County Building Permits
Gwinnett County, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gwinnett County, Georgia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
Handles building permits and inspections for unincorporated Gwinnett County and not for work inside incorporated cities that run their own permit systems.
- Department
- Gwinnett County Planning and Development, Building Services
- Address
- Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center, 75 Langley Drive, Lawrenceville, GA 30046
- Phone
- 770-822-8000
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Accela Citizen Access • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Create ZIP Portal account and identify the correct permit type.
- Submit construction permit application and plans through the portal.
- Complete county plan review and respond to comments.
- After successful review, pay fees and provide contractor information.
- Permit is issued to the contractor of record; homeowners may permit work on their own property with a signed Property Owner as Contractor Affidavit.
- Schedule inspections online through the ZIP Portal and complete all required approvals before occupancy/use.
Typical processing time: No universal posted countywide permit turnaround estimate on the main page reviewed.
Source: Gwinnett County Planning and Development, Building Services
General Requirements
County page lists house construction, house additions, decks, accessory structures, commercial building construction, retaining walls, tenant COs, fire suppression systems, temporary tents, and trade permits among core permitted activities.
Required Documents
- Application
- Plans
- Contractor information
- Homeowner affidavit if owner acts as contractor; project-specific county requirements apply
- Building code
- Georgia state minimum construction codes with county construction code and unified development ordinance enforcement.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may be issued a permit on proof of ownership with signed Property Owner as Contractor Affidavit.
- Contractor requirements
- Permit is issued after payment of fees and provision of contractor information; Georgia contractor licensing rules apply.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- Varies by permit type.
- Plan check fee
- Yes, where applicable.
- Permit fee formula
- Mixed by permit type.
- Reinspection fee
- Vary by permit/enforcement context.
- Payment note
- Fees paid through county process before permit issuance.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Replacement of switches, fans, light fixtures, or similar work that does not alter mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems
- Cosmetic repairs or remodels such as painting, new flooring, cabinets, vinyl siding, and similar finish work
- Storage buildings 120 square feet or less
- Concrete work for driveways, sidewalks, and basketball slabs not to exceed 35 percent coverage of the front yard
- Fences 8 feet or less in height, subject to planning contact for brick columns or front-yard fences
Inspections
How to Schedule
- ZIP Portal (online)
Typical inspection sequence: Project-specific; inspections occur during construction after permit issuance.
Additional Resources
- Building code: Georgia state minimum construction codes with county construction code and unified development ordinance enforcement.
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Code of Ordinances
- License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Gwinnett County Planning and Development, Building Services before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Gwinnett County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA?
- County page lists house construction, house additions, decks, accessory structures, commercial building construction, retaining walls, tenant COs, fire suppression systems, temporary tents, and trade permits among core permitted activities.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA?
- The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed by permit type.. Plan check fee: Yes, where applicable..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA?
- 1. Create ZIP Portal account and identify the correct permit type. 2. Submit construction permit application and plans through the portal. 3. Complete county plan review and respond to comments. 4. After successful review, pay fees and provide contractor information. 5. Permit is issued to the contractor of record; homeowners may permit work on their own property with a signed Property Owner as Contractor Affidavit. 6. Schedule inspections online through the ZIP Portal and complete all required approvals before occupancy/use.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA?
- Typical processing time is No universal posted countywide permit turnaround estimate on the main page reviewed..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA?
- The following work is generally exempt: Replacement of switches, fans, light fixtures, or similar work that does not alter mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems; Cosmetic repairs or remodels such as painting, new flooring, cabinets, vinyl siding, and similar finish work; Storage buildings 120 square feet or less; Concrete work for driveways, sidewalks, and basketball slabs not to exceed 35 percent coverage of the front yard; Fences 8 feet or less in height, subject to planning contact for brick columns or front-yard fences.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: ZIP Portal.
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