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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Dawsonville
Building work including residential building, accessory structures, demolition, moved structures, pools, generators, and related work types
Note: No Dawsonville jurisdiction-specific exempt-work list was located in the public city materials reviewed. The city enforces Georgia minimum standard codes and local amendments
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the project is within Dawsonville city limits and identify the permit type through the Planning and Zoning Department
- 02 Prepare a complete permit package using the city Residential Building / Other Permit Application and its checklist
- 03 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
- 04 The Planning Director reviews the application and construction documents
- 05 Pay the required permit review, Certificate of Occupancy, inspection, and other applicable fees
- 06 Wait for permit issuance before starting work
- 07 During construction, request required inspections and keep the permit card posted at the site
§ 04
Fee schedule
Dawsonville building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50 permit review fee; building-fee minimum $100 on covered and uncovered space calculations
02
Plan check fee
$50 permit review fee
03
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
04
Trade permit fee
Included in permit formula
05
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
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double permit fees if work commences before permit issuance
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact Planning and Zoning Department (phone)
Typical 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
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Dawsonville permits
01 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
02 How much does a building permit cost in Dawsonville, GA? ▸
Building permit fees in Dawsonville, GA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Dawsonville, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Dawsonville, GA, follow these steps: 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
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Dawsonville, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Dawsonville, GA via: Contact Planning and Zoning Department.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/georgia/dawson/dawsonville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Dawsonville Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.