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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Effingham County
Permit required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, renovate, move, demolish, or change occupancy of building or structure; also for electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system work. Anything 200 square feet or bigger requires building permit.
Six-foot fences; fences seven feet tall or taller require permit
- Exempt Six-foot fences; fences seven feet tall or taller require permit
Required documents
- Completed application
- Parcel number
- Floodplain-approved site plan
- Construction plans
- Required structural details
- Commercial code/life-safety/MEP details if applicable
- Septic approval if applicable
- Homeowner affidavit for owner-pulled permits
- Building code
- Georgia state minimum standard construction codes as enforced locally by Effingham County
- Permit validity
- Valid for one year; work must commence within 180 days after issuance; permit voided after more than 180 consecutive days without inspection
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner or homeowner's agent can pull permits; must complete all required permit forms and submit notarized Home Owners Affidavit
- Contractor requirements
- Georgia state residential/general contractor licensing rules apply for covered work over state thresholds; Georgia design professional stamps required on submittal plans
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 30 days after complete application received
- 01 Confirm project is in unincorporated Effingham County and gather parcel number and site information
- 02 Complete permit application and prepare site plan and construction plans (electronic plan pages as separate PDFs or in-person delivery)
- 03 Obtain floodplain approval for site plan from county floodplain engineer
- 04 Include required plan sheets: foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, wall sections, footing/slab sections, bracing information; commercial also requires cover sheet, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, egress, and accessibility details
- 05 Obtain outside approvals: septic-served dwellings require Effingham County Health Department approval before issuance
- 06 Submit through OpenGov or in person and await plan review (30 days once complete application received)
- 07 Pay assessed fees, receive permit, and post on site before starting work
Typical processing time: 30 days after complete application received
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effingham County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
100
02
Plan check fee
$200 for one- and two-family dwellings; 5% of permit fee for commercial and industrial
03
Permit fee formula
One- and two-family dwellings: $200 plan review fee plus $0.50 heated square foot and $0.45 unheated square foot. Commercial: plan review fee is 5% of permit fee; permit fee is $1.00 per square foot with $500 minimum. Industrial: plan review fee is 5% of permit fee; permit fee is $2.00 per square foot with $1,000 minimum.
04
Reinspection fee
$100 first failed inspection, $200 second failed inspection, $500 third failed inspection and above
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OpenGov (phone)
- Phone (phone)
- Email (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Before 3:00 pm for next-day routing
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
- Time windows
- Permit holders may request AM or PM but times not guaranteed
Typical sequence: Approved drawings and permit must be on site; failed or missed inspections may require additional testing at building official's discretion
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Effingham County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Effingham County, GA? ▸
Permit required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, renovate, move, demolish, or change occupancy of building or structure; also for electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing system work. Anything 200 square feet or bigger requires building permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Effingham County, GA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Effingham County, GA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is 100. Fees are calculated as: One- and two-family dwellings: $200 plan review fee plus $0.50 heated square foot and $0.45 unheated square foot. Commercial: plan review fee is 5% of permit fee; permit fee is $1.00 per square foot with $500 minimum. Industrial: plan review fee is 5% of permit fee; permit fee is $2.00 per square foot with $1,000 minimum.. Plan check fee: $200 for one- and two-family dwellings; 5% of permit fee for commercial and industrial.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Effingham County, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Effingham County, GA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm project is in unincorporated Effingham County and gather parcel number and site information 2. Complete permit application and prepare site plan and construction plans (electronic plan pages as separate PDFs or in-person delivery) 3. Obtain floodplain approval for site plan from county floodplain engineer 4. Include required plan sheets: foundation plan, floor plan, elevations, roof plan, wall sections, footing/slab sections, bracing information; commercial also requires cover sheet, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, life safety, egress, and accessibility details 5. Obtain outside approvals: septic-served dwellings require Effingham County Health Department approval before issuance 6. Submit through OpenGov or in person and await plan review (30 days once complete application received) 7. Pay assessed fees, receive permit, and post on site before starting work
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Effingham County, GA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Effingham County, GA typically run 30 days after complete application received. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Effingham County, GA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Effingham County, GA. The following work is generally exempt: Six-foot fences; fences seven feet tall or taller require permit. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Effingham County, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Effingham County, GA via: OpenGov, Phone, Email. Before 3:00 pm for next-day routing.
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/georgia/effingham/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Effingham County Building & Fire Inspection Services, within Development Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.