County Building Permits
Burke County, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, Georgia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Unincorporated Burke County. Burke County's official permits page states the department handles residential and commercial construction permitting and inspections.
- Department
- Burke County Planning Department - Permits and Inspections
- Address
- 602 N Liberty Street, Waynesboro, GA 30830
- Phone
- 706-554-8758
Online Permit Portal
Platform: iWorQ Citizen Portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Burke County and identify the correct project type in the county iWorQ portal or by contacting the Planning Department.
- Complete the county permit application and assemble the required supporting documents. For new site-built dwellings and additions, county-posted requirements call for scaled 11x17 working plans, Rescheck, current tax payment verification, recorded plat, septic permit or waiver, contractor licenses, and contractor affidavits.
- Submit the application and upload documents through iWorQ, or use the county office routing provided by staff.
- Wait for county review and approval. The county's posted residential site-built requirements say review and approval may take up to 5 business days if the package is complete.
- After issuance, obtain required trade inspections and final closeout items before occupancy.
Typical processing time: Up to 5 business days for new site-built dwellings and additions, if the submittal is complete
Source: Burke County Planning Department - Permits and Inspections
General Requirements
Building permit is typically required for construction activity exceeding $1,500 in value, except ordinary repairs. Specifically required for structural roof changes, roof coverings, window and door replacement, moving walls, additions, decks/porches, basement finishes, barns, farm outbuildings, storage buildings, plumbing, wiring, and mechanical equipment.
Required Documents
- County permit application
- Project scope
- Recorded plat
- Septic permit or waiver when applicable
- Current tax receipt verification
- Plans
- Rescheck for new site-built dwellings/additions
- Copies of state contractor licenses
- Signed trade affidavits
- Building code
- Georgia mandatory state minimum construction codes apply statewide (2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IPC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 ISPSC, 2024 IFC, 2023 NEC, and 2015 IECC with Georgia amendments/supplements).
- Owner-builder
- A homeowner may act as an unlicensed contractor for the residence, but any listed trade not performed by the homeowner must be performed by a state-licensed contractor in that trade.
- Contractor requirements
- Georgia state licensure applies as applicable. The county requires copies of state-issued contractor licenses for residential, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and low-voltage contractors when those trades are involved.
Fees
- Penalty (no permit)
- Work started without a permit may lead to increased permit fees and/or penalties
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Burke County Planning Department - Permits and Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- ()
Typical inspection sequence: The county states it inspects all phases of residential and commercial construction. Posted residential requirements also require final energy testing documents before a certificate of occupancy can be issued.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Georgia mandatory state minimum construction codes apply statewide (2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IPC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 ISPSC, 2024 IFC, 2023 NEC, and 2015 IECC with Georgia amendments/supplements).
- Verify contractor license: Georgia Secretary of State - Residential and General Contractors Board
- 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 Burke County Planning Department - Permits and Inspections before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Burke County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, GA?
- Building permit is typically required for construction activity exceeding $1,500 in value, except ordinary repairs. Specifically required for structural roof changes, roof coverings, window and door replacement, moving walls, additions, decks/porches, basement finishes, barns, farm outbuildings, storage buildings, plumbing, wiring, and mechanical equipment.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, GA?
- 1. Confirm the parcel is in unincorporated Burke County and identify the correct project type in the county iWorQ portal or by contacting the Planning Department. 2. Complete the county permit application and assemble the required supporting documents. For new site-built dwellings and additions, county-posted requirements call for scaled 11x17 working plans, Rescheck, current tax payment verification, recorded plat, septic permit or waiver, contractor licenses, and contractor affidavits. 3. Submit the application and upload documents through iWorQ, or use the county office routing provided by staff. 4. Wait for county review and approval. The county's posted residential site-built requirements say review and approval may take up to 5 business days if the package is complete. 5. After issuance, obtain required trade inspections and final closeout items before occupancy.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, GA?
- Typical processing time is Up to 5 business days for new site-built dwellings and additions, if the submittal is complete.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Burke County, GA?
- The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs such as painting, replacing floor covering, and other minor routine-maintenance repairs; Accessory storage buildings under 200 square feet may be exempt from a building permit, but setbacks still apply; Minor electrical and mechanical repairs such as replacing lamps and connecting approved portable electrical, heating, cooking, drying, ventilation, or cooling equipment.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Burke County, GA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: .
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