Banks County, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to unincorporated Banks County only. Incorporated municipalities inside Banks County may run separate city permit processes.

Department

Building Inspections, Banks County Planning and Development

Address

Banks County Annex, 150 Hudson Ridge, Homer, GA 30547

Phone

706-677-6200

Email

PlanningOffice@co.banks.ga.us

Website

https://www.bankscountyga.org/1339/Building-Inspections

Application Process

1. Review the county building permit category page and download the applicable packet, such as residential, commercial, mobile/manufactured home, outbuilding, or renovation/addition forms.
2. Obtain required outside approvals before submittal where applicable, such as septic approval from Environmental Health, driveway permit, floodplain review, or 911 addressing.
3. Submit the completed application packet with plans, ownership documentation, and contractor information to Planning and Development.
4. County staff reviews the application for compliance with local rules and the Georgia state minimum standard codes.
5. Pay assessed permit fees. The county FAQ states permit cost is calculated using the cost of construction.
6. Post the permit before starting work and schedule required inspections with county staff.

Source: Building Inspections, Banks County Planning and Development

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction involving the construction, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure. Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

Required Documents

• Application form
• Plans
• Proof of ownership or owner approval
• Septic re-evaluation or septic permit if applicable
• Current and proposed floorplans for renovations
• Contractor license details
• Homeowner affidavit when owner-builder status is requested

Building code

International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Plumbing Code, National Electric Code, International Fire Code, International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. As a Georgia jurisdiction, Banks County must enforce the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes and amendments.

Owner-builder

A homeowner may request a homeowner permit by providing a signed affidavit. If the owner does not plan to live in the home, a licensed contractor is required.

Contractor requirements

Georgia licensing requirements apply. The county packets request general contractor and trade contractor state license information.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Permit price is calculated using the cost of the construction.

Payment note

Water heater applications are processed at the counter. No online payment workflow was identified from the reviewed building pages.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Inspections, Banks County Planning and Development to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ()

Typical inspection sequence: Depends on permit type; county packets and FAQs indicate permit issuance first, then required building and trade inspections, with separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits where applicable.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Plumbing Code, National Electric Code, International Fire Code, International Residential Code, International Energy Conservation Code, International Swimming Pool and Spa Code. As a Georgia jurisdiction, Banks County must enforce the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes and amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Banks County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Banks County, GA?

A building permit is required for construction involving the construction, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure. Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Banks County, GA?

Fees are calculated as: Permit price is calculated using the cost of the construction..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Banks County, GA?

1. Review the county building permit category page and download the applicable packet, such as residential, commercial, mobile/manufactured home, outbuilding, or renovation/addition forms. 2. Obtain required outside approvals before submittal where applicable, such as septic approval from Environmental Health, driveway permit, floodplain review, or 911 addressing. 3. Submit the completed application packet with plans, ownership documentation, and contractor information to Planning and Development. 4. County staff reviews the application for compliance with local rules and the Georgia state minimum standard codes. 5. Pay assessed permit fees. The county FAQ states permit cost is calculated using the cost of construction. 6. Post the permit before starting work and schedule required inspections with county staff.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Banks County, GA?

The following work is generally exempt: Cabinets; Interior painting; Floor covering replacement; Light fixture replacement; Cover plate replacement; Ceiling fan installation; Replacement of an existing toilet, sink, or bathtub; Register vent replacement.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Banks County, GA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .