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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Paulding County
The county issues building, electrical, heating and air-conditioning, and plumbing permits for residential, commercial, and industrial work. County FAQ states permits are required for deck construction, basement finishes, retaining walls over four feet, and above-ground pools.
- Exempt Roofing or siding replacement when no structural work is performed
- Exempt Fences not more than six feet tall
- County permit application
- Construction plans
- Project-specific supporting documents
- Contractor credentials
- Contractor sheet and related affidavits
- Building code
- The county provides technical guidance on adopted building, electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and other codes. Current codes include 2024 IBC, 2024 IRC, 2024 IPC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 ISPSC, and 2023 NEC with Georgia amendments effective January 1, 2026.
- Owner-builder
- The county states there are exceptions to contractor licensing requirements when a homeowner performs work on their own home. It also publishes a permit authorization affidavit for cases where someone other than the homeowner pulls permits.
- Contractor requirements
- The county FAQ states that generally a Georgia contractor's license is required and the county enforces Georgia state contractor licensing laws.
Application process
Typical processing: No standard public turnaround was located on the reviewed county pages.
- 01 Select the correct county application from the Building & Permitting Documents & Forms page.
- 02 Complete the application and assemble plans, contractor information, and any trade-specific or project-specific forms.
- 03 Submit the application package to the county Building & Permitting Division. Non-residential and multifamily permits follow the county approval routing and plan review procedure.
- 04 Pay county-assessed permit fees.
- 05 Receive the issued permit.
- 06 Schedule all required inspections with county building inspectors and complete any required certificate of occupancy routing for commercial work.
Typical processing time: No standard public turnaround was located on the reviewed county pages.
Source: Building & Permitting Division, Paulding County Community Development Department ↗
Fee schedule
Paulding County building permit fees
Contact the Building & Permitting Division for payment instructions; no public online county building permit payment workflow was located on the reviewed building pages.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 770-505-1398 (phone)
- bldginspections@paulding.gov (email)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Applicable inspections are conducted for all permits issued; commercial final inspections require the county certificate of occupancy approval sheet and fire marshal report.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Paulding County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Paulding County, GA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Paulding County, GA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Paulding County, GA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Paulding County, GA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Paulding County, GA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Paulding County, GA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building & Permitting Division, Paulding County Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.