Unincorporated Pierce County

The joint Pierce County zoning ordinance requires a building/development permit before construction, erection, moving, demolition, or alteration of any building or structure.

Note: No public exempt-work list was found in the reviewed Pierce County permit materials.

Building code

Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes as currently published by DCA, including 2024 IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, and ISPSC, 2023 NEC, and 2015 IECC, with Georgia amendments/supplements as applicable.

Permit validity

Permit expires if work does not commence within 6 months, or if work is abandoned for 6 months after commencement.

Owner-builder

Owner-contractor work is allowed if a homeowner affidavit is completed and notarized. Owner is responsible for the project and inspection scheduling.

Contractor requirements

County forms require contractor information and license number. Georgia residential contractors performing work over $2,500 must be state-licensed. Manufactured-home installers must hold a valid state license.

1. 01
   Contact Pierce County Planning & Codes and confirm zoning/site requirements for the unincorporated parcel.
2. 02
   If the project uses individual well or septic, obtain Health Department approval first.
3. 03
   Complete the county building permit and any needed trade permit applications.
4. 04
   Include plans, site plan information, contractor details, and homeowner affidavit if owner-builder.
5. 05
   Submit one set of building drawings for review. County materials state up to 10 business days for review and comment issuance if needed.
6. 06
   Obtain Road Department review if drainage or culvert review is required for the site.
7. 07
   Pay the applicable fees and receive the permit.
8. 08
   Schedule required inspections during construction. For new homes, complete the building envelope test and blower door test before final inspections.
9. 09
   Obtain certificate of occupancy after all final inspections are complete.

Typical processing time: Up to 10 business days for plan review on new home construction.

Source: Pierce County Planning & Codes Department ↗

Permit forms state that payment of fees is part of permit issuance. No public online permit-payment workflow was found.

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

• 912-449-2037 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections should be scheduled within 1 business day of the request.

Typical sequence: County materials publicly indicate building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical inspections during construction. New homes also require building envelope and blower door testing before finals. Certificate of occupancy follows completion of final inspections. Building permit form notes that a new culvert, if required, must be permitted through the county commission office and completed at the time of the certificate-of-occupancy inspection.