Home Improvement

Interior Improvements

Home improvement projects can be as simple as painting walls and replacing carpet to a complete remodel of bathrooms and kitchens. It is important to know that a permit is required when a professional trade gets involved with the project. Heating and air, mechanical, structural and / or electrical and plumbing are the typical trades that require permitting and contractors working in these trades are required to hold a license by the state of Georgia. The health and safety of the home owner is better served when certain types of work are done by trade professionals. Additionally, the City’s building inspectors perform inspections at each milestone of the project to sign off on the contractor’s work. These inspections verify the state-adopted building codes are being followed.

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

Exterior Improvements

The City reviews all projects that show improvements to the exterior. Maintenance is not considered a project that needs a permit. For example, replacing siding or painting the exterior would not require permitting. Exterior renovations need to be reviewed for all trade skills listed above, and may also include reviews for building setback, easement and utility encroachment possibilities. The City also takes erosion runoff seriously. Obtaining a permit triggers inspections that ensures proper installation and erosion control measures.

Projects that Require a Permit

• HVAC
• Mechanical and / or structural changes or improvements
• Electrical
• Plumbing

Residential Building Permits

Projects That Do NOT Require a  Permit 

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

Green Infrastructure Manual

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

Call Before You Dig

Want to avoid spending a day in the dark? It's as simple as 8-1-1.     

Call 811 a few days prior to digging, tell the operator where you're planning to dig, what type of work you will be doing, and your affected local utilities companies will be notified about your intent to dig. In a few days, they'll send a locator to mark the approximate location of your underground lines, pipes and cables, so you'll know what's below - and be able to dig safely.

Remember, always call 811 before you start any digging project! You'll avoid injury, expense, embarrassment - and a very inconvenient day in the dark. Learn more about safe digging practices from Georgia 811.