Land Disturbance Permits

When is a Land Disturbance Permit required?
Generally, a Land Disturbance Permit is required when 1,000 or more square feet of ground disturbance is proposed. This can include grading, clearing, paving, grubbing, or any other activity that meets the definition of land disturbing activity under Article 9 of The City of Sandy Springs Development Code. On a case-by-case basis, a Land Disturbance Permit may be required for ground disturbance under 1,000 square feet when the disturbance will result in the need for Erosion Control Best Management Practices (BMPs) or result in changes to topography and storm water drainage patterns.

It is recommended that you contact the Community Development department to verify whether or not a permit is required before proceeding with the work.

Who can apply for a Land Disturbance Permit?
Land Disturbance Permits are generally applied for by the property owner or developer.

What are the types of Land Disturbance Permits?

• Land Disturbance - Commercial Site Improvements 
• Land Disturbance - Residential Site Improvements 
• Land Disturbance - Subdivision Development 

Applying for a Land Disturbance Permit

You can apply for a permit online at Build Sandy Springs. Build Sandy Springs is where you can complete your application, submit construction drawings, pay invoices, request inspections, and view your current permit status.

You can also Schedule an Appointment via QLess to meet with one of our Permit Technicians at City Hall for further assistance with your application.

 The City requires that applicants comply with the Georgia Stormwater Manual and the Manual for Erosion and Sedimentation Control in Georgia. 

Forms and Checklists

The following documents may be helpful to you in your application process.

• Authorized Agent Affidavit
• Commercial Owner Authorization Affidavit
• Residential Owner-Contractor Affidavit
• As-Built Detention Facility
• Fulton County Driveway Manual
• Fulton County Transportation Standards
• Green Infrastructure (GI) Manual
• GI Feasibility Form for Linear Projects
• GI Feasibility Form for Non-linear Projects
• Maintenance Agreement - Detention Ponds
• Maintenance Surety Calculation Form
• Performance Surety Calculation Form
• Right of Way - Easement Dedication
• As-Built Checklist
• Drainage Review Checklist
• Erosion Control Checklist
• Hydrology Review Checklist
• Transportation LDP Checklist
• GSWCC Erosion Control Plan Review Checklist

Construction Drawings

Drawing Submittal Requirements: The following is an example of the construction drawings that would be required to complete plan review and issue a permit for a Land Disturbance Permit.

• Cover Sheet and Sheet Index with the project address and a sheet list of all drawings submitted for plan review.
• Civil Drawings
  • Existing Conditions/Survey
  • Site Plans including all setbacks, buffers and easements clearly labeled and shall include the lot coverage calculations.  Also include any existing utility services such as water, sewer, septic fields, etc.
  • Grading and Drainage Plans
  • Retaining Wall Details, if applicable.
  • Erosion Control Plans clearly indicating the BMP locations with standard details.​
  • Tree Conservation Plan including the canopy coverage calculations.
• For Subdivision Development only, include a Utilities Plan for any existing and new underground utilities.

Permit Fees

The fees for a Land Disturbance Permit include:

• $25 Admin Fee
• $50 CO/CC Fee
• Review Fee
  • $350 for Commercial/Subdivision
  • $100 for Residential
• Land Disturbance Permit Fee
  • $200 per acre for Commercial properties
  • $200 per lot for Residential properties
• Technology Fee (varies based on permit cost)

Required Inspections

1. Pre-construction meeting with a site inspector prior to any and all land disturbing activities.
2. Stormwater receptor inspection if applicable.
3. Final site inspection after all landscape stabilization and site work are completed.