On this page 5
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gilmer County
Building permits must be obtained before beginning construction or excavation. The county separately posts sign, driveway, meter base, pool, land disturbing, floodplain, and mobile home permit materials.
Note: No Gilmer County public exempt-work list was located for unincorporated building permits.
Required documents
- Recorded plat
- Recorded deed
- Proof current property taxes are paid
- E911 address
- Septic approval
- Driveway permit when applicable
- Floodplain elevation data when applicable
- Plans for the structure and foundation
- All contractor and tradesman information
- Required affidavits: homeowner, subcontractor, energy code, mechanical ventilation, authorized agent, or qualifying agent forms as applicable
- Building code
- Gilmer County states it intends to enforce the latest edition of each technical code as adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Georgia DCA current mandatory codes effective January 1, 2026 include the 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IPC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 ISPSC, 2024 IFC, 2023 NEC, and 2015 IECC with Georgia amendments or supplements.
- Owner-builder
- The county checklist expressly references a Homeowner Building Permit Affidavit when no Georgia licensed general contractor is hired and separate homeowner affidavits for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC when no Georgia licensed subcontractor is hired. All persons listed on the deed must sign the paperwork.
- Contractor requirements
- The county application requires state license numbers for the building contractor and trade contractors. Georgia residential contractor licensing law also applies on covered work over $2,500.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Inspections are scheduled for the business day after being called in. No countywide permit issuance turnaround estimate was posted.
- 01 Start with the county Site Location Permit packet, which is Step 1 of 2 to obtain a building permit. This requires a recorded plat, recorded deed, driveway permit where applicable, and floodplain review where applicable.
- 02 Submit the 811 locate request before filing.
- 03 Obtain required outside approvals: proof of current property taxes paid, E911 addressing, septic approval, subdivision erosion approvals if applicable, and floodplain elevation information if applicable.
- 04 Prepare the building permit application, which requests the owner, contractor, project manager, 911 address, directions, structure type, square footage, estimated cost, parcel data, zoning, utility information, and state license numbers for building and trade contractors.
- 05 Submit the application package to Gilmer County Planning and Zoning with required fees and executed affidavits. No permit will be issued without applicable checklist items.
- 06 The county routes the file for Planning and Zoning, Public Works, and Public Safety approvals. Applicants will be contacted with questions or missing document needs.
- 07 Pick up the permit after approvals. Applicants will be contacted when the permit is ready for pick-up.
- 08 Schedule inspections during construction. Inspections are scheduled for the business day after they are called in to the office.
- 09 Obtain final inspection approval before occupancy. No occupancy is allowed until final inspection is approved.
Typical processing time: Inspections are scheduled for the business day after being called in. No countywide permit issuance turnaround estimate was posted.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Call the Planning and Zoning office at 706-635-3406 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Business day after calling in the inspection request
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Staged approvals begin with site location review and, for floodplain property, an elevation certificate before footing inspection and another before final inspection. The exact sequence varies by project, but the county application and checklist support a typical flow of site location approval, permit issuance, trade and structural inspections during construction, and final inspection before occupancy.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Gilmer County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Gilmer County, GA? ▸
Building permits must be obtained before beginning construction or excavation. The county separately posts sign, driveway, meter base, pool, land disturbing, floodplain, and mobile home permit materials.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gilmer County, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gilmer County, GA, follow these steps: 1. Start with the county Site Location Permit packet, which is Step 1 of 2 to obtain a building permit. This requires a recorded plat, recorded deed, driveway permit where applicable, and floodplain review where applicable. 2. Submit the 811 locate request before filing. 3. Obtain required outside approvals: proof of current property taxes paid, E911 addressing, septic approval, subdivision erosion approvals if applicable, and floodplain elevation information if applicable. 4. Prepare the building permit application, which requests the owner, contractor, project manager, 911 address, directions, structure type, square footage, estimated cost, parcel data, zoning, utility information, and state license numbers for building and trade contractors. 5. Submit the application package to Gilmer County Planning and Zoning with required fees and executed affidavits. No permit will be issued without applicable checklist items. 6. The county routes the file for Planning and Zoning, Public Works, and Public Safety approvals. Applicants will be contacted with questions or missing document needs. 7. Pick up the permit after approvals. Applicants will be contacted when the permit is ready for pick-up. 8. Schedule inspections during construction. Inspections are scheduled for the business day after they are called in to the office. 9. Obtain final inspection approval before occupancy. No occupancy is allowed until final inspection is approved.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Gilmer County, GA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Gilmer County, GA typically run Inspections are scheduled for the business day after being called in. No countywide permit issuance turnaround estimate was posted.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Gilmer County, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Gilmer County, GA via: Call the Planning and Zoning office at 706-635-3406. Business day after calling in the inspection request.
last verified April 2026
source Gilmer County Planning and Zoning ↗
entry id permits/georgia/gilmer/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Gilmer County Planning and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.