Berrien County, GA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Quick Start

Permit Authority

Applies to unincorporated Berrien County. The same county office also serves Alapaha and Ray City, but does not serve Enigma or Nashville according to reviewed public pages.

Department

Berrien County Code Enforcement Office

Address

201 N Davis Street, Room 122, Nashville, GA 31639

Phone

229-686-2149 Option 2

Email

twillis@berriencountyga.gov , g.shoupe@berriencountyga.gov

Website

https://berriencountygeorgia.com/planning-and-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning, land use, and permit requirements with the Berrien County Code Enforcement Office.
2. Obtain the relevant application from the county office. The county page says applications for building inspections, electrical, heating and air, plumbing, mobile home installation inspections, and driveway permits can be obtained there.
3. Submit the application and any required plans or specifications. Where valuation exceeds $1,000 and plans are required, the county states the plan-check fee is paid at the time plans are submitted.
4. Pay the applicable permit fees through the office process or the county's GovernmentWindow permit payment page.
5. After issuance, coordinate inspections with the county office until final approval.

Source: Berrien County Code Enforcement Office

General Requirements

County issues building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, logging, sign, right of way encroachment, and driveway permits. Handles permitting and inspections for new construction and additions plus electrical, plumbing, and heating and air work.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Plans and specifications when required
• Valuation information where applicable

Building code

Georgia statewide minimum standard construction codes administered by DCA apply. The county page also links to county building codes and references plan review under Standard Building Code language.

Owner-builder

Not clearly stated on reviewed county pages.

Contractor requirements

Georgia contractor licensing rules apply statewide.

Fees

Plan check fee

One-fourth of the building permit fee when valuation exceeds $1,000.00 and plans are required.

Permit fee formula

Mixed flat-fee and valuation-linked structure. County posts flat trade fees; examples include electrical $50.00 for 0-100 amp new work, plumbing $10.00 per fixture, mobile home installation inspections $198.00.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fee is $25.00 beginning with the third reinspection of the same work.

Payment note

Public online payment is routed through GovernmentWindow; reviewed pages did not publish permit card-processing terms.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Berrien County Code Enforcement Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact the Berrien County Code Enforcement Office by phone or email (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: County confirms inspections for new construction and additions, electrical, plumbing, heating and air, and mobile home installations.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Georgia statewide minimum standard construction codes administered by DCA apply. The county page also links to county building codes and references plan review under Standard Building Code language.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• library.municode.com — code_of_ordinances
• berriencountygeorgia.com
• berriencountyga.governmentwindow.com
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Berrien County Building Permit FAQ

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

County issues building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, logging, sign, right of way encroachment, and driveway permits. Handles permitting and inspections for new construction and additions plus electrical, plumbing, and heating and air work.

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

Building permit fees in unincorporated Berrien County, GA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Mixed flat-fee and valuation-linked structure. County posts flat trade fees; examples include electrical $50.00 for 0-100 amp new work, plumbing $10.00 per fixture, mobile home installation inspections $198.00.. Plan check fee: One-fourth of the building permit fee when valuation exceeds $1,000.00 and plans are required..

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

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Berrien County, GA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning, land use, and permit requirements with the Berrien County Code Enforcement Office. 2. Obtain the relevant application from the county office. The county page says applications for building inspections, electrical, heating and air, plumbing, mobile home installation inspections, and driveway permits can be obtained there. 3. Submit the application and any required plans or specifications. Where valuation exceeds $1,000 and plans are required, the county states the plan-check fee is paid at the time plans are submitted. 4. Pay the applicable permit fees through the office process or the county's GovernmentWindow permit payment page. 5. After issuance, coordinate inspections with the county office until final approval.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Berrien County, GA via: Contact the Berrien County Code Enforcement Office by phone or email.