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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for DeKalb County
County building permit guides govern residential additions, alterations, new single-family construction, townhomes, and nonresidential work in unincorporated DeKalb.
Note: The county e-permitting page links residential and nonresidential guides rather than a short public exemption summary. Confirm minor projects directly with Planning and Sustainability before starting.
- Permit application
- Plans and supporting guides/checklists
- Contractor registration and licenses
- Site plans and zoning review materials where applicable
- County fire, water, sewer, watershed, or other outside-agency approvals as applicable
- Building code
- DeKalb County publishes the current DCA mandatory codes effective January 1, 2026: 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IPC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2023 NEC, 2015 IECC with Georgia supplements/amendments, and 2024 ISPSC.
- Permit validity
- Confirm against the permit card and county code. County guides commonly rely on posted permit conditions.
- Owner-builder
- County residential guides require homeowner affidavit materials when the owner acts as contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- County residential guide states contractors must be licensed by the State of Georgia, have a Georgia business license, and register with DeKalb Development Services.
Application process
Typical processing: County fire marshal states average review is about 10 business days once city routing sheet and plans are received for permits that need county fire review. General building review timing varies by scope.
- 01 Create an e-permitting account in the county portal.
- 02 Select the correct permit type and use the county guide/checklist for the specific residential or nonresidential scope.
- 03 Upload application materials, plans, and any outside-agency approvals required.
- 04 Respond to review comments and resubmit as needed.
- 05 Pay permit fees through the system.
- 06 Obtain permit issuance and keep permit documents on site.
- 07 Schedule inspections through the portal, by inspection inbox, or by the live inspection phone line if you are the primary applicant.
Typical processing time: County fire marshal states average review is about 10 business days once city routing sheet and plans are received for permits that need county fire review. General building review timing varies by scope.
Source: DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability, Building Permits ↗
Fee schedule
DeKalb County building permit fees
County fees are paid through the e-permitting process. Separate fire marshal, watershed, and land development schedules also apply where routed.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- E-Permitting portal (online)
- Building Inspections inbox (email)
- 404-687-2401 (phone)
- Time windows
- Not posted as fixed windows on the public inspection page. Only the primary applicant may schedule.
Typical sequence: Foundation/site inspections; Rough building and rough trades; Specialty inspections and third-party inspections where approved; Final inspections; CO/CC.
Third-party inspections now require the county application for permits applied for on or after October 1, 2025.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated DeKalb County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, GA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated DeKalb County, GA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, GA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated DeKalb County, GA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated DeKalb County, GA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability, Building Permits before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.