Suwanee, GA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Handles building permits, inspections, zoning, and code enforcement within the City of Suwanee city limits.

Department

Planning and Inspections Department

Address

330 Town Center Avenue, Suwanee, GA 30024

Phone

770-945-8996

Email

permitinfo@suwanee.com

Website

https://www.suwanee.com/services/planning-services-zoning/building-permits-inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the work requires a permit by contacting inspections or reviewing the permit page and project checklists.
2. Create or link an online permit account and submit the project under the residential or contractor path.
3. Upload plans, affidavits, and supporting documents required by the relevant checklist.
4. Respond to review comments and submit any revisions.
5. Pay fees and receive permit issuance.
6. Schedule inspections online when work is ready; complete finals and obtain Certificate of Occupancy if applicable.

Typical processing time: No general citywide turnaround estimate posted on the main permit page reviewed.

Source: Planning and Inspections Department

General Requirements

Required prior to construction or remodeling; includes new construction, room additions, basement/attic/garage finishes, moving walls, water heater replacement, electric service replacement, decks over 30 inches high, reroofs, and accessory buildings over 200 square feet. Minor repair, cabinetry, and painting are listed as examples that do not require a permit.

Required Documents

• Permit application
• Digital plans
• Authorized permit agent form if applicable
• Homeowner affidavit
• Subcontractor affidavit
• Energy compliance certificate
• Erosion control affidavit
• Project-specific checklist items

Building code

Suwanee posts the 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, ISPSC, the 2023 NEC, and the 2015 IECC, all with Georgia amendments; IPMC 2018 is listed with Georgia and Suwanee amendments.

Owner-builder

Homeowner affidavit form is posted by the city.

Contractor requirements

Georgia licensed trades and contractor requirements apply; contractor account creation and subcontractor affidavit processes are posted.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

See city Fee Schedule attachment from the permit page.

Plan check fee

Included in the city fee schedule for applicable plan review work.

Permit fee formula

Mixed by project type under the posted city fee schedule.

Reinspection fee

Confirm from current fee schedule attachment; readiness policy applies before inspections are requested.

Payment note

Fees are paid through the city permit process after review.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Minor repair
• Cabinetry
• Painting
• Similar minor finish work described by the city

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online schedule inspection system (online)

Typical inspection sequence: The city posts project-specific checklists; residential documents reference footing, slab/foundation, framing, rough trade, insulation/energy testing, and final trade/final inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Suwanee posts the 2024 IBC, IRC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, ISPSC, the 2023 NEC, and the 2015 IECC, all with Georgia amendments; IPMC 2018 is listed with Georgia and Suwanee amendments.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning Services and Zoning
• Before You Dig
• License lookup guide: Georgia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Georgia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Georgia hub: Georgia Contractor License & Permit Hub

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