Residential Building Permits

A Residential Building Permit is required whenever a property owner constructs, alters, enlarges, or repairs a building or accessory structure.

Permits are also required for:

• Deck or patio replacements
• Generator installations
• Certain outdoor play equipment installations

For questions regarding play equipment requirements, contact the Community Development Department at 770-730-5600.

When a Residential Building Permit Is Not Required

A Residential Building Permit is generally not required for cosmetic improvements such as painting or carpeting.

Detached structures smaller than 120 square feet do not require a permit, but may still be subject to applicable requirements in the City’s Development Code.

Who Can Apply for a Residential Building Permit?

Permits may be obtained by:

• Licensed contractors
• Property owners for their current permanent residence

Applying for a Residential Building Permit

Applications can be submitted online through Build Sandy Springs .

The portal allows applicants to:

• Complete permit applications
• Submit construction drawings
• Pay invoices
• Request inspections
• Track permit status

Applicants may also schedule an appointment through QLess to meet with a Permit Technician at City Hall for assistance.

Associated Documents

The following documents may be required depending on the scope of work:

• Authorized Agent Affidavit
• Residential Owner-Contractor Affidavit
• Residential CO/CC Request Form

Application Checklists

The following checklists are available to help applicants prepare complete submissions:

• 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

Projects involving multiple licensed trades or structural work generally require a Building Permit.

Some projects may also require special permits in addition to a building permit.

• Residential – Accessory Structure
  • Used for detached structures such as gazebos, outdoor fireplaces, play structures, sport courts, outdoor kitchens, treehouses, carports, pool houses, cabanas, garages, and sheds.
• Residential – Additions and Alterations
  • Used for projects that expand the building footprint or alter exterior walls, including related interior remodeling.
• Residential – Decks and Covered Porches
  • Used for new decks, covered porches, and modifications to existing structures.
  • Not required for replacing a small number of individually rotted planks.
• Residential – Generator
• Residential – Interior Remodel
  • Used for floorplan alterations within the existing building footprint.
• Residential – Reconstruction
  • Used to restore a building damaged by fire or natural disaster while remaining within the original footprint.
  • Emergency stabilization work may occur before permit issuance, but permits must be applied for within 48 hours or the next business day, whichever is sooner.
• Residential – Roofing
  • Required for flat roof replacement projects.
  • Not required for replacing individual shingles on pitched roofs.
• Residential – Single Family House
• Residential – Solar Panel
• Residential – Townhouse (3 Stories or Less)

Construction Drawings

The following example documents are typically required for a Residential – Single Family House permit application.

Specific drawing requirements vary by permit type.

• Cover Sheet and Sheet Index
  • Must include the project address and a complete drawing sheet index.
• Civil Drawings
  • Existing conditions survey
  • Site plans with setbacks, buffers, easements, and lot coverage calculations
  • Grading and drainage plans
  • Retaining wall details, if applicable
  • Erosion control plans showing BMP locations and details
  • Tree conservation plan with canopy coverage calculations
• Architectural Drawings
  • Floor plans
  • Roof plan
  • Building elevations
• Structural Drawings
  • Foundation plans and details
  • Framing plans and details
  • Truss drawings

Inspection Process

Inspection requirements vary depending on the scope of work.

At a minimum, permits generally require:

• Rough inspections for each trade involved
• Final inspections for each trade involved

Common residential inspections include:

• Pre-construction meeting with the Land Development Officer and Building Inspector
• Footing inspection
• Foundation wall inspection
• Rough framing inspection
• Rough electrical inspection
• Rough plumbing inspection
• Underground utility inspection
• Pressure test inspection
• Rough mechanical inspection
• Gas line inspection
• Insulation inspection
• Final mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and building inspections
• Final site inspection after landscaping and site work are completed