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

The minimum permit fee is 25. Fees are calculated as: Mostly flat-fee schedule by permit type, with some per-square-foot and per-unit fees. Plan check fee: 50.

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

1. Confirm the parcel is inside Folkston city limits and determine whether the project triggers city zoning, site-development, subdivision, sign, driveway, excavation/fill, or temporary-use review under the City of Folkston Land Development Code. 2. Start with the City Manager for city-level development/building permit routing. The code requires applications for development permits to the City Manager. 3. Assemble the county permit packet and checklist materials, including completed application, two plan sets, truss package if applicable, septic proof, homeowner-as-contractor agreement if applicable, code summary acknowledgement if needed, site development plan, flood-zone elevation certificate if applicable, and proof of a county land disturbance permit when disturbing more than one acre. 4. If the project involves site development or subdivision review, follow the Folkston code process through City Manager review and any required Planning Commission or City Council action. 5. Submit the permit materials and do not start work before issuance. Projects begun without a building permit must still buy a permit at double the fee. 6. Schedule inspections by phone with Charlton County Building Inspections at (912) 496-3826.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Survey exemptions for detached single-family residential lots; Interior modifications; Roof permits; Permit-required work that does not expand an existing structure; Accessory structures with a building value below $10,000 when a scaled drawing is submitted instead of a survey. Note: Projects over 150 square feet must be permitted; no formal exempt-work chart published

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

City Building Permits

Folkston, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Georgia Charlton County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Split routing inside Folkston. City of Folkston handles land development and building permits under the Land Development Code. Charlton County hosts the building permit packet, fee schedule, and inspection scheduling used countywide. Both city land use review and county permit/inspection coordination apply for in-city projects.

Department: City of Folkston / Charlton County Permitting, Building Inspections, and Code Enforcement
Address: 68 Kingsland Dr., Suite C, Folkston, GA 31537
Phone: (912) 496-3826
Email: sreynolds@charltoncountyga.gov
Website: https://charltoncountyga.us/270/City-of-Folkston

Application Process

Confirm the parcel is inside Folkston city limits and determine whether the project triggers city zoning, site-development, subdivision, sign, driveway, excavation/fill, or temporary-use review under the City of Folkston Land Development Code.
Start with the City Manager for city-level development/building permit routing. The code requires applications for development permits to the City Manager.
Assemble the county permit packet and checklist materials, including completed application, two plan sets, truss package if applicable, septic proof, homeowner-as-contractor agreement if applicable, code summary acknowledgement if needed, site development plan, flood-zone elevation certificate if applicable, and proof of a county land disturbance permit when disturbing more than one acre.
If the project involves site development or subdivision review, follow the Folkston code process through City Manager review and any required Planning Commission or City Council action.
Submit the permit materials and do not start work before issuance. Projects begun without a building permit must still buy a permit at double the fee.
Schedule inspections by phone with Charlton County Building Inspections at (912) 496-3826.

Source: City of Folkston / Charlton County Permitting, Building Inspections, and Code Enforcement

General Requirements

The erection, alteration, or reconstruction of any building or structure cannot begin without a building permit. Construction projects over 150 square feet must be permitted. Any mobile home being set up must be permitted. Land disturbance over one acre requires a land disturbance permit.

Required Documents

Two sets of plans
Completed application
Truss package if engineered trusses are used
Septic permit proof
Homeowner acting as contractor agreement if applicable
Code summary acknowledgement if needed
Site development plan showing setbacks
Elevation certificate if building in a flood zone
Proof of county land-disturbance permit if disturbing more than one acre
Property survey for most building-permit applications (Folkston requirement, subject to exemptions)

Permit validity: Development permits for exempt development are valid for six months. Building permits expire if work is not commenced and a satisfactory inspection is not received within six months from issuance, or if work is not completed within 18 months from issuance. Owner-builder permits expire within 24 months if work is not completed, subject to limited extensions.
Building code: International Building Code (IBC) 2018 Edition with Georgia Amendments; International Residential Code (IRC) 2018 Edition with Georgia Amendments; International Fire Code (IFC) 2018; International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2018; International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2018; International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2018; National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2015; International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) 2018 with Georgia Amendments; Georgia DCA minimum standard codes apply statewide.
Owner-builder: Owner must reside in the completed structure and not offer it for sale or rent for at least two years after certificate of occupancy issuance. Owner acts as general contractor and must hire properly licensed contractors for subcontracted electrical, plumbing, and conditioned-air work. Owner-builder building permits expire within 24 months per Folkston code.
Contractor requirements: All electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work must be done by a contractor licensed by the Georgia Secretary of State with no exceptions. State-licensed contractors must pull construction permits by law, except that a homeowner may pull a permit to build their own home every two years. Georgia license numbers for the general contractor and all listed trades are required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: 25
Plan check fee: 50
Permit fee formula: Mostly flat-fee schedule by permit type, with some per-square-foot and per-unit fees
Trade permit fee: 50
Reinspection fee: 50
Penalty (no permit): Double the permit fee if construction is begun or completed without first obtaining the permit
Payment note: No public online permit payment workflow identified

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Folkston / Charlton County Permitting, Building Inspections, and Code Enforcement to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Time windows: Inspection requests are scheduled for the next day

Typical inspection sequence: For general building work: permit issuance followed by required inspections before work may proceed and before occupancy. For mobile homes: Inspection 1 covers anchoring/installation, utilities, meter pole connection, mechanical installation, posted state installation permit, and steps/landings; Inspection 2 covers posted 911 address and skirting, followed by certificate of occupancy.

Additional Resources

Building code: International Building Code (IBC) 2018 Edition with Georgia Amendments; International Residential Code (IRC) 2018 Edition with Georgia Amendments; International Fire Code (IFC) 2018; International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2018; International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2018; International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2018; National Electrical Code (NEC) 2017; International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2015; International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) 2018 with Georgia Amendments; Georgia DCA minimum standard codes apply statewide.
Verify contractor license: Georgia Secretary of State Contractor License Board
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
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 Folkston / Charlton County Permitting, Building Inspections, and Code Enforcement before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Folkston Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Folkston, GA?: The erection, alteration, or reconstruction of any building or structure cannot begin without a building permit. Construction projects over 150 square feet must be permitted. Any mobile home being set up must be permitted. Land disturbance over one acre requires a land disturbance permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Folkston, GA?: The minimum permit fee is 25. Fees are calculated as: Mostly flat-fee schedule by permit type, with some per-square-foot and per-unit fees. Plan check fee: 50.
How do I apply for a building permit in Folkston, GA?: 1. Confirm the parcel is inside Folkston city limits and determine whether the project triggers city zoning, site-development, subdivision, sign, driveway, excavation/fill, or temporary-use review under the City of Folkston Land Development Code. 2. Start with the City Manager for city-level development/building permit routing. The code requires applications for development permits to the City Manager. 3. Assemble the county permit packet and checklist materials, including completed application, two plan sets, truss package if applicable, septic proof, homeowner-as-contractor agreement if applicable, code summary acknowledgement if needed, site development plan, flood-zone elevation certificate if applicable, and proof of a county land disturbance permit when disturbing more than one acre. 4. If the project involves site development or subdivision review, follow the Folkston code process through City Manager review and any required Planning Commission or City Council action. 5. Submit the permit materials and do not start work before issuance. Projects begun without a building permit must still buy a permit at double the fee. 6. Schedule inspections by phone with Charlton County Building Inspections at (912) 496-3826.
What work is exempt from building permits in Folkston, GA?: The following work is generally exempt: Survey exemptions for detached single-family residential lots; Interior modifications; Roof permits; Permit-required work that does not expand an existing structure; Accessory structures with a building value below $10,000 when a scaled drawing is submitted instead of a survey. Note: Projects over 150 square feet must be permitted; no formal exempt-work chart published
How do I schedule a building inspection in Folkston, GA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: .

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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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