Residential Building Permits

When is a Residential Building Permit required?
A Residential Building Permit is required whenever a property owner is constructing, altering, enlarging, or repairing a building or accessory structure. A permit is also required to replace decks/patios, and install generator(s).  The installation of outdoor play equipment may require a permit. Please contact the Community Development Department at 770-730-5600 for additional assistance.

When is a Residential Building Permit not required?
A Residential Building Permit is not required for general aesthetic improvements such as painting & carpeting. Any detached structure less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet does not require a permit but may be subject to all other applicable regulations in the City's Development Code.

Who can apply for a Residential Building Permit?
A permit can be obtained by a licensed contractor or the property owner. In order for the property owner to obtain a permit, the property must be their current permanent residence.

Applying for a Residential Building 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,

Required Application Documents: The following documents are required for the permitting process. You can fill these out before you visit us, or we can assist you once you arrive.

• Residential Building Permit Application
• BR Application Guide
• Residential Building Information Sheet

Associated Documents: The following documents are provided to assist applicants with their submittal and are dependant on the nature of your permit request. Please review them and become familiar with the requirements of each specific permit.

• Authorized Agent Affidavit 
• Contractor Affidavit
• Residential Owner-Contractor Affidavit
• Erosion Control and Tree Conservation Agreement
• Residential CO/CC Request Form

Checklists: The following checklists are provided to to assist applicants with their submittal and are dependant on the nature of your permit request. 

• Residential Site Plan Checklist - Single Family House 
• Residential Site Plan Checklist - Minor Additions and Generators 
• Single Family Addition Site Plan Checklist
• Single Family Pool Site Plan Checklist 
• Single Family Residential Building Permit Checklist - Major Alterations
• Single Family Residential Building Permit Checklist - Minor Interior Alterations

Residential Building Permit Types

If the project involves multiple licensed trades, then a Building Permit must be obtained which will cover all the licensed trades involved in the project. A building permit is also required for projects that involve structural work. Certain projects require special permits instead of or in addition to building permits.

• Residential - Accessory Structure (Application Guide) 
  • An Accessory Structure Permit is used constructing a new structure that does not touch the existing building.  Examples include gazebos, outdoor fireplaces, play structures, sport courts, outdoor kitchens, treehouses, carports, pool houses, cabanas, garages, and sheds. 
• Residential - Additions and Alterations (Application Guide)
  • An Additions and Alterations Permit is for alterations that will expand a building’s existing footprint or alter an exterior wall. This permit also includes any interior remodeling associated with the project.
• Residential - Decks and Covered Porches (Application Guide)
  • A Decks and Covered Porches Permit is for new decks or covered porches, as well as modifications made to existing decks and covered porches.  It is not required when replacing a small number of individually rotted planks.
• Residential - Generator (Application Guide) 
• Residential - Interior Remodel (Application Guide)
  • An Interior Remodel Permit is for alterations to the floorplan within a structure’s existing footprint.
• Residential - Reconstruction (Application Guide)
  • A Reconstruction Permit is for restoring a building to its original condition within its existing footprint due to fire damage or natural disaster. The new work must be compliant with current building codes.  Immediate repairs to stabilize the structure, secure the premises, or prevent further damage are acceptable prior to receiving a permit. Permits for emergency repairs must be applied for within 48 hours or the next business day, whichever is sooner. 
• Residential - Roofing (Application Guide) 
  • A Roofing Permit is for flat roof replacement projects. A permit is not required to replace individual shingles on pitched roofs.
• Residential - Single Family House (Application Guide)
• Residential - Solar Panel (Application Guide)
• Residential - Townhouse (3 Stories or Less) (Application Guide)

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 Residential - Single Family House Permit.

Please reference the Application Guides above for specific drawings required for each Workclass.

• 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.
  • 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.
• Architectural Drawings: Floor Plans, Roof Plan, and Elevations
• Structural Drawings: Foundation Plans and Details, Framing Plans and Details, and Truss Drawings.

Inspection Process

Inspections will vary based on the construction scope of work. At a minimum, the permit should receive rough inspections for each trade (building, mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing if performed) and final inspections for each trade.

Below is a summary of the inspections required for a residential building. For more information, please reference the Required Residential Inspections document.

• Pre-construction meeting – onsite with Land Development Officer and Building Inspector
• Footings – after footings are dug and steel is in place
• Foundation wall – after forms and steel are in place
• Rough framing – after dry in and before insulation
• Rough electrical – after rough is in and before insulation
• Rough plumbing – after rough in and before insulation
• All underground utilities – prior to being buried
• Pressure test – required on both supply and drain waste vent systems
• Rough mechanical – after rough in and before insulation
• Gas line inspection – after all gas lines are installed and pressured up
• Insulation – after insulation is installed and before coverings are installed
• Final mechanical, electrical, plumbing, building – when the home is finished and in move-in condition
• Final site inspection – due when all landscaping and site work are completed