Get Your Georgia Building Permit Hassle-Free in Minutes
Before making a move on building or renovating any structure in Georgia, ensure that you've performed a detailed search on the process of . The permit shows that you've adhered to the building code regulations of Georgia.
Securing a building permit in Georgia can be a daunting task due to the time it takes for the reviews to be accessed. A plan review for a residential building can take two weeks upon successful submission, whereas a commercial structure plan review can take up to four weeks. In the case of revisions on your application, the process can take longer, which can be frustrating.
However, with DoNotPay, you can easily access documents from your PC or mobile, and make the necessary changes, without wasting time moving back and forth from the Building Safety Department.
When Is a Building Permit Necessary in Georgia?
A Georgia building permit is required when doing any construction or renovation work. The permit demonstrates that all the structures have observed all the building code regulations in Georgia. Failure to obtain one, you risk getting fined by the Building Safety Department. Below are some of the structures or works that require a permit:
- New construction - residential and commercial
- Renovations or alterations
- Additions like patios, decks, or awnings
- Re-roofing
- Demolitions - residential and commercial
- Signs - inclusive of political signs
- Utility and storage buildings
In addition, the Georgia building permit helps you:
- Improve the overall safety of your house
- When planning to resell your house
- Boost your chances of getting a loan
- Increase your property value
Do I Need a Building Permit for a Shed in Georgia?
You do not require a building permit for a one-story shed or less than 120 square feet. However, you'll need a permit for a shed that is more than a one-story building and more than 120 square feet.
In addition, if a shed has a power connection, you will need an electrical permit for a shed that is 120 square feet or more.
How to Get a Building Permit in Georgia
According to the Building Safety Department, there are three main ways to submit your application.
Online Application
To apply for a building permit in Georgia, visit the state's official website to obtain the necessary information needed to process a permit. Once there, you'll be required to log on to your city's online portal.
If you do not have an account, instantly create one using your official personal identification information. Then use your credentials to log in and fill in the forms. Upload the required documents, then submit your application. Make the payment using your preferred method.
For a plan review and issuance of the building permit, you can wait for at least four weeks, depending on the complexity of your building plan.
In-Person Application
Apply for the building permit in-person by visiting your local Building Safety Department(BSD) office to get the form. While there, fill out the forms, pay the permit fees to the cashier, and submit the filled-out forms to the office clerk. The offices are open from Monday - Friday, from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm.
Mail Application
Simply visit your area Building Safety Department to get the hardcopy forms, or open your local BSD website to download the forms.
Upon completion, mail the forms to your area BSD mail address and wait for a plan review response in four business weeks.
Can a Homeowner Apply for a Building Permit in Georgia?
Although local government laws may vary, only homeowners, sub-contractors, and contractors directly linked to the project can apply for a building permit in Georgia. The period of getting your permit will vary depending on your project. For example, a window replacement or roofing permit can take a day or hours, while a construction permit can take two weeks.
What Fees Do I Need to Pay to Get a Georgia Building Permit?
To get a building permit in Georgia, you must have a license number unless you are building a residential home. Below are some of the costs incurred while procuring a building permit.
Project | Fees |
Residential building permit | $41.44 per square foot
then the permit fee is based on $6 per $1,000 of the evaluated total cost |
Commercial building permit | $54.25 per square foot
then the permit fee is $5 per $1,000 of the evaluated total cost |
Deck | $225 - $500 |
Garage conversion | $1,200 - $1,500 |
Fence repair or installation | $20 - $50 |
Window replacement | $50 - $200 |
What Documents Do I Need to Get a Building Permit in Georgia?
The required building permits documents vary from one city to another. However, below are some of the most common documents needed in any BSD office.
- Technical details concerning the construction
- Compliance form and disability access
- Title deed with the location of the property/structure
- An approved zoning permit application
- General contractor's information
- Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical drawings
- Site plan for building permit
How to Apply for a Building Permit in San Francisco with the Help of DoNotPay
DoNotPay saves you time and energy by allowing you to apply for a Georgia building permit in minutes.
If you want to apply for a building permit in Georgia without a hassle but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered. Create your own request letter in 6 easy steps:
- Go to the Planning Permissions product on DoNotPay.
- Choose one of the following options:
- Check whether your project needs a building permit or if it's exempt
- Generate a permission request letter to send to your HOA
- Generate a guide on how to complete the building permit application
- Choose the focus of your project (new ADU, pool, shed, fence, etc.) and answer a few questions about your plans, including the size of the structure and estimated cost.
- Indicate whether you're hiring a contractor and include the estimated start date and the timeline for the project.
- Indicate whether any public sidewalk/street space will be used during construction.
- And that's it! DoNotPay will help guide you through the building permit process by checking if your project needs a building permit, contacting any HOAs you're a part of to request building permission, or generating detailed instructions on how to start and complete your building permit application process.
Why Use DoNotPay to Get a Building Permit in Georgia?
DoNotPay saves you the struggle of building a structure without a Building permits are a must-have in Georgia. By using DoNotPay, you will easily access and enjoy your city's services without any hassle.
DoNotPay Works Across All States
DoNotPay can help you obtain building permits in other states, counties, and cities, including: