Riverdale, GA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties inside the City of Riverdale municipal limits.

Department

City of Riverdale, Building and Permitting Division, Planning and Zoning

Address

971 Wilson Road, Riverdale, GA 30296

Phone

(770) 909-5486

Website

https://riverdalega.gov/470/Permitting-Services

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Open Riverdale Online Services in Citizenserve.
2. Complete the permit application online and upload the required property survey, site plan drawings with dimensions, contractor credentials, and property owner affidavit.
3. Submit the application online; the city instructs applicants to submit completed applications online for faster processing.
4. City staff reviews for issuance requirements and code compliance.
5. Pay assessed permit and plan review fees.
6. Obtain permit and proceed with inspections in the city sequence.

Source: City of Riverdale, Building and Permitting Division, Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

Permits are required for signs, special events, yard sales, commercial fences, commercial and residential interior/exterior renovations including roofing, siding, decks, garages, and plumbing, electrical, and HVAC work.

Required Documents

• Current property survey
• Required site plan drawings with dimensions
• Contractor credentials
• Property owner's affidavit
• Additional documents as required by project type

Permit validity

See City of Riverdale Code of Ordinances Chapter 18, Section 18-13 for specific expiration language.

Building code

Georgia State Minimum Standard Construction Codes as locally enforced through Chapter 18 and city permitting procedures.

Owner-builder

Property owner affidavit is specifically listed as an upload requirement.

Contractor requirements

Contractor credentials are required upload items; Georgia state contractor licensing applies as applicable.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential $150.00; Commercial $200.00

Plan check fee

Residential plan review $150.00; Commercial/Industrial plan review 50% of permit fee

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based schedule for building permits, with a $25 application fee and three inspections included; separate trade permit formula of $80 plus $5 per $1,000 of valuation.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection/additional inspection fee $75.00; resubmittal $100.00 each

Penalty (no permit)

Work without permit charged original permit fee plus 100% penalty

Payment note

Online application through Citizenserve; payment timing follows city review.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Riverdale, Building and Permitting Division, Planning and Zoning to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Citizenserve portal (online)

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday 7:30 AM-6:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Permit issuance, then applicable building/trade inspections. Building permit fees include 3 inspections and trade permits include 1 inspection each.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Georgia State Minimum Standard Construction Codes as locally enforced through Chapter 18 and city permitting procedures.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Fee Schedule
• Code of Ordinances
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

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