Henry County waives permit fees to push more housing

Henry County is trying to turn its economic-development momentum into more places for workers and families to live.

The Board of Supervisors approved a temporary waiver of building permit fees for new residential construction and for major residential renovations or alterations where the total project cost is at least $100,000. The waiver takes effect July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to remain in place through July 1, 2028.

County officials tied the decision to a practical growth problem: recent job announcements and industrial projects increase pressure on a housing market that already has an aging inventory and limited new supply. The county specifically pointed to new investment from Nathan Trotter and FKC America as examples of why residential capacity matters to workforce recruitment.

• What to know: The waiver applies to eligible residential permits, not every construction-related cost.
• Who is affected: Builders, homeowners planning major renovations, neighborhood investors, employers recruiting workers and families looking for local housing.
• Why it matters: Housing availability is now part of the county's economic-development strategy, not just a private-market concern.

Property owners and builders should confirm permit details with Henry County before assuming a project qualifies, especially for renovation work near the $100,000 threshold.

Source: Reporting based on Henry County's June 23, 2026 News Flash item, Henry County Waives Building Permits to Spur Housing Development, checked June 26, 2026.