Lithonia, GA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers properties inside the City of Lithonia. The city coordinates permits through City Hall and uses SafeBuilt for inspections.

Department

City of Lithonia Building Permits / City Clerk

Address

Lithonia Municipal Complex, 6920 Main Street, Lithonia, GA 30058

Phone

770-482-8136

Email

cityclerk@lithoniacity.org

Website

https://lithoniacity.org/BuildingPermits.aspx

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Research whether zoning, historic district, or overlay approvals are needed before permit filing.
2. Complete the universal building/trade permit application and gather the other required documents identified on the form.
3. Submit the application in person at 6920 Main Street or by email to cityclerk@lithoniacity.org.
4. The city reviews and invoices the application.
5. Pay the invoice online at lithoniapay.com or in person.
6. Receive the permit by email or pick it up in person along with the inspection card.
7. Request inspections with SafeBuilt by email or phone.

Typical processing time: Plan reviews can take 1 to 2 business days. Otherwise the application is processed upon receipt of payment.

Source: City of Lithonia Building Permits / City Clerk

General Requirements

The city building permits page states permit guidance and inspection scheduling for building work. Permit application covers building and trade permits.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Plans and supporting documents listed on the form
• Contractor license numbers
• Homeowner declaration and affidavit if owner-builder
• Any zoning or historic approvals required for the site

Permit validity

The printable permit application states the permit is automatically void if construction is not commenced within 180 days of issuance.

Building code

City planning page still references the International Building Code, 2018 edition, with Georgia amendments, but statewide Georgia minimum standard codes are mandatory. Confirm current 2026 DCA implementation status directly with the city when applying.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may file using the Homeowners Declaration Form and Homeowner Building Permit Affidavit.

Contractor requirements

Permit application requests general contractor and trade contractor license numbers. Georgia state licensure rules apply.

Fees

Permit fee formula

City fee schedule page is published but detailed line items were not fully exposed in search results. Confirm current amount on the city fee schedule page before filing.

Payment note

Invoice may be paid online at lithoniapay.com or in person by credit card or cash.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Lithonia Building Permits / City Clerk to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• ganortheastinspections@safebuilt.com (email)
• 770-817-0696 (phone)

Time windows

Requests received before 4:00 p.m. are conducted the next regular business day. Lithonia inspections are performed in the afternoon and contractor may request a 1 to 2 hour courtesy call.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation/site inspections as applicable; Rough building/trade inspections; Additional discipline inspections; Final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: City planning page still references the International Building Code, 2018 edition, with Georgia amendments, but statewide Georgia minimum standard codes are mandatory. Confirm current 2026 DCA implementation status directly with the city when applying.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Permits
• Inspections
• Building Permit Application
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

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