Cumming, GA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Cumming. The city oversees all commercial and residential construction, issues construction and land disturbance permits, inspects trade work, and issues certificates of occupancy.

Department

City of Cumming Planning and Zoning Department

Address

Cumming City Hall, 100 Main Street, Cumming, GA 30040

Phone

770-781-2024

Email

s.morgan@cityofcumming.net , bsams@cityofcumming.net , e.thompson@cityofcumming.net

Website

https://www.cityofcumming.net/planning-and-zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the project is within City of Cumming jurisdiction and identify the permit type from the Planning and Zoning page, which publishes forms for building, pool, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, land disturbing, sign, and certificate of occupancy permits.
2. For commercial and restaurant work, prepare a complete electronic plan set. All commercial and restaurant project plans must be submitted electronically through ePlan; hard copies are no longer accepted.
3. Upload required site plans and building plans through ePlan. Submitted plans are automatically routed to the Forsyth County Fire Marshal and, for restaurant projects, the Forsyth County Health Department.
4. If plans are disapproved, correct comments, seal revisions, cloud changes, and resubmit electronically.
5. Once plans are approved, apply for the commercial or residential building permit using the applicable city permit form package.
6. Submit any required trade permit applications and affidavits. The city requires separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits and provides self-work affidavits and residential subcontractor affidavits.
7. Obtain required inspections during construction and secure the certificate of occupancy at completion.

Typical processing time: Fire reviews are typically completed within 10 business days after the review fee is paid. No citywide building permit turnaround time was published.

Source: City of Cumming Planning and Zoning Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction and land disturbance work within the City of Cumming, including building, pool, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, land disturbing, sign, and temporary utility connection work.

Required Documents

• Applicable permit application
• Project plans drawn to scale
• Site plan
• Trade or owner affidavits as applicable
• For commercial submittals: structural, architectural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC drawings, plus landscaping, parking, and soil erosion plans

Permit validity

The permit becomes null and void if work is not commenced within 6 months, or if construction or work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after work has commenced.

Building code

Georgia statewide minimum standard construction codes as administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.

Owner-builder

The city publishes a Self-Work Permit Affidavit requiring the owner to certify ownership, compliance with code, obtaining required inspections, and that the owner and family shall live on the premises.

Contractor requirements

Residential contractors performing work over $2,500 must be licensed by the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors. City permit forms require contractor and subcontractor information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Cumming Planning and Zoning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 770-781-2024 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (City Hall hours)

Typical inspection sequence: The city inspects trade work in all phases and issues certificates of occupancy. Building permit form requires trade permits for mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work, so a typical sequence is building inspections plus trade rough and final inspections, then certificate of occupancy approval.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Georgia statewide minimum standard construction codes as administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
• Verify contractor license: Georgia Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building Permit - Pool
• Self-Work Permit Affidavit
• City Code of Ordinances
• Georgia Department of Community Affairs - Construction Codes
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub