frequently asked questions

Where is the Atlanta City Hall? City Hall is located at 55 Trinity Avenue. City Hall lies between Trinity Avenue intersections with Washington Street and Central Avenue.

What is the purpose of a building code?

Building codes are regulatory requirements designed to provide for the construction of safe and habitable buildings.

Can a building permit be issued prior to the formal issuance of a zoning variance?

No.

When is a permit required?

According to City Ordinance, a building permit is required “to construct, erect, demolish, install, alter or repair… any building, structure, equipment, appliances or

system…”

When is a permit not required?

A building permit is not required for repair work with a total valuation of less than $2,500, provided such work is otherwise lawful. Repair work means in-kind repairs which do not add to, alter, or otherwise modify the building or structure.

How do I obtain a permit?

How much will a building permit cost ?

The Building Permit fee is $5.00 per $1,0000 of the total cost of the job ($50.00 minimum) Impact fees are only applicable for a change in number of living units. •A separate permit is required by a licensed professional for:

Electrical: 404-330-6180

HVAC: 404-330-6264

–Plumbing 404-330-6170

–“Pay As You Enter” fees ($30.00): 404-330-6089

–Water Tap Permits: 404-330-6080

How can I get my building plans reviewed and approved?

What is the time limit for a valid permit?

•A building permit becomes valid when stamped paid by the Municipal Revenue Collector.

•Except for the demolition of certain buildings, building permits once issued remain valid unless work is not started within six (6) months or, once started, is abandoned or discontinued for a period of six (6) months.

What is a demolition permit and what are the requirements?

A demolition permit (building permit) authorizes the complete removal of a building or buildings from property. Prior to the issuance of a demolition permit, the site must be inspected for rodents. A letter from a certified pest control company is required, stating that the property is free of rodents.

When are a licensed architect and/or engineer required in the permit process?

A licensed architect or engineer is required for any new building exceeding one story, or over 5000 square feet, or costing $50,000 or more, except one (1) and two (2) families and all new or existing structures, educational, health care, correctional, or detention facilities, hotels, dormitories, or lodging facilities, multi-family housing or apartment complexes and care facilities.

What is a Certificate of Occupancy/Temporary Certificate of Occupancy?

•A Certificate of Occupancy is a written confirmation issued by the City of Atlanta Bureau of Buildings that the building or a specific space within a building is deemed to be in compliance, after inspection, with the requirements of building codes, zoning codes, and other City Ordinances.

•In the event where total compliance has not been achieved, but the building or space is deemed safe, a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy may be issued to building or parts of building, for a specified, limited amount of time.

When is a Certificate of Occupancy/Temporary Certificate of Occupancy required?

•A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or a Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO) is required prior to occupancy of all new buildings, additions, new tenant spaces, and buildings which have changed occupancy type. Certificates of Occupancy start at $50.00 and are issued by the Bureau of Buildings, after approval by the Building inspector.

What postings (notices) are necessary in the permitting process?

•Prior to issuance of a building permits allowing the removal of trees, posting of a notice on premises is required. This posting gives notice that trees are to be removed and allows for appeals of the proposed tree removal. A building permit cannot be issued until the property has been posted for at least fifteen (15) days without appeal.

•Once a building permit has been issued, a six (6) square foot sign must be posted for Notice of Permit Issuance. This sign must remain on the premises for at least thirty (30) days.

What is a Special Administrative Permit?

A document issued by the Bureau of Planning where complex or unusual technical determination are involved and/or matters involving temporary uses.

What is the area building inspector?

The area building inspector is the individual assigned to evaluate the construction within a specified portion of the City.

Can I use a private inspector?

Yes, but only under specific and authorized conditions by the Director of the Bureau of Buildings.

What are impact fees?

Development Impact fees are required by City Ordinance for new development (including changes of use of existing buildings). Such fees are designed to augment funding for improvements to infrastructure and public facilities in the areas of traffic and transportation; parks and recreation; fire and emergency medical services and police services. These funds are used as needed to support services for new development.Development Impact fees may be exempted in certain designated areas or for certain types of projects to encourage economic development. Redevelopment allowances will be applied for previous uses on a property when redevelopment takes place within one year of demolition. Exemptions are also available to encourage the development of affordable housing. Development Impact fees for non-residential construction are based on service areas, type of use, and gross area of building and vary from approximately $.42 per square foot for a private elementary school or daycare on the Southside or Westside to $2.78 per square foot for a small office, on the Northside. For residential construction, the fees are based on service areas and number of living units, or number of rooms for lodging facilities. Residential fees vary from $743 for an apartment unit on the Southside or Westside to $1544 for a single family residence on the Northside.

How can I request an inspection?

Call and schedule an inspection with the Inspector listed on your permit or contact:

Building Inspection Division – 404-330- 6160

Electrical Division – 404-330-6180

Plumbing Division – 404-330-6170

HVAC Division – 404-330-6265

Arborist Division – 404-330-6874

How can I cancel or reschedule an inspection?

Call and tell the inspector list on your permit or contact:

Building Inspection Division – 404-330- 6160

Electrical Division – 404-330-6180

Plumbing Division – 404-330-6170

HVAC Division – 404-330-6265

Arborist Division – 404-330-6874

How can I check to see if my inspection passed?

Contact:

Building Inspection Division – 404-330- 6160

Electrical Division – 404-330-6180

Plumbing Division – 404-330-6170

HVAC Division – 404-330-6265

Arborist Division – 404-330-6874

How do I get sewer service to the property?

Contact the Department of Watershed- 404-330-6089

How can I find out how my property is zoned?

Contact Zoning Enforcement- 404-330-6175

When can you cut down a tree?

When you have permission from the City Arborist (404-330-6874).

What is a “Stop Work Order?”

A Stop Work Order is a directive by the Bureau of Buildings to discontinue a

specified construction activity.

What happens if I’m caught working without a building permit?

•Working without a permit is a misdemeanor violation of City Ordinance, which can be punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and/or thirty (30) days in jail. •A Stop Work Order may be issued. •When such work is permitted a double fee up to $1,000 may be assessed. •Illegal work that cannot be made to comply with the law must be removed.

The Zoning Enforcement Division of the Bureau of Buildings.