County Building Permits
Chatham County, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chatham County, Georgia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
The county department manages code enforcement for all unincorporated areas of Chatham County and has been retained by some incorporated jurisdictions for plan review and inspections.
- Department
- Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services
- Address
- 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite D, Savannah, GA 31406
- Phone
- 912-201-4300
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Chatham County Building Safety website and EnerGov • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Determine the permit type using the county forms and permit-required guidance.
- Download the applicable county permit application form for new construction, additions, alterations, roofing, trades, demolition, docks, pools, signs, wells, storage buildings, fences, and related project types.
- Submit the completed application and attachments to 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
- Submit only during the county intake window. Applications can be submitted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and cannot be accepted by fax or email.
- Complete review, receive permit issuance, and proceed through required inspections.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated.
Source: Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services
General Requirements
A building permit is required for most major changes being made to a structure. Specifically listed: structural work, foundation and footing repair, joist replacement, fences, canopies, awnings, reroofing, antennas, and all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work unless waived by the Director of Inspections.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Necessary attachments
- Additions form
- Alterations and repairs form
- Demolition form
- Docks and bulkheads form
- Electrical form
- Fences form
- Fire prevention form
- Foundations form
- Garages and carports form
- Homeowner affidavit
- Manufactured homes form
- Mechanical form
- New construction form
- Plumbing form
- Pools and spas form
- Roofing form
- Signs form
- Storage buildings form
- Subcontractor forms
- Towers and antennas form
- Wells form
- Permit validity
- Not clearly published on county pages reviewed.
- Building code
- Georgia state minimum codes apply unless locally amended.
- Owner-builder
- County publishes a Homeowner Affidavit form.
- Contractor requirements
- Georgia state licensing rules apply.
Fees
- Plan check fee
- Not publicly stated
- Permit fee formula
- Not publicly stated
- Payment note
- Applications cannot be accepted by fax or email.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Application intake Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Not publicly stated
Additional Resources
- Building code: Georgia state minimum codes apply unless locally amended.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- County Contact Us
- When Permits Required
- 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 Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Chatham County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Chatham County, GA?
- A building permit is required for most major changes being made to a structure. Specifically listed: structural work, foundation and footing repair, joist replacement, fences, canopies, awnings, reroofing, antennas, and all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work unless waived by the Director of Inspections.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Chatham County, GA?
- Fees are calculated as: Not publicly stated. Plan check fee: Not publicly stated.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chatham County, GA?
- 1. Determine the permit type using the county forms and permit-required guidance. 2. Download the applicable county permit application form for new construction, additions, alterations, roofing, trades, demolition, docks, pools, signs, wells, storage buildings, fences, and related project types. 3. Submit the completed application and attachments to 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406. 4. Submit only during the county intake window. Applications can be submitted Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. and cannot be accepted by fax or email. 5. Complete review, receive permit issuance, and proceed through required inspections.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Chatham County, GA?
- Typical processing time is Not publicly stated..
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chatham County, GA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services.
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