On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Auburn
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
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
- Exempt Replacement or repair of roof, siding, doors, or windows
- Exempt Replacing kitchen cabinets
- Exempt Replacing plumbing fixtures
- Exempt Limited deck repairs such as replacing decking, rails, and steps
- Exempt Fencing in rear or side yard up to 8 feet
- Exempt Painting, sheetrock, or flooring
- Exempt Manufactured accessory structures smaller than 8 by 12 feet require an affidavit rather than a full permit
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
Source: City of Auburn Community Development Department, License and Permits / Building Inspections ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 5 to 7 business days
- 01 Confirm with Community Development whether the project needs a permit
- 02 Prepare the building permit application, site plan, floor plan, and any required trade, septic, or affidavit materials
- 03 Email the application package to labland@cityofauburn-ga.org or submit it in person
- 04 City staff and SAFEbuilt review the package; trade permits must be filed separately by state licensed contractors where required
- 05 Pay the permit fee and receive the permit card
- 06 Post the permit card and request inspections by email or phone with at least 24 hours notice
- 07 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Auburn building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
120
02
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
Checks should be made payable to the City of Auburn
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Email ganortheastinspections@safebuilt.com (email)
- Call 770-963-4002 ext. 206 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 hours notice required
- Time windows
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical 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
Source: City of Auburn Community Development Department, License and Permits / Building Inspections ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Auburn permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in Auburn, GA? ▸
Building permit fees in Auburn, GA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Auburn, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Auburn, GA, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Auburn, GA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Auburn, GA typically run 5 to 7 business days. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Auburn, GA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Auburn, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Auburn, GA via: Email ganortheastinspections@safebuilt.com, Call 770-963-4002 ext. 206. 24 hours notice required.
last verified April 2026
source City of Auburn Community Development Department, License and Permits / Building Inspections ↗
entry id permits/georgia/barrow/auburn
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Auburn Community Development Department, License and Permits / Building Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.