Building Permits in Atlanta, GA
Check permit requirements for home improvement projects in Atlanta. Select a project type below to see local requirements, estimated fees, and how to apply.
Recent permit activity in Atlanta
We track 36,111 permit records from Atlanta's official open-data feed, updated within the last month.
Thinking about a project? Check what permits have already been pulled on a property — data is current to within the last month. Useful for buyers vetting a listing, or homeowners curious about their neighbors' renovations.
Key Exemptions in Atlanta
These projects typically don't require a building permit in Atlanta:
Cosmetic bathroom renovations (paint, tile, fixtures in same location) do not require a permit in Atlanta, GA.
Small at-grade patio slabs under 120 square feet are typically exempt from building permits per IRC R105.2 (extended via local amendment). The slab must be at-grade (not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade) and not part of an accessible route.
Freestanding decks not exceeding 30 inches above grade do not require a building permit in Atlanta, GA.
Replacing an existing driveway in the same footprint with no changes to the curb cut is generally exempt from permit requirements.
Replacing a light fixture or outlet in-kind does not require an electrical permit in Atlanta, GA.
See all rules by selecting a project type below, or use our free lookup tool for a personalized answer.
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Atlanta Building Department
Nearby Cities in Georgia
Permit Guides
Read our in-depth guides for common home improvement projects: