Building Permits
What are the benefits of having a building permit?
Increased Value — Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections. If you decide to sell a home or building with modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or do costly repairs.
Ensures Safety — Your permit also allows the code official to protect the public by reducing the potential hazards of unsafe construction and ensuring public health, safety, and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum safety standards and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, or future owners. Remodeling or repairing a residential home requires that the house be equipped with smoke detectors, if none exist, before the final inspection of the permitted work.
BUILDING PERMIT TYPES
Before you begin your project, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the different permit types. Below are the types of permits, along with the projects that need permits and those that do not.
Building Permit Required for all construction work, including additions, patio covers, carport enclosures, walls/fences, retaining walls, and accessory buildings (storage buildings 199 sq. feet or less only require a site plan to ensure setbacks are met).
Manufactured home permits are only issued to installers licensed by the state. (Title 43 - Georgia Code)
Electrical Permit Electrical wiring must be installed, altered, rebuilt, or repaired on any building, structure, swimming pool, or mechanical equipment. Permits cannot be issued on vacant lots.
Plumbing Permit Required to install, alter, reconstruct, or repair any plumbing system, gas system, lawn sprinkler supply, or water heater replacement.
Mechanical Permit Required to install, alter, reconstruct, or repair any furnace, refrigeration, or other air conditioning equipment or system, except portable or window units.
All residential permit applications must be complete with the required documents. These include: 1. A completed application form. 2. A detailed project plan, including architectural drawings and specifications. 3. Proof of property ownership. 4. A site plan showing the location of the proposed construction. 5. A copy of the contractor's license, if applicable.
Partial applications cannot be processed. A $50.00 administrative review fee is associated with each residential building permit. There is a minimum four (4) day review period on all complete residential permit applications; you will be notified by email of the permit status. Please select the Residential Building/Development link at the Applications and Forms link. Specific residential projects also require a Land Disturbance Permit and a state DEP Notice of Intent. Please review the Notice of Intent link.
Link to see Today’s Inspections
Please request inspections using inspectionrequests@dawsoncountyga.gov
Typically, inspections are performed within 72 hours of the request.
Mandatory Codes, as Adopted by the State of Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), can be accessed by the link below. Current Georgia code amendments are available on the website:
https://www.dca.ga.gov/local-government-assistance/construction-codes-in...
Land Disturbance Permit Any project involving the development of 5,000 square feet or more, more than one acre of disturbed area, or is within 200 feet of the bank of any state waters requires the submission of an Erosion Control Plan.
Local Agency Contacts:
If your project is on public water and sewer, John Cronan, Etowah Water, 706-216-8474, johnc@etowahwater.com.
Environmental Health, 706-265-2930, dph.ga.gov if your project/business serves food.
If your project will be on-site septic, Bill Ringle, Environmental Health, 706-265-2930, bill.ringle@dph.ga.gov.
The Dawson County Fire Marshal's Office enforces the 2018 International Fire Code with Georgia Amendments.
Point of contact for MS4 stormwater and retention pond concerns: Robbie Irvin, Stormwater Manager
(706) 344-3500 ex 44412
