Acworth, GA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies within Acworth city limits only.

Department

Building Department, City of Acworth

Address

Acworth City Hall, 4415 Center Street, Acworth, GA 30101

Phone

770-974-2032

Email

building@acworth-ga.gov

Website

https://acworth-ga.gov/development/building-department/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm project scope with the Building Department.
2. For commercial work, assemble full building plans including trade plans and outside-agency approvals as applicable.
3. Apply through the Construction Permit Self-Service portal.
4. Submit homeowner affidavit if filing as owner-builder.
5. Staff reviews the submission and collects plan review and permit fees.
6. Permit is issued; inspections occur through construction and final approvals lead to completion or occupancy.

Typical processing time: Not published as a standard turnaround on the main Building Department page.

Source: Building Department, City of Acworth

General Requirements

Acworth states permits must be obtained for all new structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas work for residential and commercial projects. Most signs, detached accessory structures, swimming pools, solar installations, repairs, additions, remodeling, and low-voltage work also usually require permits.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Plans
• Project-specific documents
• Commercial work requires full building plans including all trade work

Permit validity

The city's residential permit application states new-construction permits are valid for one year; confirm specific expiration rules for other permit types with the Building Department.

Building code

Acworth publishes a current construction codes sheet stating it enforces the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes as mandated by DCA. Code sheet is dated for January 1, 2023 code sets.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may sign an affidavit and pull permits in their own name if they are acting as general contractor or doing the work themselves.

Contractor requirements

In all other cases, permits are issued only to Georgia-licensed contractors.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential application fee $25; base permit fees generally start at $80 to $150 depending on permit type

Plan check fee

Commercial building plan review $200; residential building plan review $150; site plan review for pools, demolition, and retaining walls $100.

Permit fee formula

Permit fees are largely valuation-based by construction-cost bands, with separate base fees and plan review fees. Many trade and specialty permits are flat-fee based.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fees are generally $75 each in the published schedule.

Penalty (no permit)

Separate duct and envelope retest costs apply.

Payment note

The city fee schedule is centralized in the master fee schedule.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Department, City of Acworth to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Construction Permit Self-Service system (online)

Inspection hours

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

Typical inspection sequence: Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and applicable specialty inspections before concealment, then final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Acworth publishes a current construction codes sheet stating it enforces the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes as mandated by DCA. Code sheet is dated for January 1, 2023 code sets.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Department
• Construction Permit Self-Service
• Current Construction Codes
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

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