On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Gwinnett County
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.
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
- Exempt Replacement of switches, fans, light fixtures, or similar work that does not alter mechanical, electrical, or plumbing systems
- Exempt Cosmetic repairs or remodels such as painting, new flooring, cabinets, vinyl siding, and similar finish work
- Exempt Storage buildings 120 square feet or less
- Exempt Concrete work for driveways, sidewalks, and basketball slabs not to exceed 35 percent coverage of the front yard
- Exempt Fences 8 feet or less in height, subject to planning contact for brick columns or front-yard fences
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: No universal posted countywide permit turnaround estimate on the main page reviewed.
- 01 Create ZIP Portal account and identify the correct permit type.
- 02 Submit construction permit application and plans through the portal.
- 03 Complete county plan review and respond to comments.
- 04 After successful review, pay fees and provide contractor information.
- 05 Permit is issued to the contractor of record; homeowners may permit work on their own property with a signed Property Owner as Contractor Affidavit.
- 06 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 ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Gwinnett County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Varies by permit type.
02
Plan check fee
Yes, where applicable.
03
Permit fee formula
Mixed by permit type.
04
Reinspection fee
Vary by permit/enforcement context.
Fees paid through county process before permit issuance.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- ZIP Portal (online)
Typical sequence: Project-specific; inspections occur during construction after permit issuance.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Gwinnett County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed by permit type.. Plan check fee: Yes, where applicable..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA typically run No universal posted countywide permit turnaround estimate on the main page reviewed.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Gwinnett County, GA via: ZIP Portal.
last verified April 2026
source Gwinnett County Planning and Development, Building Services ↗
entry id permits/georgia/gwinnett/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Gwinnett County Planning and Development, Building Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.