Conservation Use

Conservation Use Application:

To apply for conservation use please apply through the State Department of Revenue website.

Conservation use application

Conservation use brochure

Important Facts

  • Conservation Use is a serious matter. If you have any questions or concerns, don't hesitate to contact us.
  • Conservation Use is available for properties in which the primary purpose of 50% or more of the property is good faith production of an agricultural product or timber.
  • Conservation Use is a covenant between the property and the county.
  • The covenant lasts for ten years.
  • For Conservation application recording fees please contact the Assessors office. Fees have changed per new laws.
  • A breach of the Conservation Use Covenant can result in severe penalties.
  • The penalty is twice the amount saved for every year a savings was enjoyed.
    • In other words, if a property was approved in 2005 for Conservation Use and a breach occurred in 2009, the breach penalty would be for a total of five years.
  • If a property is in Conservation Use and then sold, the purchaser of the property must sign a continuation application.
  • This continuation application is reviewable by the Board of Assessors and is not automatic.
  • No pre-approvals or guaranteed acceptance on possible real estate transactions are offered or considered.
  • If a property is in Conservation Use and the owner decides to change the agricultural use or let the property lay fallow, the owner shall notify the Tax Assessor's Office.
  • Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 48-5-7.4 has laws covering Conservation Use.