When Do I Need A Building Permit?

Building Permit Requirements

Applications for building permits are required to be submitted for installations regulated by the Georgia State Minimum Building Codes if any owner orBlueprint authorized agent intends to:

  • Construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure
  • Erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system

Why Do I Need a Permit?

There are two major reasons why a homeowner needs a permit on projects: the first is that when a permit is filed, city officials will inspect the work completed at different stages to ensure the work complies with current safety and health building codes. The second, and most significant reason, is it protects the homeowner’s investment they are making to improve the property.

River Corridor

Building in the Chattahoochee River Corridor area requires different permitting procedures. Call the Planning and Development Manager at 470-395-7022 for more information.

Work Requiring Building Permits

The following table shows work that requires a building permit. It is not a comprehensive list. For questions please see our Building and Permitting page, or contact the Building Inspector at 470-395-7027.

Forms can be saved as a PDF to be uploaded and submitted into the ePlans portal. Contact building and permitting if you have any questions.

Description of WorkPermit Needed? (Yes/No)
Above-ground pools
Yes
Accessory structures exceeding 200 square feet for use as a storage building (PDF)
Yes
Accessory structures 200 square feet or less for use as a storage building
No
Appliance replacement using hardwired devices such as piping or wiring
Yes
Appliance replacement using plug-in devicesNo
Bathroom fixture repair and/or replacement
No
Bathroom fixture repair and/or replacement needing piping alterations
Yes
Change in building use or classification (PDF)
Yes
Door and window replacement without structural alterations
No
Doors and windows requiring structural alterations (PDF)
Yes
Ductwork replacement
Yes
Electrical service repairYes
Fences over 7 feet in height (PDF)Yes
Freestanding arbors, pergolas (PDF)Yes
Furnace/HVAC system replacementYes
Garage door repair and/or replacementNo
Gas pipingYes
Generators, commercial or residentialYes
Interior remodel including framing, drywall, and/or lighting (PDF)Yes
Interior remodel of painting, tiling, carpet and/or trim workNo
Minor deck repairs (non-structural)No
Minor repairs to roof coveringNo
Minor repairs to siding, brick masonry, or stuccoNo
New buildings/commercial or residential (PDF)
Yes
New decks, porches, porticoes, balconies, or structural repairs (PDF)
Yes
New electrical circuitYes
New exterior siding, brick, masonry, or stucco (PDF)
Yes
New fireplace or wood stove (PDF)Yes
New plumbing fixture requiring piping alterationsYes
Re-roof (PDF)Yes
Retaining walls taller than 48"Yes
Retaining walls 48" or lessNo
Screen porch (PDF)Yes
Solar panel installations
Yes
Swimming pools and spasYes
Water heater replacement
Yes