Georgia Building Permits — Complete Guide (2026)
Find, Apply & Track Permits in Cities and Counties Across Georgia
Georgia is one of the fastest-growing states by construction volume. Atlanta metro dominates permit activity, with Fulton, Gwinnett, and Cobb Counties leading. Georgia adopted the IRC statewide in 2020.
How building permits work in Georgia
Building permit requirements and processing times in Georgia vary by city and county. Use the links below to apply, check status, schedule inspections and find permit information for your location.
Learn the step-by-step permit process →Not sure where to apply?
Enter your city or address to find your permit office.
Permit costs by type — Georgia
| Permit Type | Fee Range | Processing Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical | $75–$200 | 1–3 days | Licensed electrician required statewide |
| Plumbing | $65–$185 | 1–3 days | Licensed plumber required |
| HVAC / Mechanical | $75–$220 | 1–4 days | High AC demand — summer peak |
| Roofing | $100–$300 | 1–3 days | Storm season drives high volume |
| New Construction | $600–$2,000 | 2–7 weeks | Atlanta metro has longer timelines |
| Room Addition | $300–$900 | 2–5 weeks | Varies by county |
| Deck / Patio | $125–$375 | 1–3 weeks | Structural plans required in metro counties |
| Pool | $200–$500 | 2–4 weeks | High demand in Atlanta suburbs |
| ADU | $300–$800 | 2–5 weeks | Atlanta adopted ADU ordinance in 2021 |
| Solar | $75–$225 | 1–5 days | Growing market statewide |
Major Georgia cities — apply online
Most Georgia building permits are issued by cities. Click your city to access the permit portal, apply online, or check permit status.
Permit costs by county — top Georgia counties
County building departments handle unincorporated areas. Click a county to access its permit portal directly.
How to get a building permit in Georgia
Find your county or city building department
Georgia has 159 counties. Metro Atlanta counties — Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, DeKalb — have full-service online systems. Rural counties may be paper-based.
Licensed contractor requirements
Georgia requires licensed contractors for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. General contracting licenses are also required for projects above certain valuation thresholds.
Submit plans for structural work
Additions and new construction require architectural plans. Atlanta metro counties conduct thorough plan reviews.
Pay fees
Fees vary by county — Atlanta metro fees are higher than rural Georgia. Most trade permits are flat-rate.
Inspections
Metro counties have dedicated inspection divisions with online scheduling. Rural counties may have one shared inspector.
ADU permits in Georgia — what you need to know
🏠 Georgia ADU-friendly status: Partial
Georgia has no statewide ADU law. Atlanta updated its zoning in 2021 to allow ADUs in all single-family residential districts. Savannah and Augusta each have their own ADU rules — verify locally before applying.
Find a licensed Georgia contractor
Georgia requires licensed professionals for most permitted work. Always verify a contractor's license before hiring — it protects you and is required for most permit types.
General Contractors
Find pre-screened general contractors for your Georgia home project. Compare quotes on permitted work.
Find a Contractor →Verify GA License
Verify your contractor holds a valid Georgia Secretary of State – Licensing Division license before any permitted work begins.
Verify GA License →Electricians & Plumbers
Specialty-licensed electricians and plumbers are required for all permitted electrical and plumbing work in Georgia.
Learn More →Ready to get started? Browse verified, licensed contractors serving Georgia homeowners and get free quotes on your project.
🔍 Find a Contractor Near YouFrequently asked questions — Georgia permits
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