Everything Atlanta homeowners need to know about building permits in 2025
Understanding Atlanta's permit requirements protects you from costly mistakes. The City of Atlanta requires permits for most structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
| Project Type | Permit Required | Minimum Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Deck Construction (attached or >30" high or >200 sq ft) | YES | $1450+ |
| Kitchen Remodeling (with electrical/plumbing changes) | YES | $1450+ |
| Bathroom Remodeling (structural or utility changes) | YES | $1450+ |
| Basement Finishing | YES | $1450+ |
| Home Additions | YES | $1450+ |
| Garage Construction | YES | $1450+ |
| Siding Installation | YES | $1450+ |
| Concrete Patios | YES | $1450+ |
| Sunrooms | YES | $1450+ |
All Weather Renovations calculates permit fees start at $1,450 for projects under $100,000, $1,750 for projects between $100,000-$150,000, and $2,000 for projects between $150,000 and $200,000, with minimum fees varying by project type.
| Fee Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Building Permit Minimum | $250 minimum |
| Electrical Permit | $250 minimum |
| Plumbing Permit | $250 minimum |
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit | $250 minimum |
| Deck Permit | $1450 minimum |
| Pool Permit | $1450 minimum |
| Submission Type | Processing Time | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online Standard | 21-35 business days | Most residential projects |
| Walk-in Applications | 1-30 business days | Some counties prefer walk-in |
| Historic Districts | 42-96 business days | Varies by district |
At All Weather Renovations, we handle the entire permit process for you. Here's what happens behind the scenes:
Permits ensure that projects are completed within certain standards - and that they're built right, and built to last.
Get answers to the most common questions Atlanta homeowners ask about building permits:
You need a permit if your deck is: attached to your home, or exceeds 200 square feet. Freestanding decks under 200 sq ft typically don't need permits. Deck permits start at $1450.
All Weather Renovations will NEVER remodel without a permit, for almost ALL of our projects. We could lose our General Contractors license, and face massive fines. AWR uses a permit for all projects that require one.
Online standard permits take 21-35 business days when submitted online. Walk-in application permits may take 1-30 business days. Projects in historic districts or special zones may take 42-96+ business days. We recommend starting the permit process while finalizing project details.
Yes, homeowners can pull their own permits, but you become responsible for ensuring all work meets code, scheduling inspections, and handling any issues. Most homeowners find it worth having their contractor handle permits - we know exactly what's needed and have established relationships with permit offices.
Permits are required if you're moving plumbing, adding electrical outlets, removing walls, or changing ventilation. Simple cabinet replacements, countertop installations (without moving utilities), and cosmetic updates like painting don't need permits. Most kitchen remodels involve at least some permitted work.
Our veteran team knows exactly what permits your project needs. We handle all the paperwork, submissions, and inspections so you can focus on enjoying your newly renovated home.
Licensed & Insured • Serving Atlanta Since 2019