Clayton County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Applies to all areas of Clayton County outside incorporated municipalities, including communities such as Rex.

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 lies in unincorporated Clayton County rather than within city limits.
2. Create or log into the county Tyler EnerGov Customer Self Service portal.
3. Submit the permit application with required plans, scope description, and supporting affidavits/documents.
4. County staff reviews the filing under county ordinances and adopted state minimum codes.
5. Pay assessed fees and obtain permit issuance.
6. Complete required inspections before concealment and final approval/occupancy.

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 installing/enlarging/altering/replacing regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems.

Required Documents

• County form
• Fee
• General description of proposed work and location
• Signed owner/authorized-agent application
• Occupancy information where applicable
• Additional information required by the county official

Permit validity

Permit application is deemed abandoned after 6 months if no permit is issued, unless extended in writing for up to 90 days at a time; county practice should be confirmed for post-issuance permit expiration on the specific permit form.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

County homeowner and residence affidavits are used where owner-related filings apply; confirm owner-builder eligibility directly with the county.

Contractor requirements

Georgia state residential contractor licensing applies for covered work over $2,500; county permits are administered on top of the state licensing 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; sequence varies by project type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Georgia State Minimum Standard Construction Codes as adopted and enforced by Clayton County, with county ordinance 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