Office of Buildings
Welcome to DCP's Office of Buildings!
DCP's Office of Buildings is responsible for overseeing and regulating construction activities within the City of Atlanta. Its primary functions include issuing building permits, conducting inspections and code enforcement to ensure compliance with building codes and safety standards, and enforcing regulations related to construction and development. The Office of Buildings plays a critical role in promoting public safety, maintaining quality standards in construction, and ensuring that buildings meet relevant zoning and land use requirements. Additionally, it may provide guidance and assistance to developers, contractors, and property owners regarding building codes, permit applications, and regulatory compliance.
OFFICE CLOSURE
Please be advised that our office will be closed on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. due to mandatory staff training.
We will resume normal business hours on Monday, December 22, 2025.
Thank you for your understanding.
Policy Notice: Discontinuation of Structural Integrity & Habitability Inspections - Effective Immediately
This policy serves to inform property owners, contractors, and the general public of changes to the Department of City Planning Office of Building’s inspection procedures related to structural integrity and unsafe structure determinations for demolition permits. Policy Details
CODE CHANGES
IMPLEMENTATION OF NEWLY ADOPTED STATE BUILDING CODES
The City of Atlanta Office of Buildings will align with the newly adopted State of Georgia building codes, as follows:
Effective for permit submissions beginning January 1, 2026:
- 2024 International Residential Code (IRC) with Georgia Amendments
- 2024 International Building Code (IBC) with Georgia Amendments
- 2024 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with Georgia Amendments
- 2024 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with Georgia Amendments
- 2024 International Plumbing Code (IPC) with Georgia Amendments
- 2024 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code (ISPSC) with Georgia Amendments
- 2023 National Electrical Code (NEC) with Georgia Amendments
To ensure a smooth transition:
- Permit applications submitted before February 1, 2026, will be accepted and reviewed under the codes in effect at the time of submission.
- Project reviews already in progress will continue under the codes in effect when they were submitted.
- Beginning February 1st, all new permit applications must comply with the newly adopted State building codes (listed above).
- Projects that have begun the permitting process or held pre-permit meetings may continue under the prior codes provided the permit application is submitted by January 31, 2026.
For questions or additional information, please contact the Office of Buildings at 404-330-6150.
The Georgia State Fire Marshal’s Office announced that the 2024 edition of the NFPA 101 Life Safety Code (LSC) and other updated NFPA codes went into effect May 27, 2025. To view details, click here.
PUBLIC NOTICE: NEW REQUIREMENT FOR TREE IMPACT PROJECTS - Effective June 25, 2025
In accordance with Ordinance #25-O-1341, recently adopted by the Atlanta City Council, any permit application involving potential impact to trees must include a formal Arborist Meeting prior to submission. This ordinance amends Chapter 158, Article II of the City of Atlanta Code of Ordinances (Tree Protection) to improve compliance, streamline decision-making, and support urban forest preservation.
Effective Wednesday, June 25, 2025, all applicants whose projects may affect trees are required to schedule and complete an Arborist Meeting with the Arborist Plan Review staff in the Office of Buildings before submitting a permit application.
Applications submitted without documentation of a completed Arborist Meeting will not be accepted.
We understand this is a significant change and apologize for the short notice; however, this process will support stronger outcomes for tree preservation and permit efficiency.
For questions or to schedule an Arborist Meeting, please contact the Arborist Division at (404) 330-6874 or arborist.dpcd@atlantaga.gov.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we implement this important initiative to protect Atlanta’s urban canopy.
PAYMENT METHODS
- The Office of Buildings does not request payment information via phone or email. We issue invoices to our customers, offering two payment methods: online via our permitting portal, Accela Citizen Access (ACA) or in-person on the 1st floor of City Hall at the cashier’s window.
Click the icons below to browse our services or scroll down to the accordion for division information. Details regarding workstreams and other questions can also be found on our page Zoning, Development, and Permitting Contacts.