Permits, Plan Review & Inspections
The Permits, Plan Review & Inspections Division is responsible for reviewing plans, issuing permits, and conducting inspections for construction and development projects in DeKalb County. The division ensures compliance with applicable building, safety, and zoning codes and works with residents, contractors, and developers throughout the permitting process, from application submission through final inspection.
Changes in Adopted Building Codes 2024
Effective January 1, 2026 we will be adopting the 2024 ICC codes per the State of Georgia.
Apply for a Permit
Residential Permits
New construction, additions, renovations, accessory structures.
New Residential Construction
- Residential construction, for permitting and plan review purposes, includes single-family detached homes and duplexes only. All other structures are classified as commercial.
- A New Residential Construction Permit
- Once a contractor has been designated, any applicant other than the licensed contractor must also submit an Authorized Permit Agent Form.
- Required documentation and detailed submission requirements are outlined in the New Construction Permit Guide.
Supplementary Forms and Requirements
- All new homes not served by septic must complete a Sewer Capacity Evaluation. Information regarding water and sewer service is available in the Watershed Packet.
- Homeowners assuming responsibility for work on their primary residence, in lieu of hiring a contractor, must submit a Homeowner’s Affidavit.
- Demolition of existing structures requires a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP), along with a completed application and three (3) plan sets that meet the requirements outlined in the Demolition Checklist.
- A Building Permit Application is required for all projects.
- Certificate of Occupancy (CO): Once all required inspections are successfully completed, a Certificate of Occupancy may be obtained from DeKalb Development Services. A copy of the front and back of the permit should be emailed to Developmentinspections@dekalbcountyga.gov.
Commercial Permits
New construction, alterations, repairs, tenant improvements.
New Commercial Construction
- All new commercial construction must begin with a Land Development Permit (LDP). Additional information on obtaining an LDP is available through the Land Development page.
- A New Construction Permit may be submitted by the property owner, developer, architect/engineer, or contractor.
- Once a contractor has been designated, any applicant other than the licensed contractor must also submit an Authorized Permit Agent Form.
- Detailed submission requirements and required documentation are outlined in the New Construction Permit Guide.
Supplementary Forms and Requirements
- Demolition of existing structures requires a Land Development Permit (LDP), along with a completed application and three (3) plan sets that comply with the Demolition Checklist.
- Restaurants, take-out establishments, lounges, cafés, nightclubs, and similar occupancies are required to submit a Letter of Entertainment.
- Any establishment where food is prepared or served must submit a Health Department Checklist, including schools, daycare facilities, churches, restaurants, and bars. A Fats, Oils, and Grease (F.O.G.) Review from Watershed Management is also required.
- Warehouses and facilities with significant storage areas are required to submit a Warehouse Commodity Form.
Trade (Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing)
Trade permits apply to building systems and must be submitted by licensed professionals, unless otherwise noted. Trade permits fall into the following categories:
Mechanical Permit
- May be submitted by a licensed mechanical contractor or homeowner
- Includes mechanical systems within a building or structure
- Gas pressure tests must be applied for by the licensed contractor.
- Apply for a Mechanical Permit
Electrical Permit
- May be submitted by a licensed electrical contractor or homeowner
- Includes electrical systems and power restores
- Apply for an Electrical Permit
Plumbing Permit
- May be submitted by a licensed plumbing contractor or homeowner
- Gas pressure tests must be applied for by the licensed contractor.
- Apply for a Plumbing Permit
Specialty Permits
Specialty permits apply to projects and activities that fall outside standard building or trade permits. Depending on the scope of work, additional reviews, documentation, or approvals may be required.
Specialty Permit Types
Signs
- Includes wall signs, ground signs, and monument signs
- Residential signs are not permitted, with the exception of neighborhood entrance signage
- Apply for a Sign Permit
Tents
- Tents may be used for promotional events, carnivals, seasonal sales, and similar activities
- A permit is required whenever a tent is used on commercial property or for commercial purposes to ensure public safety
- Apply for a Tent Permit
City Reviews
- If your project is located within the limits of one of DeKalb County’s incorporated cities, primary permitting is handled by the city’s permitting office, not Dekalb County.
- If city review requires DeKalb County services, the city will provide a routing sheet.
Solar
- Installation of solar panels or solar energy systems must comply with applicable zoning, building, and safety regulations
Trailers
- Includes food trailers, construction trailers, modular offices, and similar temporary or mobile structures
- All trailers used in a commercial capacity require a permit
- Apply for a JOBSITE TRAILER
Cell Towers
- Applies to new cell towers, as well as the replacement or modification of existing towers or antennas
- You will have to provide an application, specs, special inspection schedule and a location plan.
- Cell Tower Application
Retaining Walls
- Retaining walls four (4) feet or higher, and not part of the primary building foundation, require a specialty permit
- Apply for a Retaining Wall Permit
Special Administrative Permits
- Used for non-traditional permits, including events, temporary buildings, and other unique uses
Specialty Permits and Uses
Pool Permits
All pool permit applications must include the following:
Building Permit Application
- Complete a Building Permit Application
- Building Permit Application
Board of Health Approval
- Board of Health approval is required
- Appropriate pool fencing and an electrical permit are also required
- DeKalb County Board of Health: 404-508-7900
Site Plan
- Prepared by a Georgia-registered engineer or surveyor
- May be up to 10 years old, provided it reflects all current site conditions and flood map changes
- Must include:
- Property lines and setbacks
- Building and pool location
- Erosion control measures
- Tree locations
- Floodplain and state waters
- Easements
- Dumpsters and portable toilets (if applicable)
Commercial Property Notice
Plan Review
Plan review ensures proposed projects meet building codes, zoning requirements, and safety standards.
Steps in the Review Process:
- Submit plans and required documents through ProjectDox
- Plans are reviewed by applicable disciplines
- Applicant responds to review comments (if applicable)
- Approved plans result in permit issuance
Inspections
Inspections verify that work complies with approved plans and codes.
Common Inspections:
- Rough inspections
- Final inspections
- Certificates of Occupancy
Online Services
Inspections verify that work complies with approved plans and codes.
Permit Forms, Guides & Checklists
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Do I need a permit for interior work?
A. Many interior improvements require permits. Contact us for assistance.
Q. How long does plan review take?
A. Timeframes vary by project type and completeness of submittal.
Q. How do I request an inspection?
A. Inspections can be requested online through the e-Permitting Portal.
Contact & Hours
Location: 178 Sams Street, Decatur, GA
Permit Info Email: permitinfo@dekalbcountyga.gov
Phone: 404-371-2155 (option 3)
One-Stop Hours: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM