The Chatham County Department of Engineering provides services in four broad categories: Technical Support, Project Management, Development, and Public Assistance and Relations. The Department protects public interests as administrator of the County Engineering Policy, the Land Disturbing Activities Ordinance, the Storm Water Management Ordinance, the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, the Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance and the Streetlight Ordinance.   Additionally, the Department administers miscellaneous requirements of the Code of Chatham County such as speed zone, water supply and sewerage.  

Technical Support: The Department provides technical engineering services (including traffic engineering) and support to other County departments, staff, elected officials and the public.

Project Management: The Department manages and administers the road and drainage capital improvement programs funded by the 1% Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST). This includes but is not limited to design, environmental permitting, utility relocation, right-of-way acquisition and construction management. Additionally, the Department coordinates projects with local municipalities, state agencies (e.g. Department of Transportation, Department of Natural Resources) and federal agencies (e.g. US Army Corps of Engineers, Federal Highway Administration), and provides contract management for other County construction projects.

Development: The Department reviews residential and commercial development plans, approves and issues development permits, and enforces compliance with County ordinances and statutes (state and federal).

Public Assistance and Relations: The Department provides general assistance to the citizens of Chatham County, hosts public hearings, attends community meetings and provides information to media.