Smyrna, GA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Applies within Smyrna city limits only.

Department

Building Division, Community Development, City of Smyrna

Address

3180 Atlanta Rd SE, Smyrna, GA 30080

Phone

678-631-5387

Website

https://www.smyrnaga.gov/business/community-development/building-division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an account in the Smyrna online portal.
2. Select the permit type and upload all plans, licenses, and supporting documents required for that scope.
3. Submit through the portal; in-person submittals are not accepted.
4. The city performs plan review, routing to other departments as needed.
5. Pay permit fees in the portal.
6. After issuance, schedule inspections in the same portal and obtain CO or completion documents after finals.

Typical processing time: Residential plan review typically 5 to 10 business days; commercial typically 2 to 3 weeks; land disturbance typically 4 to 5 weeks.

Source: Building Division, Community Development, City of Smyrna

General Requirements

New homes, decks, reroofs, windows, interior remodels, additions, accessory structures over 200 square feet or over one story for residential work, retaining walls, pools, solar, generators, projects involving two or more licensed trades, structural and interior demolition, mechanical replacements, tree removals of 24 inches or larger, and land disturbance.

Required Documents

• Building permit application in the portal
• Supplemental plans
• Documents and licenses as required by permit type

Permit validity

Building permits are valid for six months if there is no activity.

Building code

Smyrna follows the current Georgia state minimum standard construction codes adopted by DCA and enforces them through local administrative procedures. Code changes effective January 1, 2026.

Owner-builder

A homeowner may obtain a building permit only if the property is the homeowner's current permanent residence and is in the homeowner's legal name. A landlord may not do rental-house work unless Georgia-licensed.

Contractor requirements

The city ensures contractors are properly licensed and permitted. Georgia state contractor licensing rules apply.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$125 minimum building permit fee; $65 minimum standalone permit fee

Plan check fee

Commercial plan review fee $350; townhome plan review fee $50 per lot; Fire Marshal plan review fees separate.

Permit fee formula

Building and land disturbance permits are $7 per $1,000 of estimated construction cost, plus 10 percent records fee and $15 technology fee.

Trade permit fee

Standalone MEP permits are flat-fee based.

Reinspection fee

Reinspection fees are $50 first, $100 second, $150 third, $200 fourth and above.

Penalty (no permit)

Work without permit can trigger added fees and enforcement.

Payment note

Fees are paid through the OpenGov portal. Separate water, sewer, and fire fees may apply through other offices.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building Division, Community Development, City of Smyrna to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• OpenGov Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Requests received by 4:00 PM are scheduled for the next business day; requests after 4:00 PM or on weekends are scheduled two business days out.

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections are identified during plan review and listed on the permit. Final inspections lead to CO or certificate of completion depending on project type.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Smyrna follows the current Georgia state minimum standard construction codes adopted by DCA and enforces them through local administrative procedures. Code changes effective January 1, 2026.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Division
• Fire Marshal Permits
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

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