City Building Permits

Decatur, GA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Decatur, Georgia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Georgia DeKalb County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covers properties inside the City of Decatur. Historic district work also requires HPC approval before permit issuance where applicable.

Department
City of Decatur Development Department, Permits Division
Address
509 N. McDonough Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Phone
404-377-6198
Website
https://www.decaturga.com/dec/page/how-obtain-permit

Online Permit Portal

Open Community Core

Platform: Community Core • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Determine whether the work requires a permit under UDO Section 10.1.1 and gather the applicable checklist and forms.
  2. If tree removal or critical root zone disturbance is proposed, hold the required pre-application meeting with the city arborist before filing.
  3. Email the city the primary contact, contractor/state license, phone, and mailing information so Community Core access can be activated.
  4. Log into Community Core and submit the permit application, drawings, and any site development, tree, historic, or right of way materials required for the scope.
  5. Respond to review comments and resubmit as needed.
  6. Pay fees through the portal.
  7. After approval, print permit documents, perform work, schedule inspections in Community Core, and request CO/CC after finals are complete.

Typical processing time: Review timing depends on scope. Historic Preservation Commission applications are heard monthly, and tree-related projects require a pre-application meeting first.

Source: City of Decatur Development Department, Permits Division

General Requirements

Required for constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a structure; repairs and maintenance valued at $1,000 or more; any roofing or structural work; all trade work regardless of value; zoning-affecting work; land disturbance; local historic district work; and work affecting the ROW.

Required Documents

  • Permit application
  • Construction drawings
  • Site plan when required
  • Business license and state contractor license if filed by contractor
  • Homeowner as Contractor Affidavit if filed by owner-builder
  • Tree or site development documents when applicable
  • Historic approval documents when applicable
Permit validity
Confirm on issued permit conditions.
Building code
Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes as administered locally by Decatur, plus Decatur UDO and local historic requirements. Verify any city amendment sheet at intake.
Owner-builder
Owner-builders must submit the city homeowner/indemnification affidavit.
Contractor requirements
Contractor business and state licenses must be provided. Georgia state residential contractor licensure rules apply for qualifying work over $2,500.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50 (building permit); $75 (electrical); $50 (plumbing)
Plan check fee
Varies by permit type
Permit fee formula
Valuation based
Reinspection fee
Double the permit fee for work started without a permit
Payment note
Permits are processed through Community Core; fees are paid after review/approval.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Decatur Development Department, Permits Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/site inspections as applicable; Rough building and rough trades; Insulation and other concealment-stage inspections; Final building/trade inspections; CO/CC request after all finals.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Decatur Development Department, Permits Division before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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