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BUILDING PERMITTING PROCEDURES AND GUIDELINES


RESIDENTIAL INTERIOR ALTERATIONS

Return to the Permitting Primer main page

Return to the Residential Primer main page


COMPLETE PERMIT APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS View Printable Version

  • Include two (2) complete sets of architectural/structural plans.
  • All buildings described in these plans shall be designed in compliance with the current applicable 
    codes along with revisions and amendments. 
  • Two (2) copies of any pertinent ordinances (rezoning), special use permits, special administrative
    permits, variances or other documents relating to zoning approval, or other applicable documentation that will support any conversion. 
  • For projects involving exterior alterations (such as changing roof structure and new cantilevers) with no site work or conversions of single family residence to a duplex, a recent survey sealed by a Georgia Registered Land Surveyor will be required.
  • Include the notarized Cost of Construction form. 
  • Residential Automatic Approval Certification (RAAC) is available for plans prepared by Georgia 
    registered architect or engineer. Click here for a copy of the RAAC form.  
For more information, visit the Bureau of Buildings
 
INTAKE
The intake process is the stage in which the permit application is created.  During this stage, all drawings are submitted for approval for review and approval.
 
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PERMITTING FEES
No permit or permit fee is required for any work with a total valuation of less than $2,500.00 provided that such work is otherwise lawful.  A permit fee of $5.00 per $1,000.00 of valuation; or $50.00 whichever is greater, shall be paid. No permit is valid until such fees have been paid to the City of Atlanta and validated by Bureau of Treasury.

  1. A reinspection fee of $50.00 shall be imposed for each reinspection once a written notice has been issued requiring the correction of inferior work.
  2. All building construction begun prior to the issuance of a permit will result in doubled permit fees. Fees are not to exceed $1,000.
  3. A fee shall be imposed of $1.00 per square foot for signs or $50.00, whichever is greater.
  4. A fee of double the usual permit fee shall be imposed for signs erected without a permit.  Fee shall not exceed $1,000.
  5. Change of contractor fee shall be $50.00.

CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY FEES

  • New One and Two-Family Residences- $50.00
  • Additional Units to One and Two-Family Residences- $50.00
  • Tenant Building-Out for Residential- $50.00
  • Temporary Certificates of Occupancy-$100.00

View Printable Version of Technical Permitting Fee Schedule.

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CONTACT INFORMATION

   Agency

Name

Telephone

Bureau of Buildings Arborist Division

404.330.6836

Building Inspection 404.330.6160
Electrical 404.330.6180
Mechanical 404.330.6265
Plumbing 404.330.6170
Traffic Latonia Lee 404.330.6501
Watershed Management Water Division 404.330.6842

                  GENERAL PHONE NUMBERS

Bureau of Buildings 404.330.6150
Bureau of Planning 404.330.6145
Urban Design Commission 404.330.6200
Department of Watershed Management 404.330.6224
Department of Public Works 404.330.6501
Department of Finance 404.330.6454

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BUILDING PLAN REVIEW
The Bureau of Buildings performs plan review services to verify compliance with Building Code, Life Safety Code, and the Georgia Accessibility Code. All plans submitted for issuance of a building permit must be accurate, legible, drawn to standard scale, include dimensions, and meet minimum industry-wide acceptable architectural and engineering standards.  Plans marked “Not Released for Construction”, “Preliminary” and “Permit only” shall not be accepted for review unless otherwise noted for site and foundation permits. In lieu of plan review for one and two family residential construction, the City will accept professional certification.  Click here for a copy of the RAAC form.

Click here for Checklist for submission of plans for alterations and repairs to one and two family residences

The City of Atlanta reserves the right to require additional information for plan review analysis.

PERMIT ISSUANCE
Once plans are approved, the permit will be released for issuance by the plan reviewer. The plans are then verified and finalized and paid for at the City of Atlanta, Department of Finance.

Note: Acceptable methods of payment are electronic check, cash, VISA, MasterCard, or certified check.  Business checks will not be accepted.

Bureau of Buildings conducts inspections subsequent to the issuance of a permit.  Additional inspections are also conducted by the Department of Watershed, Site Development Division.  To request an inspection, click here.

Building Inspection Division
404.330.6160 (office)
404.331.8901 (fax)
The Building Inspection Division inspects all building permits for compliance as well as handling complaints.  Building inspections also issue Certificates of Occupancy. 

Electrical Division
404.330.6180 (office)
404.658.7374 (fax)
The Electrical Division is responsible for the inspection of all electrical and low voltage permits for code compliance as well as complaints and power authorizations.

Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Division
404.330.6265 (office)
404.658.6982 (fax)
The Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Division inspects all HVAC and gas for code compliance.

Plumbing Division
404.330.6170 (office)
404.658.6881 (fax)
The Plumbing Division inspects all plumbing and sprinkler permits for code compliance.  Plumbing also handles complaints and sewer tap approvals.

Zoning Division
404.330.6175 (office)
404.331.8902 (fax)
The Zoning Division inspects all sign permits for code compliance, approves all building permits for zoning compliance, and conducts zoning research and verification.  Click here for information regarding online zoning verification. 

 
ZONING
Zoning Requirements are governed by the City of Atlanta Zoning Ordinance. The requirements addressed in the Zoning Ordinance include:

  • Setback Requirements
  • Permitted Uses
  • Density
  • Height
  • Off Street Parking
  • Sign Permit 

For a complete copy of the City of Atlanta Zoning Ordinance, click here.
 
There are also additional requirements for Special Use Permits, Special Administrative Permits, Variances, Special Exceptions, and Certificate of Appropriateness.  Please contact the Bureau of Planning for information.
 
Click here for additional zoning information.
Click here for Frequently Asked Questions regarding Zoning Enforcement