Unincorporated Clayton County (Rex), GA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Rex is not an incorporated city government for permitting purposes; properties in Rex are generally handled as unincorporated Clayton County and use county permitting.

Department

Clayton County Community Development - Building Permit Division

Address

121 South McDonough Street, Jonesboro, GA 30236

Phone

(770) 477-3569

Website

https://www.claytoncountyga.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Clayton County / Rex rather than in a municipality.
2. Create or log into the county Tyler EnerGov Customer Self Service portal.
3. Complete the permit application and upload plans and any required affidavits.
4. County staff reviews the filing under Chapter 18 permit rules.
5. Pay assessed fees and receive permit issuance.
6. Schedule required inspections and complete project closeout with the county.

Source: Clayton County Community Development - Building Permit Division

General Requirements

County ordinance requires a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, changing occupancy, or performing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing work.

Required Documents

• County permit application
• Fee payment
• General description of work and location
• Signed owner/agent application
• Plans/specifications as required by the county official

Permit validity

Application is deemed abandoned 6 months after filing if no permit is issued, subject to written extension requests of up to 90 days each; county forms commonly use 6-month commencement/abandonment rules after issuance as well.

Building code

Georgia State Minimum Standard Construction Codes as adopted and enforced by Clayton County, with county ordinances/amendments.

Owner-builder

County homeowner/residence affidavits are used for owner-related filings; owner-builder eligibility should be confirmed with the county at intake.

Contractor requirements

Georgia state residential contractor licensing applies for covered work over $2,500; county permits are issued against that state baseline.

Fees

Payment note

Payment occurs within county permit workflow after review.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Portable or prefabricated accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, not on a permanent foundation, not exceeding 120 square feet
• Site-built buildings less than 120 square feet
• Fences not over 6 feet high
• Water tanks supported directly on grade, up to 5,000 gallons, with compliant height/width ratio
• Temporary systems installed only for testing/servicing electrical equipment
• Portable heating, cooking, clothes-drying, ventilation, and cooling appliances
• Minor mechanical part replacement that does not alter approval or create unsafe conditions
• Self-contained refrigeration systems with 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or motors of 1 horsepower or less
• Plumbing leak stoppage and stoppage clearing that does not require replacement or rearrangement of concealed piping, valves, or fixtures

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (770) 477-3569 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, then applicable building/trade inspections before concealment and final approval; confirm sequence with the county for the specific permit type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Georgia State Minimum Standard Construction Codes as adopted and enforced by Clayton County, with county ordinances/amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County Code Chapter 18
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Clayton County