Home Improvement

Interior Improvements

Home improvement projects can range from simple updates, such as painting walls and replacing carpet, to complete bathroom or kitchen remodels. A permit is required when a licensed professional trade is involved in the project. Typical trades that require permitting include heating and air, mechanical, structural, electrical, and plumbing work. Contractors working in these trades are required to hold a license from the State of Georgia.

Permits and inspections help protect the health and safety of homeowners. City building inspectors perform inspections at key milestones during permitted projects to verify that work complies with state-adopted building codes.

Maintenance projects, such as painting walls or replacing carpet or tile, do not require a permit.

Exterior Improvements

The City reviews projects that include exterior improvements. Maintenance work, such as replacing siding or painting the exterior, generally does not require a permit. Exterior renovations may require review for the trade work listed above and may also include review for building setbacks, easements, utility encroachments, and erosion control requirements.

Obtaining a permit triggers inspections that help ensure proper installation and appropriate erosion control measures.

Projects That Require a Permit

• Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) work
• Mechanical or structural changes or improvements
• Electrical work
• Plumbing work

Residential Building Permits

Projects That Do Not Require a Permit

• Painting
• Flooring, including carpet, tile, and hardwood installations
• Trim and baseboards
• Wall mounting for decorative or entertainment items, such as flat-screen televisions
• Doors and windows, when replaced within the original framework and not enlarged or altered
• Exterior siding
• Roof replacement, if only replacing shingles
• Gutters

Green Infrastructure Manual

City staff updated the Green Infrastructure Manual (PDF) to help homeowners and residential contractors implement green infrastructure strategies on small projects.

Call Before You Dig

Before starting any digging project, call 811 a few days in advance. Tell the operator where you plan to dig and what type of work you will be doing. Local utility companies will be notified, and a locator will mark the approximate location of underground lines, pipes, and cables.

Always call 811 before digging to help avoid injury, property damage, and utility service interruptions. Learn more about safe digging practices from Georgia 811.