How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, GA?

The minimum permit fee is 120. Fees are calculated as: For accessory structures: $6.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost with a $120 minimum. Broader building permit fee is determined by square footage.

How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, GA?

1. Confirm with Community Development whether the project needs a permit 2. Prepare the building permit application, site plan, floor plan, and any required trade, septic, or affidavit materials 3. Email the application package to labland@cityofauburn-ga.org or submit it in person 4. City staff and SAFEbuilt review the package; trade permits must be filed separately by state licensed contractors where required 5. Pay the permit fee and receive the permit card 6. Post the permit card and request inspections by email or phone with at least 24 hours notice 7. Pass final inspection before occupancy

How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn, GA?

Typical processing time is 5 to 7 business days.

What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, GA?

The following work is generally exempt: Replacement or repair of roof, siding, doors, or windows; Replacing kitchen cabinets; Replacing plumbing fixtures; Limited deck repairs such as replacing decking, rails, and steps; Fencing in rear or side yard up to 8 feet; Painting, sheetrock, or flooring; Manufactured accessory structures smaller than 8 by 12 feet require an affidavit rather than a full permit.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, GA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: , . 24 hours notice required.

City Building Permits

Auburn, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Auburn, Georgia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Georgia Barrow County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers property inside the City of Auburn municipal limits, including the Barrow County portion of Auburn

Department: City of Auburn Community Development Department, License and Permits / Building Inspections
Address: 1369 Fourth Avenue, Auburn, GA 30011
Phone: 770-963-4002 ext. 206
Email: labland@cityofauburn-ga.org
Website: https://www.cityofauburn-ga.org/community-development/building-permits

Application Process

Confirm with Community Development whether the project needs a permit
Prepare the building permit application, site plan, floor plan, and any required trade, septic, or affidavit materials
Email the application package to labland@cityofauburn-ga.org or submit it in person
City staff and SAFEbuilt review the package; trade permits must be filed separately by state licensed contractors where required
Pay the permit fee and receive the permit card
Post the permit card and request inspections by email or phone with at least 24 hours notice
Pass final inspection before occupancy

Typical processing time: 5 to 7 business days

Source: City of Auburn Community Development Department, License and Permits / Building Inspections

General Requirements

All new construction and most additions, alterations, and renovations. The city's brochure also lists decks, accessory structures, pools, grading and grubbing, and all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems

Required Documents

Building permit application
2 copies of site plan
2 copies of floor plan and wall section details
Septic approval if not on sewer
Permit fee
Separate trade permits by state licensed contractors where applicable
Erosion control affidavit for accessory buildings
Approved location plan for accessory buildings

Permit validity: Work must begin within 6 months of permit issuance; permits expire if the project is idle more than 6 months and must be renewed
Building code: Auburn states it adopts building codes and its forms require compliance with the International Building Codes and city ordinances. As a Georgia jurisdiction, Auburn must enforce the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes; Auburn's public guides still reference 2018 IRC guide sheets, but the city does not publish a current full local code-edition table on the reviewed permit pages
Owner-builder: No general Auburn owner-builder guide was found, but Auburn's accessory-building guidance says homeowners doing their own electrical work must still submit the subcontractor affidavit
Contractor requirements: Electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits must be submitted by state licensed contractors. Auburn also uses subcontractor affidavits for trade work

Fees

Minimum permit fee: 120
Permit fee formula: For accessory structures: $6.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost with a $120 minimum. Broader building permit fee is determined by square footage
Payment note: Checks should be made payable to the City of Auburn

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Auburn Community Development Department, License and Permits / Building Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Scheduling deadline: 24 hours notice required
Time windows: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Most permits require footing, framing, and final inspections, with separate trade inspections for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC. Accessory-building guide specifically calls for footing, electrical rough-in where applicable, and final

Additional Resources

Building code: Auburn states it adopts building codes and its forms require compliance with the International Building Codes and city ordinances. As a Georgia jurisdiction, Auburn must enforce the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes; Auburn's public guides still reference 2018 IRC guide sheets, but the city does not publish a current full local code-edition table on the reviewed permit pages
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

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Auburn Community Development Department, License and Permits / Building Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Auburn Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Auburn, GA?: All new construction and most additions, alterations, and renovations. The city's brochure also lists decks, accessory structures, pools, grading and grubbing, and all electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems
How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, GA?: The minimum permit fee is 120. Fees are calculated as: For accessory structures: $6.50 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost with a $120 minimum. Broader building permit fee is determined by square footage.
How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, GA?: 1. Confirm with Community Development whether the project needs a permit 2. Prepare the building permit application, site plan, floor plan, and any required trade, septic, or affidavit materials 3. Email the application package to labland@cityofauburn-ga.org or submit it in person 4. City staff and SAFEbuilt review the package; trade permits must be filed separately by state licensed contractors where required 5. Pay the permit fee and receive the permit card 6. Post the permit card and request inspections by email or phone with at least 24 hours notice 7. Pass final inspection before occupancy
How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn, GA?: Typical processing time is 5 to 7 business days.
What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, GA?: The following work is generally exempt: Replacement or repair of roof, siding, doors, or windows; Replacing kitchen cabinets; Replacing plumbing fixtures; Limited deck repairs such as replacing decking, rails, and steps; Fencing in rear or side yard up to 8 feet; Painting, sheetrock, or flooring; Manufactured accessory structures smaller than 8 by 12 feet require an affidavit rather than a full permit.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, GA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: , . 24 hours notice required.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Auburn can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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