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 | $350 |
| Kitchen Remodeling (with electrical/plumbing changes) | YES | $175 + trade permits |
| Bathroom Remodeling (structural or utility changes) | YES | $175 + trade permits |
| Basement Finishing | YES | $0.33/sq ft |
| Home Additions | YES | Varies by size |
| Garage Construction | YES | $0.38/sq ft |
| Siding Installation | MAYBE | $175 if required |
| Concrete Patios | YES | $200 |
Atlanta calculates permit fees at $7.00 per $1,000 of construction value, with minimum fees varying by project type.
| Fee Category | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building Permit Minimum | $175 | Plus $25 technology fee |
| Electrical Permit | $150 minimum | Plus $25 technology fee |
| Plumbing Permit | $150 minimum | Plus $25 technology fee |
| Mechanical/HVAC Permit | $150 minimum | Plus $25 technology fee |
| Deck Permit | $350 minimum | Based on valuation |
| Pool Permit | $240 minimum | Additional inspections required |
| Fence Permit (≤6 ft) | $75 | Higher fences cost $120 |
| Penalty for No Permit | 2X fees + $1,000 | Plus potential demolition |
| Submission Type | Processing Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Express Permits | 30 minutes - 1 hour | Simple projects, minor alterations |
| Online Standard | 10-14 business days | Most residential projects |
| Walk-in Applications | 14+ business days | Complex projects requiring discussion |
| Historic Districts | 20+ business days | Additional review required |
At All Weather Renovations, we handle the entire permit process for you. Here's what happens behind the scenes:
Skipping permits might seem like a way to save time and money, but the consequences can be devastating.
Each county around Atlanta has different permit requirements, fees, and processes. Here's what you need to know:
| Location | Min. Fee | Rate | Key Differences |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Atlanta | $175 | $7.00 per $1,000 | $25 tech fee, online portal, express permits available |
| Fulton County (Unincorporated) | $200 | Tiered rates | Higher minimums, septic approval needed, original signatures only |
| DeKalb County | $175 | $6.50 per $1,000 | $20 tech fee, escalating reinspection fees ($25/$50/$100) |
| Cobb County | Varies | $6.00 per $1,000 | Same-day walk-in processing, consultation required for owner permits |
| Gwinnett County | Varies | $41.44/sq ft eval | Online only (ZIP Portal), no permits needed for sheds <120 sq ft |
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, more than 30 inches above ground, or exceeds 200 square feet. Freestanding decks under 200 sq ft and less than 30" high typically don't need permits. Deck permits start at $350.
You face serious consequences: double permit fees plus up to $1,000 in fines, stop-work orders, potential demolition of completed work, insurance claim denials, policy cancellation, and problems selling your home. The city's "Codebusters" system makes getting caught very likely.
Standard permits take 10-14 business days when submitted online. Express permits for simple projects can be approved in 30 minutes to 1 hour. Projects in historic districts or special zones may take 20+ 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.
Requirements vary significantly: Fulton County charges $200 minimum (vs Atlanta's $175), DeKalb County calculates at $6.50 per $1,000 (vs Atlanta's $7.00), Cobb County offers same-day walk-in processing, and Gwinnett requires all applications through their online ZIP Portal. We handle permits for all metro Atlanta areas and know each jurisdiction's specific requirements.
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
