BUILDING PERMITTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES

RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR ALTERATIONS

• Applications and Requirements    View Printable Version
• Intake
• Permitting Fees
• Contact Information
• Permit Issuance
• Inspections
• Zoning
• Site Development
• Arborist
• Affiliated Agencies
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) View Printable Version
• Glossary of Terms  View Printable Version
• Applicable Codes

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SITE DEVELOPMENT
The Site Development division of the Department of Watershed Management reviews proposed construction plans for civil engineering related issues.  Site Development internally conducts standard site plan review.  Primary points of focus for Site Development are:

• grading and drainage,
• storm water management,
• connections to sanitary sewer, stream bank buffers, and flood plains; and
• erosion and sediment control. 

Note: Standard plan review fees apply.    

Additional Site Development Information

• The Atlanta City Code and the Official Code of Georgia requires that a fee of $40/disturbed acre be paid to the City; and an additional $40/disturbed acre be paid to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division.   All Site Development fees are payable at the time of issuance of a building permit.  

• Sites larger than 1.1 acres of disturbed area, or within 200 ft. of State waters may require additional approval by the Georgia Soil and Water Conservation Commission District (GSWCD). The GSWCD staff reviews plans and makes recommendations to the District Board which meets twice a month.

• An additional 1-6 weeks may be added to the City’s review process should a permit need review by the GSWCD.  The District Board may require sites with unusual conditions to make a formal presentation to the Board. Example: encroachments into 25 ft. state Waters Buffers

• Work within the 75-foot streambank of any stream within the City of Atlanta must comply with the City of Atlanta Code of Ordinance requirements for work within Streambank Buffers. (Section 74-300 et seq)

• Review by the Streambank Buffer Technical Panel and fulfillment of the Public Notice requirements may increase the permit process review time by an additional eight (8) or more weeks.

Click here for the Site Development Checklists.

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City of Atlanta,   Bureau of Planning - 404.330.6145

City of Atlanta, Bureau of Housing - 404.330.6390

City of Atlanta, Urban Design Commission - 404.330.6200

• Approve plans for Historic Districts
• Review projects utilizing public funds

  City of Atlanta, Department of Watershed Management - 404.330.6081

• Approve Site Development
• Approves sewer certification
• Review erosion and sediment control
• Stream buffer/Waters of state issues
• National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES)

City of Atlanta, Department of Public Works- 404.330.6240

• Traffic Issues
• Curb Cuts

City of Atlanta, Department of Finance  - 404.330.6430

Process permit payments
Approve Developmental Impact Fee Exemptions

City of Atlanta Board of Zoning Adjustment

• Special Exceptions cases
• Variances cases
• Appeal of decisions of administration cases

Atlanta City Council

• Approve rezoning, Special Use Permits, and major Site Plan Amendments

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS New Residential Interior Alterations

GLOSSARY OF TERMS    View Printable Version 

APPLICABLE CODES  

• Standard Building Code (International Building Code), 2000 Edition with Georgia and City of Atlanta Amendments.

• Rules and Regulations of the Safety Fire Commissioner for the State Minimum Fire Safety Standards, August 21, 2003. (Georgia Safety Fire Law)

• CABO One and Two Family Dwelling Code, 2000 Edition with Georgia Amendments. 

• National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101 Life Safety Code, 2000 Edition with Georgia Amendments.

• Standard Gas Code (International Fuel Gas Code), 2000 Edition with Georgia Amendments.

• Standard Mechanical Code (International Mechanical Code), 2000 Edition with Georgia Amendments.

• Georgia Handicapped Accessibility Law 120-3-20.

• Standard Plumbing Code (International Plumbing Code), 2000 Edition with Georgia Amendments.

• National Electrical Code (NEC), 2005 Edition with Georgia Amendments.

• ANSI A17.1 Elevator Code, 1996 Edition with 1999 State Amendments.

• International Energy Conservation Code, 2000 Edition with Georgia Amendments.

• Standard Fire Prevention Code (International Fire Code), 2003 Edition with Georgia Amendments.