Griffin, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Griffin issues its own building and development permits inside the incorporated City of Griffin.

Department

City of Griffin Department of Planning and Development Services

Address

One Griffin Center, 100 S. Hill Street, Griffin, GA 30224

Phone

770-233-4130

Website

https://www.cityofgriffin.com/services/applications-resources

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning and project scope with Planning and Development Services and review the city's permit applications, fee schedule, permit checklist, and plan requirements on the Applications and Resources page.
2. Prepare the permit package. Griffin's published checklists require the completed building application and, as applicable, code-compliant building plans, site plan or aerial view, contractor licenses, homeowner affidavit with proof of ownership for residential owner-applicants, authorized agent affidavit, subcontractor affidavits, land disturbance application, ES and PC plans, proof of Spalding County impact fee payment, cost capacity recovery fee, bond, 2015 REScheck report, and proof of new utility account.
3. Submit the permit application through the OpenForms portal or directly through Planning and Development Services.
4. City staff performs plan review and may request additional documents. Griffin's checklist says all applications are subject to review and may require additional documents per the Building Official or Planning and Development Director.
5. Pay permit and any plan review fees.
6. Request inspections through the city's OpenForms inspection request portal as work progresses, then complete final inspection and any required certificate of occupancy or completion step.

Source: City of Griffin Department of Planning and Development Services

General Requirements

Griffin's published permit checklist covers accessory structures, decks and porches, demolition, fences, land disturbance, residential buildings, commercial buildings, roofing and siding, signs, swimming pools, and trade permits. The fee schedule also covers stand-alone trade permits, demolition, retaining walls, pool and spa work, temporary construction offices, cell towers, minor renovations, new construction, and extensive renovations.

Required Documents

• Completed application
• Code-compliant plans
• Site plan or aerial view
• Approved hauler information where relevant
• Homeowner affidavit and proof of ownership for residential owner permits
• Owner authorization affidavit
• Contractor licensing
• Authorized agent affidavit
• Trade subcontractor affidavits and licenses
• Land disturbance application
• ES and PC plans
• Proof of Spalding County impact fee payment
• Cost capacity recovery fee
• Bond
• 2015 REScheck report
• Proof of new utility account

Building code

Georgia DCA state minimum construction codes apply statewide. City materials reviewed still reference 2015 REScheck and 2018 IRC items, but Georgia DCA current state minimum construction codes govern statewide.

Owner-builder

Homeowner affidavit plus proof of ownership is required for residential permits when the owner is the applicant.

Contractor requirements

Griffin's checklists require state, business, and driver licenses for state-licensed contractors, and occupational tax certificate plus government ID for non-state-licensed contractors. Georgia residential contractor licensing rules apply for covered work over $2,500.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50 administrative fee

Plan check fee

Not charged for single-family detached residential including accessory structures; 25% of calculated permit fee for single-family attached residential and multi-family; 50% of calculated permit fee for commercial, industrial, and institutional.

Permit fee formula

Mixed. Flat fees for many permit types, square-foot tiers for minor renovations up to $74,999.99, and occupancy-group/building-type rate table calculations for new construction and extensive renovations.

Reinspection fee

$100

Penalty (no permit)

Work begun prior to permitting 200% of permit fee.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online Inspection Request Form (form)

Typical inspection sequence: Griffin publishes a Building Inspection Schedule and Roofing Inspection Schedule on its Applications and Resources page, but the sequence details were not available in machine-readable text from the public sources reviewed.

Inspections outside normal business hours are available for a $250 per hour advance-paid fee.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Georgia DCA state minimum construction codes apply statewide. City materials reviewed still reference 2015 REScheck and 2018 IRC items, but Georgia DCA current state minimum construction codes govern statewide.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Applications and Resources
• Charter and Code of Ordinances
• Planning and Zoning Board
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Griffin Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Griffin, GA?

Griffin's published permit checklist covers accessory structures, decks and porches, demolition, fences, land disturbance, residential buildings, commercial buildings, roofing and siding, signs, swimming pools, and trade permits. The fee schedule also covers stand-alone trade permits, demolition, retaining walls, pool and spa work, temporary construction offices, cell towers, minor renovations, new construction, and extensive renovations.

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

The minimum permit fee is $50 administrative fee. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Flat fees for many permit types, square-foot tiers for minor renovations up to $74,999.99, and occupancy-group/building-type rate table calculations for new construction and extensive renovations.. Plan check fee: Not charged for single-family detached residential including accessory structures; 25% of calculated permit fee for single-family attached residential and multi-family; 50% of calculated permit fee for commercial, industrial, and institutional..

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

1. Confirm zoning and project scope with Planning and Development Services and review the city's permit applications, fee schedule, permit checklist, and plan requirements on the Applications and Resources page. 2. Prepare the permit package. Griffin's published checklists require the completed building application and, as applicable, code-compliant building plans, site plan or aerial view, contractor licenses, homeowner affidavit with proof of ownership for residential owner-applicants, authorized agent affidavit, subcontractor affidavits, land disturbance application, ES and PC plans, proof of Spalding County impact fee payment, cost capacity recovery fee, bond, 2015 REScheck report, and proof of new utility account. 3. Submit the permit application through the OpenForms portal or directly through Planning and Development Services. 4. City staff performs plan review and may request additional documents. Griffin's checklist says all applications are subject to review and may require additional documents per the Building Official or Planning and Development Director. 5. Pay permit and any plan review fees. 6. Request inspections through the city's OpenForms inspection request portal as work progresses, then complete final inspection and any required certificate of occupancy or completion step.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Griffin, GA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Online Inspection Request Form.

Other cities in Spalding County