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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clayton County
County ordinance requires a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or installing/enlarging/altering/replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
Portable or prefabricated accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, not on a permanent foundation, not exceeding 120 square feet
Site-built buildings less than 120 square feet
Fences not over 6 feet high
Water tanks supported directly on grade, up to 5,000 gallons, with compliant height/width ratio
Temporary systems installed only for testing/servicing electrical equipment
Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, ventilation, and cooling appliances
Minor mechanical part replacement that does not alter approval or create unsafe conditions
Self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or motors of 1 horsepower or less
Plumbing leak stoppage and stoppage clearing that does not require replacement or rearrangement of concealed piping, valves, or fixtures
- Exempt Portable or prefabricated accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, not on a permanent foundation, not exceeding 120 square feet
- Exempt Site-built buildings less than 120 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade, up to 5,000 gallons, with compliant height/width ratio
- Exempt Temporary systems installed only for testing/servicing electrical equipment
- Exempt Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, ventilation, and cooling appliances
- Exempt Minor mechanical part replacement that does not alter approval or create unsafe conditions
- Exempt Self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or motors of 1 horsepower or less
- Exempt Plumbing leak stoppage and stoppage clearing that does not require replacement or rearrangement of concealed piping, valves, or fixtures
Required documents
- County form
- Fee
- General description of proposed work and location
- Signed owner/authorized-agent application
- Occupancy information where applicable
- Additional information required by the county official
- Building code
- Georgia State Minimum Standard Construction Codes as adopted and enforced by Clayton County, with county ordinance amendments.
- Permit validity
- Permit application is deemed abandoned after 6 months if no permit is issued, unless extended in writing for up to 90 days at a time; county practice should be confirmed for post-issuance permit expiration on the specific permit form.
- Owner-builder
- County homeowner and residence affidavits are used where owner-related filings apply; confirm owner-builder eligibility directly with the county.
- Contractor requirements
- Georgia state residential contractor licensing applies for covered work over $2,500; county permits are administered on top of the state licensing baseline.
Source: Clayton County Community Development - Building Permit Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the property lies in unincorporated Clayton County rather than within city limits.
- 02 Create or log into the county Tyler EnerGov Customer Self Service portal.
- 03 Submit the permit application with required plans, scope description, and supporting affidavits/documents.
- 04 County staff reviews the filing under county ordinances and adopted state minimum codes.
- 05 Pay assessed fees and obtain permit issuance.
- 06 Complete required inspections before concealment and final approval/occupancy.
Source: Clayton County Community Development - Building Permit Division ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (770) 477-3569 (phone)
Typical sequence: Permit issuance, then applicable building/trade inspections before concealment and final approval; sequence varies by project type.
Source: Clayton County Community Development - Building Permit Division ↗
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clayton County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clayton County, GA? ▸
County ordinance requires a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or installing/enlarging/altering/replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clayton County, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clayton County, GA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property lies in unincorporated Clayton County rather than within city limits. 2. Create or log into the county Tyler EnerGov Customer Self Service portal. 3. Submit the permit application with required plans, scope description, and supporting affidavits/documents. 4. County staff reviews the filing under county ordinances and adopted state minimum codes. 5. Pay assessed fees and obtain permit issuance. 6. Complete required inspections before concealment and final approval/occupancy.
03 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clayton County, GA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Clayton County, GA. The following work is generally exempt: Portable or prefabricated accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, not on a permanent foundation, not exceeding 120 square feet; Site-built buildings less than 120 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Water tanks supported directly on grade, up to 5,000 gallons, with compliant height/width ratio; Temporary systems installed only for testing/servicing electrical equipment; Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, ventilation, and cooling appliances; Minor mechanical part replacement that does not alter approval or create unsafe conditions; Self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or motors of 1 horsepower or less; Plumbing leak stoppage and stoppage clearing that does not require replacement or rearrangement of concealed piping, valves, or fixtures. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clayton County, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clayton County, GA via: (770) 477-3569.
last verified April 2026
source Clayton County Community Development - Building Permit Division ↗
entry id permits/georgia/clayton/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Clayton County Community Development - Building Permit Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.