Dawsonville, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies within Dawsonville city limits

Department

City of Dawsonville Planning and Zoning

Address

415 Highway 53 East, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA 30534

Phone

706-203-4924

Email

permits@dawsonville-ga.gov

Website

https://www.dawsonville-ga.gov/planning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is within Dawsonville city limits and identify the permit type through the Planning and Zoning Department
2. Prepare a complete permit package using the city Residential Building / Other Permit Application and its checklist
3. Submit the application to the city at 415 Highway 53 East, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA 30534, phone 706-203-4923, or email permits@dawsonville-ga.gov
4. The Planning Director reviews the application and construction documents
5. Pay the required permit review, Certificate of Occupancy, inspection, and other applicable fees
6. Wait for permit issuance before starting work
7. During construction, request required inspections and keep the permit card posted at the site

Source: City of Dawsonville Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

Building work including residential building, accessory structures, demolition, moved structures, pools, generators, and related work types

Required Documents

• Completed permit application and signed release form
• Approved recorded plat
• 911 address
• Site plan with setbacks and easements
• Labeled floor plans
• UL cut sheet for fire-resistive walls where applicable
• Contractor affidavit
• State and current business license for each trade
• Water and sewer tap receipt if applicable
• Septic permit
• Restroom facilities permit
• Driveway permit if applicable

Permit validity

Building permits become invalid unless work begins within 90 days of issuance, if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months or more, or if work is not completed within 18 months of issuance. Permits may be reinstated for up to two separate 6-month extensions

Building code

Dawsonville Code Sec. 102-19 adopts the International Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Electrical Code, International Fire Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and International Residential Code with Georgia amendments. Current standards: 2018 IBC, IRC, ISPSC, IFC, IPC, IMC, IFGC with Georgia amendments, 2015 IECC with Georgia amendments, 2020 NEC with Georgia amendments

Owner-builder

The owner-builder exemption is limited to property owned by the applicant for occupancy solely by the owner and family, firm, or corporation and its employees, not for use by the general public and not offered for sale or lease. Requires direct onsite supervision by the owner

Contractor requirements

Permit checklist requires a contractor affidavit plus state and current business license for each trade. Residential contractors performing work over $2,500 must be licensed by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 permit review fee; building-fee minimum $100 on covered and uncovered space calculations

Plan check fee

$50 permit review fee

Permit fee formula

Primarily flat and square-foot-based: covered space at $0.35 per square foot, uncovered space at $0.20 per square foot, in-ground private pools at $0.35 per square foot, above-ground private pool decks at $0.20 per square foot, moved structures at $200 flat

Trade permit fee

Included in permit formula

Reinspection fee

$60 reinspection fee for failed inspections and $60 reinspection fee if permit cards are not posted; double permit fees apply if work starts before permit issuance

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fees if work commences before permit issuance

Payment note

Impact fees are a separate payment by check, cash, or certified check only. The city maintains an Edmunds WIPP online planning and zoning payment portal

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Dawsonville Planning and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Applicant is responsible for requesting inspections. No city-specific public inspection-sequence handout was located. Verified public record supports permit issuance, applicant-requested inspections during work, and Certificate of Occupancy at completion where applicable

Additional Resources

• Building code: Dawsonville Code Sec. 102-19 adopts the International Building Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Mechanical Code, International Plumbing Code, International Electrical Code, International Fire Code, International Energy Conservation Code, and International Residential Code with Georgia amendments. Current standards: 2018 IBC, IRC, ISPSC, IFC, IPC, IMC, IFGC with Georgia amendments, 2015 IECC with Georgia amendments, 2020 NEC with Georgia amendments
• Verify contractor license: Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Planning and Zoning Department
• WIPP Portal
• Residential Building / Other Permit Application
• Owner-Builder Self-Work Affidavit
• City Council Meeting Packets
• Georgia Construction Codes
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Dawsonville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Dawsonville, GA?

Building work including residential building, accessory structures, demolition, moved structures, pools, generators, and related work types

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

The minimum permit fee is $50 permit review fee; building-fee minimum $100 on covered and uncovered space calculations. Fees are calculated as: Primarily flat and square-foot-based: covered space at $0.35 per square foot, uncovered space at $0.20 per square foot, in-ground private pools at $0.35 per square foot, above-ground private pool decks at $0.20 per square foot, moved structures at $200 flat. Plan check fee: $50 permit review fee.

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

1. Confirm the project is within Dawsonville city limits and identify the permit type through the Planning and Zoning Department 2. Prepare a complete permit package using the city Residential Building / Other Permit Application and its checklist 3. Submit the application to the city at 415 Highway 53 East, Suite 100, Dawsonville, GA 30534, phone 706-203-4923, or email permits@dawsonville-ga.gov 4. The Planning Director reviews the application and construction documents 5. Pay the required permit review, Certificate of Occupancy, inspection, and other applicable fees 6. Wait for permit issuance before starting work 7. During construction, request required inspections and keep the permit card posted at the site

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

Other cities in Dawson County