Town of Dearing, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies within the Town of Dearing corporate limits. Public McDuffie / Thomson planning materials show Dearing participates in the consolidated planning board for zoning hearings, with recommendations forwarded to Dearing for final action. Public materials do not show a separate online Dearing building-permit program; projects may require coordination between the town and the McDuffie County Planning Commission depending on whether the issue is town land development approval, zoning, or a building permit / inspection.

Department

Town of Dearing; land development applications are administered by the Land Development Officer under the Town of Dearing Land Development Code

Address

4577 Augusta Highway, Dearing, GA 30808

Phone

706-556-0384

Email

townofdearing@dearingga.gov

Website

https://www.thomson-mcduffie.gov/169/Town-of-Dearing

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project is in the Town of Dearing and whether it is exempt from a Dearing land development permit under Section 9.4.3 of the Dearing Land Development Code.
2. If the project requires town land development review, contact the town and Land Development Officer early. The code repeatedly directs applicants to submit plats, plans, and permit materials to the Land Development Officer.
3. Submit the applicable package. The code's Table 10.2 states an application form is required for summary plats, preliminary plats, land development plans, and final plats, with additional plats, plans, and supporting materials depending on project type.
4. The Land Development Officer performs completeness review. Incomplete materials may pause review until all required items are provided.
5. Town and county departments review the application. Depending on project type, approval may be by the Land Development Officer or by the Dearing Town Council. The code states summary plats generally review within 21 days or less, preliminary plats within 30 days, and land development permits within 30 days.
6. After town approval, obtain any associated permits or certificates needed for actual construction activity. The public record reviewed does not show a separate Dearing online building-permit form, so applicants should verify with the town whether building-permit issuance and inspections are routed through the McDuffie County Planning Commission.

Typical processing time: Summary plats 21 days or less, extendable by up to 7 days; preliminary plats 30 days; land development permits 30 days

Source: Town of Dearing; land development applications are administered by the Land Development Officer under the Town of Dearing Land Development Code

General Requirements

Under the Dearing Land Development Code, development regulated by the code requires prior approval of any corresponding summary or preliminary plat and Land Development Officer approval to perform development. The code also states land development and subdivision activity is subject to review and approval before issuance of applicable certificates of compliance or other permits. Public town materials reviewed do not publish a separate Dearing building permit trigger list.

Required Documents

• Application form for summary plats, preliminary plats, land development plans, and final plats
• Applicable plats, plans, drawings, certifications, and supporting materials listed in Table 10.2 and related sections
• Building permit supporting documents if a separate building permit is also required

Permit validity

Preliminary plat approval remains effective for 1 consecutive year, then becomes null and void if the project does not proceed. No separate public Dearing building permit expiration rule was found.

Building code

Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes apply statewide. No public Dearing-specific building code adoption page or posted local building amendments were found in the materials reviewed. The town's Land Development Code governs zoning, plats, land development approvals, and related procedures.

Owner-builder

No Dearing-specific owner-builder rule was found in the public town materials reviewed

Contractor requirements

Georgia state residential and general contractor licensing rules apply for covered work over $2,500. No separate Dearing-specific public contractor registration rule for building permits was found in the materials reviewed.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not publicly posted

Plan check fee

Not publicly posted

Permit fee formula

Not publicly posted for Dearing-specific building permits

Reinspection fee

Not publicly posted for Dearing-specific building permits

Payment note

Not publicly posted for Dearing-specific building permits

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Town of Dearing; land development applications are administered by the Land Development Officer under the Town of Dearing Land Development Code to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Inspection hours

Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday by phone and appointment only from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Thursday office open 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: No public Dearing-specific building inspection sequence was found. If a separate building permit is routed through the McDuffie County Planning Commission, verify the inspection schedule with that office before work starts.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes apply statewide. No public Dearing-specific building code adoption page or posted local building amendments were found in the materials reviewed. The town's Land Development Code governs zoning, plats, land development approvals, and related procedures.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Dearing Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Dearing, GA?

Under the Dearing Land Development Code, development regulated by the code requires prior approval of any corresponding summary or preliminary plat and Land Development Officer approval to perform development. The code also states land development and subdivision activity is subject to review and approval before issuance of applicable certificates of compliance or other permits. Public town materials reviewed do not publish a separate Dearing building permit trigger list.

How much does a building permit cost in Town of Dearing, GA?

The minimum permit fee is Not publicly posted. Fees are calculated as: Not publicly posted for Dearing-specific building permits. Plan check fee: Not publicly posted.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Dearing, GA?

1. Confirm whether the project is in the Town of Dearing and whether it is exempt from a Dearing land development permit under Section 9.4.3 of the Dearing Land Development Code. 2. If the project requires town land development review, contact the town and Land Development Officer early. The code repeatedly directs applicants to submit plats, plans, and permit materials to the Land Development Officer. 3. Submit the applicable package. The code's Table 10.2 states an application form is required for summary plats, preliminary plats, land development plans, and final plats, with additional plats, plans, and supporting materials depending on project type. 4. The Land Development Officer performs completeness review. Incomplete materials may pause review until all required items are provided. 5. Town and county departments review the application. Depending on project type, approval may be by the Land Development Officer or by the Dearing Town Council. The code states summary plats generally review within 21 days or less, preliminary plats within 30 days, and land development permits within 30 days. 6. After town approval, obtain any associated permits or certificates needed for actual construction activity. The public record reviewed does not show a separate Dearing online building-permit form, so applicants should verify with the town whether building-permit issuance and inspections are routed through the McDuffie County Planning Commission.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Dearing, GA?

Typical processing time is Summary plats 21 days or less, extendable by up to 7 days; preliminary plats 30 days; land development permits 30 days.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Dearing, GA?

The following work is generally exempt: Dearing Land Development Code Section 9.4.3 states a land development permit is not required for detached, fee-simple, single-family dwellings or their associated customary residential appurtenances.. Note: No broader public Dearing building-permit exemption list was found in the materials reviewed.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Dearing, GA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

Other cities in McDuffie County