Complete Guide to City of Atlanta Building Permits

Permits help keep city development under control, and the process to obtain one is an important legal matter. Permitting can be complicated, so this guide walks you through everything you need to know about getting a building permit in Atlanta, Georgia.

How to get a building permit in the City of Atlanta

The primary purpose of obtaining a building permit is to assure the City that you’ve planned out your project completely. Getting a building permit should be one of the last steps you take in project planning, as you should already have plans in place and personnel standing by when you apply. Let's break down what happens next.

City of Atlanta building permit requirements

The City of Atlanta requires proof that your project is up to code. Permit applicants need documents showing that the construction is appropriate for its location, and that its design is well thought out and safe.

Here's what you’ll need when applying for a building permit in Atlanta:

1. Completed application form that is appropriate for your project
2. Site plan that details where your building will be on the property
3. Detailed construction drawings of what you're going to build
4. Proof of ownership, such as a deed or lease agreement
5. Information about the contractors you’re hiring, including license details
6. Special approvals as applicable, such as approval from Zoning or Historic Preservation departments
7. Proof of energy code compliance

These are just the basics. Many projects need more documents, so if you’re unsure, check with the City of Atlanta's Office of Buildings for up-to-date requirements.

City of Atlanta building permit fees

Getting a permit isn't free, and costs will vary depending on the size and scope of the project. You can find Atlanta’s permit fee schedule here, but below is a general idea of what you might pay:

• Basic permit fee: This starts at around $100 for small projects such as alterations or installing a low-voltage electrical system
• Square footage fee: For new buildings or additions, fees can range from $1,000-5,000 according to the project’s size
• Plan review fee: Usually costs about half of your permit fee
• Trade permits: Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work each needs its own permit and fee, usually starting at $100
• Impact fees: These help pay for public services that your project might affect, usually starting around $1,000

Fees can change, and the City’s website doesn’t make it all that easy to find them. Your best bet is to ask questions directly to the Office of Buildings.

How to contact the City of Atlanta permits and inspections

• Phone: (404) 330-6150
• Email: buildingpermits@atlantaga.gov.
• In person: 55 Trinity Avenue, Suite 3900, Atlanta, GA 30303.
• Website: www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/office-of-buildings

What is the City of Atlanta Express Permit?

If you're working on a smaller project, you might be able to use Atlanta's Express Permit service to get approved faster.

Express permits are available for light commercial changes such as:

• Minor alterations limited to an aggregate area of 5,000 square feet
• Demolition of non-load bearing partitions
• Re-roofing without any structural change
• Accessibility ramp installation
• Adding up to two electrical circuits

The idea of the Express Permit is that a team of reviewers is ready to look over your application and approve it within 30 minutes (assuming there are no hiccups). Obviously this will save you lots of time compared to the regular permit process.

Applications for Express Permits are the same as for regular ones: 

1. Find out if your project qualifies for an Express Permit
2. Gather all required documents
3. Visit the Office of Buildings in person
4. Submit your application and pay the fees

If everything is in order, you could have your permit within an hour. Remember, these permits are only for certain types of projects. 

Should you use a permit expediter in Atlanta?

As you can probably tell, navigating the permit process is a challenge on its own. Some developers use permit expediters as a way to get help and speed up the application process. These professionals know and understand city permitting processes and can act with confidence on your behalf to get a building permit.

However, there are pros and cons to working with a permit expediter.

Pros:

1. Save time: Expediters know the system well and can often get permits faster
2. Avoid mistakes: They can check to see that your application is complete and correct, helping to avoid mistakes that cause delays
3. Handle complex projects: For big or complicated projects, an expediter's experience can be helpful in finding information and working with government agencies
4. Reduce stress: Focus on construction by letting an expediter deal with city bureaucracy

Cons:

1. Extra cost: Hiring an expediter is an additional expense for your project, sometimes costing hundreds of dollars per hour
2. Unnecessary for simple projects: For very straightforward work, the extra help may not be needed nor affordable
3. Learning opportunity: If you're new to development, going through the process yourself can teach you a lot
4. Limited knowledge: If you work on projects outside Atlanta, a local permit expediter might not be able to assist

Your project size and budget are the main points to consider when choosing to work with an expediter. But what about other options?

Work with PermitFlow instead

While expediters can be helpful, PermitFlow is a software-based alternative that combines the best of both worlds to make permitting easier and more efficient. 

PermitFlow works like a permit expediter, only at a lower cost and with more control over the process. 

PermitFlow offers benefits such as:

• Simplifying the permitting process 
• Saving time by automating many parts of the application
• Reduced errors via a thorough review process, helping to ensure your application is complete and accurate before submission
• Cost-effective service 
• Expert support from seasoned permitting professionals
• Progress tracking in real time
• Document management to store all your permit-related materials in one easy-to-access place
• Customized for each location, including requirements for the City of Atlanta's permitting system

Ready to simplify your permitting process with PermitFlow?

If you're tired of the headaches that come with getting a building permit, PermitFlow might be the solution for you. Talk to our experts to learn more about getting help through the permitting process.