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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Chatham County
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.
Note: No standalone county exempt-work bulletin was located. The county instead states permits are required for most major changes and lists common categories that do require permits.
- 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
- Building code
- Georgia state minimum codes apply unless locally amended.
- Permit validity
- Not clearly published on county pages reviewed.
- Owner-builder
- County publishes a Homeowner Affidavit form.
- Contractor requirements
- Georgia state licensing rules apply.
Application process
Typical processing: Not publicly stated.
- 01 Determine the permit type using the county forms and permit-required guidance.
- 02 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.
- 03 Submit the completed application and attachments to 1117 Eisenhower Drive, Savannah, GA 31406.
- 04 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.
- 05 Complete review, receive permit issuance, and proceed through required inspections.
Typical processing time: Not publicly stated.
Source: Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services ↗
Fee schedule
Chatham County building permit fees
Applications cannot be accepted by fax or email.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 sequence: Not publicly stated
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Chatham County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Chatham County, GA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Chatham County, GA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chatham County, GA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Chatham County, GA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chatham County, GA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.