Polk County, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies to unincorporated Polk County only. The county does not automatically substitute for every municipality; the county's own service delivery records show a split between unincorporated county and municipal permit authority.

Department

Building Inspection, Polk County

Address

5 Warehouse Street, Cedartown, GA 30125

Phone

770-749-2104 ext. 1

Email

bmccray@polkga.org

Website

https://www.polkga.org/departments/building_inspection/index.php

Application Process

1. Download the correct packet from the county Building Inspection Document Center.
2. Assemble the required supporting documents. For a new single-family dwelling this includes the completed packet, parcel number, recorded deed, recorded plat with surveyor overlay and setbacks, water availability letter, house plans, septic approval, driveway certification, and contractor licenses and IDs.
3. Submit the application in person. The county page states all forms must be returned and paid for in person; the commercial packet also states mailed applications are accepted but emailed applications are not processed.
4. Obtain separate electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits as needed.
5. After plan and document review, the county issues the permit and inspections are called into the office by the general contractor.

Source: Building Inspection, Polk County

General Requirements

The county publishes permit packets for single-family dwellings, additions and remodels, electrical, HVAC and plumbing, mobile homes, pools, demolition, commercial and multifamily work, telecom towers, and signs.

Required Documents

• Permit packet applicable to project type
• Parcel number
• Recorded deed
• Recorded plat with survey overlay and setbacks
• Water availability letter (for residential)
• House plan (for residential)
• Septic approval (for residential)
• Driveway certification (for residential)
• Contractor licenses and IDs
• Owner ID if owner is applicant

Permit validity

Any building permit becomes invalid if work does not commence within 6 months or if work is suspended or abandoned for 1 year. Each passed inspection extends the life of the permit by 12 months.

Building code

The county states it enforces the mandatory building codes required by state law. Georgia DCA current minimum codes effective 2026 are based on the 2024 I-Codes, 2023 NEC, and 2015 IECC with Georgia amendments.

Owner-builder

The county publishes an Owner Building Permit Affidavit. Owner-builder applicants must own and occupy the property, act as general contractor, use licensed trade contractors if not self-performing, and if they sell within 24 months after certificate of occupancy they cannot permit another home unless state licensed.

Contractor requirements

County forms require copies of the contractor's state license and photo ID; trade permits require the license holder's original signature and current state license copy.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Permit fee formulas are not clearly posted in a public schedule; known posted line items include $50.00 site inspection, $50.00 reinspection, and $50.00 temp-to-perm electrical service

Reinspection fee

$50.00 reinspection fee when the site is not ready; pool packet warns of citation fines up to $1,000.00 per day under county ordinance section 710.04(D) if a pool is filled before required protections and final inspection

Payment note

The county states forms must be returned and paid for in person; it cannot accept payment by phone or email

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Inspection, Polk County to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 770-749-2104 ext. 1 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Public packets reference site inspection, footing and rough inspections for temp-to-perm eligibility, trade inspections, final inspection, and certificate of occupancy

Inspections must be called into the office by the general contractor

Additional Resources

• Building code: The county states it enforces the mandatory building codes required by state law. Georgia DCA current minimum codes effective 2026 are based on the 2024 I-Codes, 2023 NEC, and 2015 IECC with Georgia amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Addition, Remodel, and Outbuilding Application
• Electrical Application
• Swimming Pool Permit Packet
• Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Polk County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Polk County, GA?

The county publishes permit packets for single-family dwellings, additions and remodels, electrical, HVAC and plumbing, mobile homes, pools, demolition, commercial and multifamily work, telecom towers, and signs.

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

Fees are calculated as: Permit fee formulas are not clearly posted in a public schedule; known posted line items include $50.00 site inspection, $50.00 reinspection, and $50.00 temp-to-perm electrical service.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Polk County, GA?

1. Download the correct packet from the county Building Inspection Document Center. 2. Assemble the required supporting documents. For a new single-family dwelling this includes the completed packet, parcel number, recorded deed, recorded plat with surveyor overlay and setbacks, water availability letter, house plans, septic approval, driveway certification, and contractor licenses and IDs. 3. Submit the application in person. The county page states all forms must be returned and paid for in person; the commercial packet also states mailed applications are accepted but emailed applications are not processed. 4. Obtain separate electrical, plumbing, and HVAC permits as needed. 5. After plan and document review, the county issues the permit and inspections are called into the office by the general contractor.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 770-749-2104 ext. 1.