On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Barrow County
A permit is required for any structural change in an existing structure and for any building or structure added to the property
Fence permits are not required in unincorporated Barrow County
- Exempt Fence permits are not required in unincorporated Barrow County
Required documents
- Septic approval for non-sewer parcels
- Sewer tap receipt where applicable
- Paid water-meter receipt
- Driveway permit
- NOI/secondary/tertiary erosion approvals where applicable
- Site plan
- Recorded plat
- Floor plan
- Soil erosion card for grading work
- Notarized general contractor affidavit with current business license
- Building code
- The county fee schedule and public materials operate under the county's Unified Code and Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes; Barrow County public permit pages do not post a separate current code-edition table
- Contractor requirements
- County checklist requires contractor affidavit and current business license; Georgia state licensing rules apply for covered residential work
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2 to 3 weeks
- 01 Create a CSS portal account
- 02 Choose the correct application type and upload all required documents through the portal
- 03 For septic-served parcels, upload Environmental Health approval; for sewer-served parcels, provide sewer documentation instead
- 04 Submit all supporting site and construction documents shown on the county building permit checklist
- 05 County Planning and Community Development reviews the submittal and routes it internally
- 06 Pay invoiced fees
- 07 Request inspections through the CSS portal after login
Typical processing time: 2 to 3 weeks
§ 04
Fee schedule
Barrow County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
75
02
Plan check fee
For all occupancies except residential, plan review is one-half of the building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Residential primary and accessory structures are charged at $0.30 per square foot, commercial and industrial heated space at $0.20 per heated square foot, and commercial and industrial non-heated space at $0.10 per square foot, plus base fees
04
Reinspection fee
75
05
Penalty (no permit)
Fees are doubled if work starts before permit issuance
County permit pages direct applicants to submit and track applications through the CSS portal
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- CSS portal after login (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: The county public pages do not publish a full universal sequence by permit type on the permit landing page; use the issued permit packet and portal guidance for the specific project
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Barrow County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Barrow County, GA? ▸
A permit is required for any structural change in an existing structure and for any building or structure added to the property
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Barrow County, GA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Barrow County, GA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is 75. Fees are calculated as: Residential primary and accessory structures are charged at $0.30 per square foot, commercial and industrial heated space at $0.20 per heated square foot, and commercial and industrial non-heated space at $0.10 per square foot, plus base fees. Plan check fee: For all occupancies except residential, plan review is one-half of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Barrow County, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Barrow County, GA, follow these steps: 1. Create a CSS portal account 2. Choose the correct application type and upload all required documents through the portal 3. For septic-served parcels, upload Environmental Health approval; for sewer-served parcels, provide sewer documentation instead 4. Submit all supporting site and construction documents shown on the county building permit checklist 5. County Planning and Community Development reviews the submittal and routes it internally 6. Pay invoiced fees 7. Request inspections through the CSS portal after login
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Barrow County, GA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Barrow County, GA typically run 2 to 3 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Barrow County, GA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Barrow County, GA. The following work is generally exempt: Fence permits are not required in unincorporated Barrow County. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Barrow County, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Barrow County, GA via: CSS portal after login.
last verified April 2026
source Barrow County Planning and Community Development ↗
entry id permits/georgia/barrow/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Barrow County Planning and Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.