Emergency 911 Mapping

The Habersham County Planning Department coordinates street naming and assignment of house number addresses for a comprehensive emergency services response database. The database includes the names of residents, with their accompanying addresses and telephone numbers, and provides that information to emergency services responders. Having location information speeds response time in emergency situations.

The term "911 address" explains clearly the purpose of these numbers: to help emergency services find a particular location as quickly as possible. Displaying the number properly can, in some cases, literally mean the difference between life and death. Help us find you in an emergency by following the regulations below.

If you don't know your 911 number or need a point clarified, feel free to call our office at 706-839-0140.

General

Once a number has been assigned to a principal building, the owner, occupant, or agent has 45 days to post it according to county guidelines. All 911 and/or apartment/unit numbers should have contrasting backgrounds and should be clearly seen 24 hours a day. "Principal" means the main building on a piece of property. For example, on land that contains a house and shed, the house is the principal building.

Where to place it

Numbers should be put in a conspicuous spot where they are visible from any road, street, or (if business or multi-family dwellings) parking lot that provides general public access.

For most buildings, the best location is immediately above, on, or at the side of the main door. However, if the principal building is set back 50 feet or more from the road or street, the number may be posted at any appropriate place on the property where it can be seen from the road or street. Any appropriate place" includes gate posts, fences, curbs, mailboxes, and double-faced signs that are perpendicular to the road. Mailbox numbers may be 2 1/2 inches in height

Multi-family dwellings with more than one exterior entrance should put the 911 number at all exterior entrances, along with the apartment/unit numbers that are accessible from that entrance. The apartment/unit number should also be marked on or near each apartment/unit's main entrance.

How big should they be?

• One- and two-family dwellings: At least 3 inches in height.
• Multi-family (three or more) dwellings: At least 3 inches in height (both 911 and apartment/unit numbers).
• Business and other non-residential: At least 4 inches in height if placed less than 15 feet from the back of the street curbing or edge of the street surface. If more than 15 feet away from the curbing or street, the numbers should be 6 inches high.