City of McDonough

Permits are required before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a building or structure, and for regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, and fire suppression work.

Note: Minor work that is not regulated by the adopted construction codes may be exempt, but the city pages reviewed do not publish a consolidated exemption list. Applicants should confirm specific no-permit items directly with the Building Inspection Division before starting work.

Building code

The city enforces the current State Minimum Codes for Construction with Georgia Department of Community Affairs amendments. Statewide mandatory Georgia code updates took effect January 1, 2026.

Owner-builder

Confirm with the permit office if an owner-builder affidavit is required for owner-performed residential work.

Contractor requirements

Georgia residential contractors performing work above the state licensing threshold must be appropriately licensed. City permit packets also require contractor information and trade contractor details.

1. 01
   Determine permit type and download the applicable packet from the city Applications, Permits and Fees page, including the residential packet, residential single-sheet application, or commercial permit packet.
2. 02
   Assemble the required plans and supporting documents. The city instructs applicants to provide two complete sets of building plans for most work and additional documentation for trade permits, site plans, truss drawings, energy documents, and contractor information as applicable.
3. 03
   Submit the completed application packet to the Building Inspection Division for intake and review.
4. 04
   The permit office routes the application for plan review. The city states a simple residential deck permit can be issued the same day, while a complicated commercial structure may take up to four weeks.
5. 05
   Pay the assessed permit and review fees once approved.
6. 06
   Receive the permit and post it on site, then call for inspections as work progresses.

Typical processing time: Same day for a simple residential deck permit; up to 4 weeks for a complicated commercial structure.

Source: Building Inspection Division, City of McDonough ↗

Building valuation calculations rely on the city-posted ICC building valuation data table: https://www.mcdonoughga.org/DocumentCenter/View/1452/Building-Valuation-Data-Table

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Automated inspection request line: 678-782-6217 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests received before 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. Requests after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled two business days out. Requests before 4:00 p.m. on Friday or the day before a holiday are scheduled for the next working day.

Typical sequence: Sequence depends on scope, but city practice is to perform required trade and building inspections as work progresses and complete final inspections before occupancy or completion.

Source: Building Inspection Division, City of McDonough ↗