Building Permits in Georgia

We cover 64 cities in Georgia. Select a city below to see local permit requirements.

64 Cities Covered

6,061 Permit Rules

IRC Building Code Base

Building Codes in Georgia

Building permit requirements in Georgia are enforced at the local level, each city and county building department sets its own rules, fees, and timelines. Most cities in Georgia follow the 2018 IRC, though 11 cities are still on the 2024 edition.

We cover 64 cities in Georgia with 6,061 specific permit rules. That's real, locally researched data, not generic advice. Each city page shows exactly what triggers a permit, what's exempt, estimated fees, and how to apply.

The bottom line: don't assume your city follows the same rules as the one next door. A fence that's exempt in one town might need a full permit two miles away. Always check your specific city.

Common Permit Exemptions in Georgia

These are the most common projects that don't require a permit across cities in Georgia. Keep in mind, "exempt from a permit" doesn't mean "exempt from code." You still have to build to code even without a permit.

Windows and Doors: Exempt in 107 of our 64 covered cities

Fence: Exempt in 106 of our 64 covered cities

Shed: Exempt in 65 of our 64 covered cities

Patio: Exempt in 65 of our 64 covered cities

Concrete Slab: Exempt in 65 of our 64 covered cities

Exemptions vary by city. Always verify with your local building department before starting work.

Contractor Licensing in Georgia

If you're hiring a contractor in Georgia, make sure they're properly licensed. You can verify credentials through the Georgia Licensing Board.

Two rules of thumb: never pay a contractor in full upfront, a third down is standard. And if a contractor tells you "we don't need a permit for this," that's a red flag. Use PermitMint to verify before you sign anything.