Building Permits in Dade County, GA

GA, the county does NOT issue general building permits and is largely unzoned. However, all new residential construction and additions must still comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (2018 IRC) under O.C.G.A. 8-2-20. An electrical permit IS required from the Dade County Commission Office for any new wiring associated with the addition.

GA, the county does not issue a general building permit for an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and Dade County has no countywide zoning that prohibits or specifically regulates ADUs. However, ADUs must comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (2018 IRC), an electrical permit is required from the Commission Office, and the parcel's septic system must be sized for the additional unit (Health Department permit required).

Finishing an existing basement does not require a county building permit because the county does not operate a general building permit program. However, any new wiring requires an electrical permit from the Commission Office, and the work must comply with the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (2018 IRC) including egress (R310), ceiling height (R305), and smoke alarms (R314).

Adding a basement bedroom does not require a county building permit, but if the home is on septic the Dade County Health Department must approve the additional bedroom because septic systems are sized by bedroom count. An electrical permit is also required.

A bathroom remodel that does not add fixtures or move major drain lines does not require a county building permit. New wiring (lights, GFCI outlets, exhaust fans) requires an electrical permit from the Commission Office.