On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Harris County
Harris County Community Development issues building construction permits for new residential construction, additions, accessory structures, accessory dwelling units, manufactured housing, demolition, decks, remodels, window replacement, and private residential swimming pools
Detached accessory buildings 400 square feet or less if they meet all county criteria (no human habitation, no toilet facilities, one story max, no more than 100-amp electrical service)
Agricultural buildings 800 square feet or less if they otherwise qualify
Decks that are both under 30 inches above grade and not more than 100 square feet in area
- Exempt Detached accessory buildings 400 square feet or less if they meet all county criteria (no human habitation, no toilet facilities, one story max, no more than 100-amp electrical service)
- Exempt Agricultural buildings 800 square feet or less if they otherwise qualify
- Exempt Decks that are both under 30 inches above grade and not more than 100 square feet in area
Note: No broader county public exempt-work list was found
Required documents
- Recorded plat or substitute deed/tax map
- Two site plans
- Two sets of complete plans
- Driveway permit
- Sewage management application where applicable
- Erosion/NOI materials where applicable
- Contractor credentials
- Separate trade-permit information where applicable
- Building code
- Georgia state minimum standard construction codes enforced by Harris County. County permit materials also expressly reference the 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with 2018 Georgia amendments and the 2023 National Electrical Code for pool work.
- Owner-builder
- Owner building and personally performing all electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work on the owner's own home may pull those permits; otherwise those permits must be pulled by Georgia licensed trade contractors
- Contractor requirements
- Georgia residential contractor licensure required for covered work above $2,500 under O.C.G.A. 43-41; county business license or occupation tax certificate required. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits must generally be pulled by Georgia licensed trade contractors.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Identify the correct project checklist on the county permit-requirements page
- 02 Gather all required supporting documents from the county packet for the project type
- 03 Submit through Harris County Community Development; building permit application is completed in the office
- 04 Pull separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits if required
- 05 Pay fees after review and permit calculation
- 06 Schedule inspections and obtain final approval
§ 04
Fee schedule
Harris County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
50
02
Plan check fee
Commercial plan review submittal fee is 15 percent of the building permit fee due at initial submittal
03
Permit fee formula
Single-family and multi-family at $0.32 per heated square foot; accessory buildings over 400 square feet at $0.10 per square foot; accessory dwellings at $0.32 per square foot under roof; manufactured housing $300 plus stated preinspection/bond add-ons; commercial and industrial valuation-based at $15 for first $1,000 plus $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction
04
Reinspection fee
Second inspection $25; each additional inspection $50; double fees for work started before permit issuance
Credit card convenience fee is $3 minimum for first $100 or 3 percent if over $100. Email: hcpermits@harriscountyga.gov or fax: 706-628-4140
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Through Harris County Community Development by office coordination (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Project-specific. County pool packet lists electrical grounding/bonding inspection followed by pool final. Other project types do not have one consolidated public inspection sequence in the sources reviewed.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Harris County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Harris County, GA? ▸
Harris County Community Development issues building construction permits for new residential construction, additions, accessory structures, accessory dwelling units, manufactured housing, demolition, decks, remodels, window replacement, and private residential swimming pools
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Harris County, GA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Harris County, GA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is 50. Fees are calculated as: Single-family and multi-family at $0.32 per heated square foot; accessory buildings over 400 square feet at $0.10 per square foot; accessory dwellings at $0.32 per square foot under roof; manufactured housing $300 plus stated preinspection/bond add-ons; commercial and industrial valuation-based at $15 for first $1,000 plus $6 for each additional $1,000 or fraction. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review submittal fee is 15 percent of the building permit fee due at initial submittal.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harris County, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Harris County, GA, follow these steps: 1. Identify the correct project checklist on the county permit-requirements page 2. Gather all required supporting documents from the county packet for the project type 3. Submit through Harris County Community Development; building permit application is completed in the office 4. Pull separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits if required 5. Pay fees after review and permit calculation 6. Schedule inspections and obtain final approval
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Harris County, GA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Harris County, GA. The following work is generally exempt: Detached accessory buildings 400 square feet or less if they meet all county criteria (no human habitation, no toilet facilities, one story max, no more than 100-amp electrical service); Agricultural buildings 800 square feet or less if they otherwise qualify; Decks that are both under 30 inches above grade and not more than 100 square feet in area. Note: No broader county public exempt-work list was found When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harris County, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Harris County, GA via: Through Harris County Community Development by office coordination.
last verified April 2026
source Harris County Community Development ↗
entry id permits/georgia/harris/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Harris County Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.