How much does a building permit cost in Covington, GA?

The minimum permit fee is Accessory structure permit fee is $100; a general minimum for all building permits was not clearly posted. Fees are calculated as: General building permits use project valuation and city-calculated fees; accessory structure permit materials show a flat $100 permit fee plus applicable review and inspection fees. Plan check fee: Residential plan review $75; commercial plan review $250; accessory structure materials say additional review and inspection fees may apply.

How do I apply for a building permit in Covington, GA?

1. Confirm the property is inside Covington and determine whether historic district approval, sign review, trade permits, or other separate approvals are required 2. Download the applicable permit form from the Building Forms page; the 2023 building permit application requires plans, affidavit, state license copy, business license copy, ID, and septic or fire-line documentation when applicable 3. Submit the application package to the Department of Planning and Development; incomplete applications are denied and returned 4. Pay plan review fees and permit charges when invoiced (residential plan review at $75 and commercial plan review at $250) 5. Receive permit issuance after staff review and any required companion approvals 6. Complete inspections and close out the permit before occupancy; non-residential certificate of occupancy issuance requires final approved PDF plans to be emailed to the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector

City Building Permits

Covington, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Georgia Newton County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies inside Covington city limits only

Department: Department of Planning and Development, City of Covington
Address: 2194 Emory Street NW, Covington, GA 30014
Phone: (770) 385-2021
Email: questions@cityofcovington.org
Website: https://www.cityofcovington.org/index.php?section=plandevp_contact_info

Application Process

Confirm the property is inside Covington and determine whether historic district approval, sign review, trade permits, or other separate approvals are required
Download the applicable permit form from the Building Forms page; the 2023 building permit application requires plans, affidavit, state license copy, business license copy, ID, and septic or fire-line documentation when applicable
Submit the application package to the Department of Planning and Development; incomplete applications are denied and returned
Pay plan review fees and permit charges when invoiced (residential plan review at $75 and commercial plan review at $250)
Receive permit issuance after staff review and any required companion approvals
Complete inspections and close out the permit before occupancy; non-residential certificate of occupancy issuance requires final approved PDF plans to be emailed to the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector

Typical processing time: Accessory building permit applications can take up to 15 business days according to the published submittal-procedures sheet

Source: Department of Planning and Development, City of Covington

General Requirements

Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, and for electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work

Required Documents

Building permit application
Plans
Signed affidavit
State license copy
Business license copy
ID
Project-specific supporting approvals

Building code: Covington's Construction Codes page lists 2018-based ICC codes with Georgia amendments and the 2020 NEC, but Georgia's statewide DCA minimum-code baseline changed effective January 1, 2026; applicants should confirm current enforced editions with staff
Owner-builder: No separate owner-builder affidavit was publicly posted in reviewed sources; the public building permit application requires a property owner affidavit authorizing a representative
Contractor requirements: General contractor and Georgia-licensed subcontractor information is required on the city application, and state license copies must be submitted

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Accessory structure permit fee is $100; a general minimum for all building permits was not clearly posted
Plan check fee: Residential plan review $75; commercial plan review $250; accessory structure materials say additional review and inspection fees may apply
Permit fee formula: General building permits use project valuation and city-calculated fees; accessory structure permit materials show a flat $100 permit fee plus applicable review and inspection fees
Payment note: The accessory structure procedures sheet says the city does not accept credit cards for that permit type and requires checks payable to the City of Covington

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Department of Planning and Development, City of Covington to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Project-specific; the city requires inspections before occupancy and requires non-residential final-plan closeout before certificate of occupancy issuance

Additional Resources

Building code: Covington's Construction Codes page lists 2018-based ICC codes with Georgia amendments and the 2020 NEC, but Georgia's statewide DCA minimum-code baseline changed effective January 1, 2026; applicants should confirm current enforced editions with staff
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 Department of Planning and Development, City of Covington before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Covington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Covington, GA?: Permits are required to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change occupancy of a building or structure, and for electrical, gas, mechanical, and plumbing work
How much does a building permit cost in Covington, GA?: The minimum permit fee is Accessory structure permit fee is $100; a general minimum for all building permits was not clearly posted. Fees are calculated as: General building permits use project valuation and city-calculated fees; accessory structure permit materials show a flat $100 permit fee plus applicable review and inspection fees. Plan check fee: Residential plan review $75; commercial plan review $250; accessory structure materials say additional review and inspection fees may apply.
How do I apply for a building permit in Covington, GA?: 1. Confirm the property is inside Covington and determine whether historic district approval, sign review, trade permits, or other separate approvals are required 2. Download the applicable permit form from the Building Forms page; the 2023 building permit application requires plans, affidavit, state license copy, business license copy, ID, and septic or fire-line documentation when applicable 3. Submit the application package to the Department of Planning and Development; incomplete applications are denied and returned 4. Pay plan review fees and permit charges when invoiced (residential plan review at $75 and commercial plan review at $250) 5. Receive permit issuance after staff review and any required companion approvals 6. Complete inspections and close out the permit before occupancy; non-residential certificate of occupancy issuance requires final approved PDF plans to be emailed to the Fire Marshal and Building Inspector
How long does it take to get a building permit in Covington, GA?: Typical processing time is Accessory building permit applications can take up to 15 business days according to the published submittal-procedures sheet.

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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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