons who have served in the Armed Forces, were honorably discharged, and met other service requirements may be entitled to some veteran’s benefits.  Your funeral director will have this information.

15. If there are no funds for burial, what can I do?

If the decedent does not have sufficient funds for burial, the next-of-kin may seek assistance from government and non-government sources. Your funeral director can give you that information.

16. What if I discover remains?

You should report the discovery to the local authorities (such as the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office) so an investigation can be conducted.

17. How and when can personal possessions be claimed?

Any personal possessions that are brought into the Coroner’s Office are documented and stored for safe keeping. When a funeral home takes the remains into their care, all possessions and clothing will also be released to the funeral home. 

Please contact the funeral home chosen to make arrangements for personal property.

18. I need to enter my relative or friend's residence, but it is sealed. What should I do?

In order to enter you need to obtain permission from the law enforcement agency involved, such as the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office.

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

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1. Why doesn't my address/road show up on the GPS units or internet mapping sites?

Many GPS units and internet mapping sites obtain their road and address information primarily from two private providers, Naveteq and Teleatlas. Both companies have map change/error reporting websites:

• Navteq Reporting Website
• Teleatles Report Website

2. How do I report errors in County mapping?

For errors in the Lumpkin County GIS sites, please email the Lumpkin County GIS Department, or call us at 706-864-6894. For errors on GPS units or internet mapping sites, please contact that specific company.

3. Where can I get a road map of Lumpkin County?

You can purchase a County road atlas book (8.5 inches by 11 inches) or a wall map (36 inches by 48 inches) at:
Planning Department
25 Short Street
Dahlonega, GA 30533

A digital version of the wall road map and other maps are available online for free in the map gallery.

4. Where can I get an aerial photo map of my property?

You can use our interactive online mapping site, or stop by the Assessor’s Office and use our public mapping computer to print a map for $5. You can also order a printed map from the:
GIS Department
25 Short Street
Dahlonega, GA 30533
Phone: 706-864-6894

Prices for the map prints vary. Review our GIS Data Price List (PDF).

5. How can I obtain GIS data or LiDAR data for Lumpkin County?

You can purchase GIS and LiDAR data from the GIS Department:

• GIS Data Price List (PDF)
• GIS Data Request Form (PDF)

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Parks & Recreation

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1. Can I make special requests as to my coach and other players?

No. We have so many participants, it would be difficult to guarantee all requests.

2. Does Parks and Recreation supply trophies for my child at the end of the year?

No. We leave that up to the coaches and team moms.

3. Are pictures included in my registration fee?

No. Pictures are an additional fee.

4. Are the games cancelled today?

For cancellation information, please call the Weather Line at 706-867-1664.

5. Can you give me some information on your After School Program?

We have an After School Program in all three elementary schools from the end of school until 6 p.m. Fees are as follows:

• $15 for one day
• $30 for two days
• $40 for three to five days

6. Do you offer online program registration?

Yes, you can register online using Rec1.

7. Do you accept credit or debit cards?

Yes. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover.

8. What are your hours?

Parks and Recreation hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

9. Does Parks and Recreation rent meeting rooms?

Yes. Please call 706-864-3622 for rates and more information on renting meeting rooms.

10. Can I rent pavilions in Yahoola Creek Park?

Yes. Please call 706-864-3622 for rates and more information on renting a pavilion.

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Planning - Business Licenses

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1. Do I need a Business License (Occupational Tax Certificate)?

A business license is required for any person within the unincorporated areas of the county who engages in or causes to be engaged in and/or represents himself to be engaged in any occupation or activity with the object of gain, benefit, or advantage either directly or indirectly. Any person advertising by means, including, but not limited to, signs, cards, telephone books, circulars and newspapers, that he is engaged in any business of any kind, shall be liable for the appropriate occupation tax required. This includes peddlers, solicitors, transient merchants, mobile vendors and roadside vendors.

2. Does my business require a business license?

Any individual or business must obtain a business license from the city or county in which the primary place of business would be located. A certificate of Occupancy is required for any commercial business prior to the application for license. If you have a home-based business, a written statement from landlord/owner is required that provides permission to operate in the home.

3. Do I need to register my business as a DBA (doing business as)?

The State of Georgia requires all businesses not registered as Corporations, Limited Liability Company, Limited or General Partnership to register their trade name. All registrations and fees can be paid  at the Lumpkin County Clerk of Court’s office located at:
325 Riley Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533

The only exception is for a sole proprietor, if the full legal name of the owner is part of the business name (example: John J. Doe Wrecker Service).

4. What is an Employer Identification Number (EIN) / Tax Identification Number (TIN)?

An EIN or TIN is used to identify a business entity. Consult a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Tax Attorney.

5. What is a State License?

Some types of businesses will have to obtain an additional license from the federal government, while other businesses, occupations, and professions are also licensed and regulated by the State and local authorities.

A State License is a certification through the State of Georgia. Type of business that need this certification include:

• Dentists
• Electricians
• General Contractors
• Hair Salons
• Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Insurance Agents
• Nail Salons
• Nurses
• Pest Control
• Physicians
• Plumbers
• Veterinarians

Proof of certification is required to obtain a business license. For more information, visit the Georgia Secretary of State website.

6. How do I obtain a State Identification Number?

State tax identification numbers are needed for any business that is selling a product, and are issued by the Georgia Department of Revenue.

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Planning - General FAQs

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1. Where can I get a copy of my property plat or deed?

You can get a copy of a recorded plat or deed for a property at the Clerk of Courts Office. Their office is located in the Judicial Center at:
325 Riley Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533

Their phone number is 706-864-3736.

2. What do I need to do to record my plat?

Plats need to be reviewed and approved by the Lumpkin County Planning Department before they can be recorded in the Clerk of Courts office.

3. What activities do I need a permit for?

A permit is required for any person who shall erect, construct, alter, install, demolish, or move any structure, electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system.

4. How do I get a building permit?

You may obtain a building permit through the Planning Office by providing the Department with a plat of your property and a description of the work to be permitted. For new home construction, a septic permit, a recorded plat of the property, and a site plan showing driveway, septic, setbacks, and structure location needs to be provided. If you are within 200 feet of State waters, an erosion control plan will also need to be submitted.

5. What are the stream buffers?

Stream buffers are 25 feet for warm water streams and 50 feet for Primary and secondary trout waters. Contact the Lumpkin County Planning Office at 706-864-6894 to see if the stream is designated as warm water, Primary, or Secondary.

6. Can I disturb the land within the stream buffers?

You cannot disturb inside a buffer without a buffer variance from the Georgia Environmental Protection Division. Contact the Lumpkin County Planning Department at 706-864-6894 prior to any disturbance within a stream buffer. Penalties could be stiff, and are enforceable locally and through the State.

7. Do I need a sign permit?

Yes, all signs need to be permitted in Lumpkin County through the Planning Department.

8. What and when can I burn?

Trash or household waste cannot be burned in Lumpkin County. Yard debris can be burned with a burn permit during certain times of the year (October 1st through April 31st) under the right weather conditions. Call 877-OK-2-BURN (877-652-2876) or visit the Georgia Forestry Commission website to get a burn permit.

9. What are the building setbacks in Lumpkin County?

Setbacks in Lumpkin County are 20 feet on side and rear property lines and 50 feet from any road or easement not located in a subdivision in the front. Inside subdivisions, the setback is 30 feet from the roads and easements.

10. Does Lumpkin County have zoning?

Lumpkin County currently has a performance-based zoning referred to as the Lumpkin County Land Use Code, which is a non traditional type of zoning that regulates uses through setbacks and buffers.

11. How do I get my private road turned over to the County?

There is an application and procedure for a private road to be adopted by the County. Download the Road Acceptance Application (PDF). Return your completed application to the Planning Department at:
25 Short Street
Dahlonega, GA 30533

12. How can I get an address?

Addresses are only assigned to structures, not land. An address is typically assigned during the building permit inspection process. To get an official E-911 address assigned to a structure, or if you feel there is an error in addressing, please contact the Planning Department at 706-864-6894.

13. Why is it important to post my address on my house?

Emergency responders need to be certain they are responding to the correct structure in the event of emergency. During an emergency situation, it is vital to be able to locate structures quickly when every second counts.

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Roads & Bridges

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1. Is the road department hiring?

There are no openings available at the road department at the present time.

Job openings will be listed on the county website.

2. How many Lumpkin County employees are assigned to the Road Department?

There are currently fifteen full-time employees at the Road Department.

3. Does the road department have wood chips?

Yes, we usually have chips available, free to the public at the Recycle Center located at:
1642 Red Oak Flats Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533

4. How many miles of road does the road department maintain?

There are more than 400 miles of county roadway in Lumpkin County.

We have 337 miles of paved roads and 75 miles of unpaved roads.

5. Why are some street signs green and others blue?

• All county road name signs should have a green background with lettering.
• Privately maintained road name signs should be blue with white lettering.

6. How can I get a good Lumpkin County road map?

The Lumpkin County Planning office has maps for sale to the public.

Black and white wall maps are available for $10, color wall maps are $25. They also have a Lumpkin County Road Atlas for $15.

7. Why does it take so long for the mowers to get to my road?

With more than 400 miles of county road and a shoulder on each side of each road, you wind up with around 800 miles of shoulder to maintain.

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Senior Center - General

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1. How old do you have to be to come to the Lumpkin County Senior Center?

To be a part of the nutrition program, you must be 60 years old and to participate in the activities you must be 55 years old.

2. Do you provide transportation?

Yes, we provide transportation to those who are in the nutrition program.

3. What do you do at the Senior Center?

Some activities include:

• Bingo
• Eating
• Exercising
• Fellowship
• Having fun
• Parties
• Playing games
• Socializing

For additional information, please view the Senior Center page.

4. Do you take trips?

We only take day trips.  We go to places such as:

• Local Banks
• Fresh & Frugal
• Local restaurants
• Post Office
• Walgreens
• Walmart
• Etc.

5. How do I sign up for Meals on Wheels?

You can call the senior center at 706-864-2358 and they will take your information for a referral or you can call Legacy Link at 770-538-2650 and ask for help getting Meals on Wheels.

6. What happens once I request to receive Meals on Wheels?

A Care Coordinator will call you and schedule an appointment for a nurse to visit for an assessment for services.

7. How long does it take to get the meals once I do a referral?

If there is not a waiting list for meals, the time frame is usually within three weeks.

8. I have several doctors appointments, what are the options for meals?

There are two options for meals. For those with many doctors’ appointments, we deliver frozen meals on a designated day, once per week.

All others receive a hot meal, Monday through Friday.

9. Are there special meals for diabetics?

There are special meals for diabetics and those receiving hot meals are served a therapeutic dessert.

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Sheriff's Office

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1. If I want to report something, is 911 the only number to call?

No, you may also call the Lumpkin County 911 Center for non-emergencies. The number is 706-864-3633.

2. Can I make a police report any time of the day or night? Or do I need to make an appointment?

You can make a police report any time. You may either come to the Sheriff’s Office, or we can respond to you.

3. Can I make a police report over the telephone, or does a deputy have to come to my house?

You can make a police report over the phone if it is not a complex issue. The officer will advise you when he/she discusses the nature of the report.

4. Is there a waiting period before I can report someone missing?

No, you can report someone missing at any time if you are concerned.

5. Should I report suspicious activity in my neighborhood?

Yes! If it is not of an emergency nature, you can call the non-emergency number at 706-864-3633.

6. Is there a number I can call to leave anonymous information/tips?

The Sheriff’s Office Tip Line is 706-482-2699. An automated recording answers. All calls/callers can remain anonymous.

7. I have a problem with speeders in our neighborhood. What can I do about it?

You can call the Lumpkin County 911 non-emergency number at 706-864-3633 to report it, or complete an Extra Patrol Request Form.

8. Can I use 911 on my cell phone to report drunk drivers?

Yes, you can use 911 on your cell phone to report drunk drivers.

9. How can I find out if someone is housed in the Detention Center, when someone can be visited, or any information about persons in jail?

To find out if someone is in Lumpkin County Detention, please visit our Inmate Check website, go to the Sheriff’s Office. For visitation and further information, call 706-864-0412.

10. How can I get a copy of a police report or accident?

To get a copy of a police report or accident, come to the main lobby of the Sheriff’s Office. Administrative hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Accident reports can be purchased online at BuyCrash.com or picked up at the Sheriff’s Office at no cost.

11. I was a victim of a crime. How do I find out the status of the investigation?

If you know the Investigator assigned to your case, simply call him/her. If you do not know, call the Criminal Investigations Commander at 706-482-2630. You may also contact the Victim’s Advocate at 706-482-2634.

12. How do I get a concealed weapon permit?

Contact the Lumpkin County Probate Court at 706-864-3847.

13. Can I carry a firearm in my vehicle?

Yes, if you are 21 years of age or older and meet the requirements for a concealed weapon permit, you may carry a weapon in your vehicle with or without a permit. Restrictions may apply. Please familiarize yourself with Official Code of Georgia Annotated (OCGA) 16-11-120, the “Georgia Firearms and Safety Act.”

14. I do not have transportation and need a ride. Can a deputy help me?

No. We do not provide private transportation, but special circumstances may apply where we can assist. You can discuss your request with a Sheriff’s Supervisor by calling the non-emergency number at 706-864-3633.

15. Why did it take longer for a Deputy to answer my call this time than on previous calls for assistance?

The calls for service are answered by priority and availability of officers. Your call is important; however, it may not take priority over other emergency calls for assistance.

16. Someone has abandoned a vehicle in my parking lot or on my property. Can the Sheriff’s Office tow it away for me?

No, the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office will not tow vehicles from private property. If you choose to have the vehicle towed, it will be by a wrecker service of your own choosing.

17. I received a notice evicting me from my house, and I’m not sure what I should do. Also, can I evict someone from my property?

You can contact the Lumpkin County Magistrate Court at 706-864-7760 or 706-482-2449 for assistance.

18. What can I do about barking dogs or stray dogs and cats in my neighborhood?

For questions pertaining to barking dogs within the city limits of Dahlonega, you may call Dahlonega City Hall at 706-864-6133 and request the Code Enforcement Officer. There is no ordinance for barking dogs outside the city limits of Dahlonega. For any domesticated animal concerns, call Lumpkin County Animal Control at 706-482-2602 or, after business hours, the non-emergency number at 706-864-3633.

19. I need to get a message to someone who does not have a telephone. Can the Sheriff’s Office go to the person’s home and deliver the message?

Yes, but only emergency messages will be delivered. Call the non-emergency number for assistance at 706-864-3633.

20. My family and I are going on vacation. Can a deputy keep an eye on our home while we are gone?

Yes, you can complete an Extra Patrol Request Form online or pick one up in the main lobby of the Sheriff’s Office.

21. I keep getting annoying “hang-up” type phone calls. What should I do?

Call the non-emergency number and request an officer, or call your phone company and request that a trap and trace or block be installed.

22. I have received several phone calls from people representing themselves as law enforcement officers asking for donations. Are they really law enforcement officers?

Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office does not solicit donations either by phone or by mail. If you are not sure, do not provide any personal information or credit card information to the requester.

23. How do I find out if a Civil Process was served?

To find out if a Civil Process was served, you may call the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Court Services Division at 706-4822433.

24. I received a notice on my door from a deputy concerning a civil paper. Who should I call?

You may call the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Court Services Division at 706-482-2433.

25. I have obtained a fieri facias from the Clerk of Courts. What do I do now?

Contact the Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Court Services Division at 706-482-2433.

26. I need to be fingerprinted to serve alcohol and/or employment. Where do I go?

For serving permits, firearm license and civil background checks contact Lumpkin County Sheriff’s Office Court Services Division at:
Justice Center
325 Riley Road
Dahlonega, GA 30533

The office can be reached by phone at 706-482-2433.

27. What are the procedures and cost for an Open Record Request?

Ms. Christina Callender is the Open Records Clerk for the Sheriff’s Office, and all requests must be addressed to her. Research, retrieval, copy, and other fees do apply for Open Records requests. For further information on Open Records, call 706-482-2634.

28. Where do I go to get a criminal history?

The Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office:  385 East Main Street, Dahlonega, GA 30533

29. What hours are criminal histories ran?

9:00am - 4:00pm

30. How do I receive the criminal history from the Sheriff's Office?

Once you arrive at the Lumpkin County Sheriff's Office Lobby, let a Sheriff's Office Employee know that you need a criminal history ran. A form will be provided for you to fill out.  Fill out the form in its entirety and return it to a Sheriff's Office employee along with your ID, proof of residence, work or school and payment (exact change required).

31. How much does it cost to get a criminal history?

$10.00 cash (exact change required) - proof of residence, work or school is required

$25.00 cash(exact change required) - all others 

32. How long does it take to receive the criminal history report?

The following business day.  Criminal history forms dropped off Friday evening after 4:00pm will be processed the following business day.

33. Can I have a criminal history run on weekends or holidays?

No, criminal histories will only be provided during office hours. 

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Water & Sewage Authority

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1. Why am I charged a connection fee to establish service?

The connection fee is an administrative fee that covers costs associated with sending a field representative to your residence or business for reading and/or connecting service and the administrative time required to process the application.

2. What are the regular office hours?

Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority’s hours are as follows:
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Closed for Lunch
1 to 2 p.m.

3. How can I pay my water bill?

We gladly accept cash, checks, money orders and credit/debit cards at the Lumpkin County Water and Sewage office. We also accept credit/debit cards through our department page link and by phone at 855-429-3541.

4. When is my payment considered late and are there any penalties for late payments?

Any payments not received on or before the 15th will receive penalties on the following business day.

A penalty of 10% is added to the account.

5. Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

If it is between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, please call 706-867-6580. Any other time, please call 706-864-3633.

6. Is there a deposit required?

All accounts will require a deposit. The current deposit is $100. New customers will also be required to pay a connection fee of $50, at the time the application for water service is made.

7. How often will I be billed?

Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority customers are billed monthly.

8. Do I need to be home to have my new water service connected?

Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority customers do not have to be at home for their water service to be connected.

A field representative will come to your home and connect your service at the water meter. However, you need to turn off everything (such as water faucets, etc.) that uses water prior to your new service being connected.

9. I applied for new service today, so why can't I have my service connected today?

Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority establishes new service accounts by dispatching a field representative to your residence or business to obtain a reading of your meter.

Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority must coordinate the service request schedules of all customers. To meet all new service requests, all applications accepted after 2 p.m. will not be activated until the following business day.

10. If I have any questions about my bill or my account, who do I contact?

For any questions, please contact the Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority office by calling 706-865-0788.

11. Does Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority have records or provide water testing service for private wells?

No, individuals with private wells wishing to have their water tested should contact the Lumpkin County Cooperative Extension office by calling 706-864-2275.

12. Does Lumpkin County Water and Sewerage Authority have records or issue permits for septic systems?

No, the Lumpkin County Environmental Health Department maintains records and issues permits for septic systems. For more information, you can call them at 706-867-2730.