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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Burke County
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.
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
- Exempt Ordinary repairs such as painting, replacing floor covering, and other minor routine-maintenance repairs
- Exempt Accessory storage buildings under 200 square feet may be exempt from a building permit, but setbacks still apply
- Exempt Minor electrical and mechanical repairs such as replacing lamps and connecting approved portable electrical, heating, cooking, drying, ventilation, or cooling 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Up to 5 business days for new site-built dwellings and additions, if the submittal is complete
- 01 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.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit the application and upload documents through iWorQ, or use the county office routing provided by staff.
- 04 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.
- 05 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Burke County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Penalty (no permit)
Work started without a permit may lead to increased permit fees and/or penalties
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact the Planning Department (phone)
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Burke County permits
01 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.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, GA, follow these steps: 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.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Burke County, GA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Burke County, GA typically run Up to 5 business days for new site-built dwellings and additions, if the submittal is complete. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Burke County, GA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Burke County, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Burke County, GA via: Contact the Planning Department.
last verified April 2026
source Burke County Planning Department - Permits and Inspections ↗
entry id permits/georgia/burke/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Burke County Planning Department - Permits and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.