How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McIntosh County, GA?

The minimum permit fee is $50 trade permit fee. Fees are calculated as: Residential permit fee $0.30 per square foot, doubled to $0.60 per square foot if work starts before obtaining permit; trade permits are flat-fee based: plumbing permit $50 plus $100 inspection; HVAC permit $50 plus $100 inspection; electrical permit $50 plus $100 inspection; move-off permit $100.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McIntosh County, GA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: .

County Building Permits

McIntosh County, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated McIntosh County, Georgia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Georgia Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

County authority for unincorporated areas of McIntosh County outside the incorporated City of Darien

Department: McIntosh County Building & Zoning
Address: 100 Madison Street, Darien, GA 31305
Phone: (912) 437-6603
Website: https://www.mcintoshcountyga.com/253/Building-Zoning

Online Permit Portal

Open

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Start from the county Building & Zoning page and download the applicable permit form
Assemble the required supporting materials for the permit type
Submit the package to McIntosh County Building & Zoning at 100 Madison Street; incomplete applications will not be accepted
County staff reviews the submission for code, zoning, and floodplain compliance
Pay the required permit and inspection fees
Obtain inspections during construction; starting work before permit issuance triggers double fee

Typical processing time: County zoning ordinance states the Building and Zoning Administrator shall issue the building permit within 10 days after payment if the proposed work conforms to the ordinance

Source: McIntosh County Building & Zoning

General Requirements

County permits are used for new residential construction, remodels, additions/accessory structures, docks, pools, demolition, mobile homes, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, move-offs, and land-use approvals

Required Documents

For new residential: septic approval, county water tap-in receipt or proof of water, road department approval for driveway/culvert, approved plat, elevation certificate if in flood zone, current deed, plot plan, two printed plan sets, one digital copy of plans, contractor state/business licenses, permit application pages, homeowner affidavit if owner acts as general contractor
Other permit types require separate forms with project-specific requirements

Building code: Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; county applications require compliance with county codes and reference McIntosh County Municipal Codes and zoning ordinance for additional requirements
Owner-builder: County new residential packet requires a signed and notarized Homeowner's Affidavit if the owner is acting as general contractor; Georgia state owner-builder rule in O.C.G.A. 43-41-17(h) applies
Contractor requirements: County new residential packet requires copies of state and business licenses for the general contractor, electrician, plumber, HVAC contractor, and concrete contractor's business license; trade-permit forms also require contractor license information; Georgia state contractor licensing applies

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50 trade permit fee
Permit fee formula: Residential permit fee $0.30 per square foot, doubled to $0.60 per square foot if work starts before obtaining permit; trade permits are flat-fee based: plumbing permit $50 plus $100 inspection; HVAC permit $50 plus $100 inspection; electrical permit $50 plus $100 inspection; move-off permit $100
Trade permit fee: $50 electrical/HVAC/plumbing plus $100 inspection
Penalty (no permit): Double fee if work starts before permit issuance for residential construction

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the McIntosh County Building & Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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Typical inspection sequence: Separate inspection fees on trade permits; floodplain review required where applicable; septic inspection required for new residential construction

Additional Resources

Building code: Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs; county applications require compliance with county codes and reference McIntosh County Municipal Codes and zoning ordinance for additional requirements
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

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the McIntosh County Building & Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

McIntosh County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated McIntosh County, GA?: County permits are used for new residential construction, remodels, additions/accessory structures, docks, pools, demolition, mobile homes, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, move-offs, and land-use approvals
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated McIntosh County, GA?: The minimum permit fee is $50 trade permit fee. Fees are calculated as: Residential permit fee $0.30 per square foot, doubled to $0.60 per square foot if work starts before obtaining permit; trade permits are flat-fee based: plumbing permit $50 plus $100 inspection; HVAC permit $50 plus $100 inspection; electrical permit $50 plus $100 inspection; move-off permit $100.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated McIntosh County, GA?: 1. Start from the county Building & Zoning page and download the applicable permit form 2. Assemble the required supporting materials for the permit type 3. Submit the package to McIntosh County Building & Zoning at 100 Madison Street; incomplete applications will not be accepted 4. County staff reviews the submission for code, zoning, and floodplain compliance 5. Pay the required permit and inspection fees 6. Obtain inspections during construction; starting work before permit issuance triggers double fee
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated McIntosh County, GA?: Typical processing time is County zoning ordinance states the Building and Zoning Administrator shall issue the building permit within 10 days after payment if the proposed work conforms to the ordinance.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated McIntosh County, GA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: .

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated McIntosh County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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