City Building Permits

Tybee Island, GA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Tybee Island, Georgia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Georgia Chatham County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Applies within Tybee Island city limits.

Department
City of Tybee Island Building Official and Inspections
Address
403 Butler Avenue, Tybee Island, GA 31328
Phone
912-472-5033
Website
https://www.cityoftybee.org/159/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Building Permits

Platform: City website forms page • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether a building permit is required using Tybee's Building Permits page and Land Development Code guidance.
  2. Download the correct permit form. Tybee publishes separate forms for general building permits, new construction, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, pools, land disturbance, signs, tree removal, ROW work, contractor registration, and owner-builder affidavit.
  3. For new construction, submit pages 1 through 7 of the completed permit application and submit one set of civil plans and one set of building plans electronically for initial reviews.
  4. After initial review, submit the required hard copies including building plans, REScheck or COMcheck, surveys, and civil plans.
  5. Pay the listed permit, inspection, and plan review fees.
  6. Complete foundation and construction compliance milestones, including city-required survey and flood-related certifications where applicable.
  7. Complete inspections and final acceptance before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Not publicly stated.

Source: City of Tybee Island Building Official and Inspections

General Requirements

Tybee requires permits and inspections for construction projects governed by the city's Land Development Code and technical codes. Work without a permit may be subject to removal, fines, and other remedies.

Required Documents

  • Permit application (depends on permit type)
  • Contractor registration
  • Owner-builder affidavit
  • Electronic and hard-copy plans
  • REScheck or COMcheck
  • Surveys and civil plans
  • Flood documentation
  • Non-conversion agreement
  • Code compliance certificates
Permit validity
Not clearly stated in reviewed permit page materials.
Building code
2024 IRC, IBC, IFGC, IMC, IPC, ISPSC with Georgia amendments; 2023 NEC with 2026 Georgia amendments; 2015 IECC with Georgia supplements; ICC 600; NFPA Life Safety Code; certain permissive codes.
Owner-builder
Tybee publishes an Owner Acting as Contractor Affidavit. An owner may act as their own contractor only within Georgia law, must directly supervise and manage the work, and may not structurally build or alter another building after a recent owner-builder sale without licensure or a licensed contractor. Trade subcontractors must obtain their own permits.
Contractor requirements
Tybee requires contractor registration, a copy of local business license, and a copy of any required state license. Contractor registration fee is $20.00.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Residential under $75,000 flat permit types commonly start at $75.00; commercial under $75,000 start at $100.00 to $150.00 depending on type.
Plan check fee
New construction plan review fee of $250.00
Permit fee formula
Mixed. Flat permit fees for many projects under $75,000; valuation-based per $1,000 for larger residential and commercial projects, plus inspection fee.
Reinspection fee
Not clearly itemized in the fee schedule excerpt reviewed.
Payment note
Permit, inspection, and plan review fee lines are included on city application forms and schedule.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective July 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Tybee Island Building Official and Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Not clearly published on the main permit page reviewed

Typical inspection sequence: Tybee's new construction materials and inspection checklist indicate staged inspections tied to foundation, flood compliance, and final approval.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Tybee Island Building Official and Inspections before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Tybee Island can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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