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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Decatur
Required for constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a structure; repairs and maintenance valued at $1,000 or more; any roofing or structural work; all trade work regardless of value; zoning-affecting work; land disturbance; local historic district work; and work affecting the ROW.
Note: Work specifically exempt from permit is not summarized on the city permit page. Confirm directly with the Permits Division before starting minor work.
- Permit application
- Construction drawings
- Site plan when required
- Business license and state contractor license if filed by contractor
- Homeowner as Contractor Affidavit if filed by owner-builder
- Tree or site development documents when applicable
- Historic approval documents when applicable
- Building code
- Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes as administered locally by Decatur, plus Decatur UDO and local historic requirements. Verify any city amendment sheet at intake.
- Permit validity
- Confirm on issued permit conditions.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must submit the city homeowner/indemnification affidavit.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor business and state licenses must be provided. Georgia state residential contractor licensure rules apply for qualifying work over $2,500.
Application process
Typical processing: Review timing depends on scope. Historic Preservation Commission applications are heard monthly, and tree-related projects require a pre-application meeting first.
- 01 Determine whether the work requires a permit under UDO Section 10.1.1 and gather the applicable checklist and forms.
- 02 If tree removal or critical root zone disturbance is proposed, hold the required pre-application meeting with the city arborist before filing.
- 03 Email the city the primary contact, contractor/state license, phone, and mailing information so Community Core access can be activated.
- 04 Log into Community Core and submit the permit application, drawings, and any site development, tree, historic, or right of way materials required for the scope.
- 05 Respond to review comments and resubmit as needed.
- 06 Pay fees through the portal.
- 07 After approval, print permit documents, perform work, schedule inspections in Community Core, and request CO/CC after finals are complete.
Typical processing time: Review timing depends on scope. Historic Preservation Commission applications are heard monthly, and tree-related projects require a pre-application meeting first.
Source: City of Decatur Development Department, Permits Division ↗
Fee schedule
Decatur building permit fees
Permits are processed through Community Core; fees are paid after review/approval.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Community Core account (online)
- 404-377-6198 (phone)
- permits@decaturga.com (email)
Typical sequence: Foundation/site inspections as applicable; Rough building and rough trades; Insulation and other concealment-stage inspections; Final building/trade inspections; CO/CC request after all finals.
Source: City of Decatur Development Department, Permits Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Decatur permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Decatur, GA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Decatur, GA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Decatur, GA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Decatur, GA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Decatur, GA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Decatur Development Department, Permits Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.