On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Washington
The city publicly lists building inspection among common permits needed for businesses and posts building, roofing, relocation, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sign, swimming pool, and COA forms. The city also states exterior changes in the historic district require a COA and may also require a building permit.
Note: No public Washington exempt-work list was located on the city permit, directory, new-business-guide, or ordinances pages reviewed
Required documents
- Completed permit-specific application form
- Project-specific plans and supporting approvals required by the applicable form
- Building code
- Georgia statewide minimum standard construction codes administered by DCA are the verified baseline. The city's ordinances page also states Code Enforcement is responsible for the International Property Maintenance Code and the International Existing Building Code. No separate Washington page listing all currently enforced building, trade, and energy code editions was located.
- Owner-builder
- No public Washington owner-builder handout or affidavit page was located
- Contractor requirements
- Georgia state licensure rules apply. The city identifies a Building Official and Code Enforcement review process, but no separate city licensing memo for construction contractors was found.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the property is inside Washington city limits and identify the needed permit type from the city documents center or permit links.
- 02 If the project is in the historic district or changes an exterior feature in the local historic district, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness through Code Enforcement and also confirm with the Building Official whether a building permit is required.
- 03 Download the applicable city permit form. The city publicly posts forms for building and roofing, building relocation, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sign, swimming pool, and COA applications.
- 04 Submit the application package through City Hall staff and coordinate review with the Building Official and Code Enforcement. The city does not publish a self-service online permit account, so public routing is through city staff.
- 05 Await review, fee quote if applicable, and permit issuance instructions from the city.
- 06 Complete any required inspections and secure final approvals before occupancy or use.
Source: City of Washington Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Washington building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Penalty (no permit)
Ordinance violations carry a minimum $100 fine, not to exceed $1,000 per day or 180 days in jail
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact the city Building Official Jimmy Toto: (706) 678-3277 or jtoto@wga.gov (email)
- Contact Code Enforcement: tderrico@wga.gov or cmartin@wga.gov (email)
Typical sequence: Not publicly posted in a city inspection bulletin located during research
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Washington permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Washington, GA? ▸
The city publicly lists building inspection among common permits needed for businesses and posts building, roofing, relocation, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sign, swimming pool, and COA forms. The city also states exterior changes in the historic district require a COA and may also require a building permit.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Washington, GA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Washington, GA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property is inside Washington city limits and identify the needed permit type from the city documents center or permit links. 2. If the project is in the historic district or changes an exterior feature in the local historic district, obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness through Code Enforcement and also confirm with the Building Official whether a building permit is required. 3. Download the applicable city permit form. The city publicly posts forms for building and roofing, building relocation, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sign, swimming pool, and COA applications. 4. Submit the application package through City Hall staff and coordinate review with the Building Official and Code Enforcement. The city does not publish a self-service online permit account, so public routing is through city staff. 5. Await review, fee quote if applicable, and permit issuance instructions from the city. 6. Complete any required inspections and secure final approvals before occupancy or use.
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in Washington, GA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Washington, GA via: Contact the city Building Official Jimmy Toto: (706) 678-3277 or jtoto@wga.gov, Contact Code Enforcement: tderrico@wga.gov or cmartin@wga.gov.
last verified April 2026
source City of Washington Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/georgia/wilkes/washington
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Washington Planning/Zoning/Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.