Permitting Procedures

How do I get a building permit?

Construction Permits
Prior to commencement of construction you must obtain from the City:

• Zoning and life safety approval from the Development Department and the Fire Marshal.
• Tree preservation permit from City tree consultant.
• Soil erosion and drainage permits from the Engineering Department.
• Permits from the Engineering Department for curb cuts and any work to be done in the right of way.
• Building, plumbing and/or HVAC permits from the Development Department.
• Electrical permit from DeKalb County.

You must also:

• Install soil erosion control devices and tree protection prior to construction.
• Post permit card on job site.

Once construction begins you must request inspections at appropriate intervals.

Prior to issuance of certificate of occupancy:

• Submit final drainage certificate from owner's engineer to Engineering Department.
• Obtain final tree preservation approval from tree consultant.
• Apply to Building Official for final construction inspections and certificate of occupancy.

What information should I bring with me to get a building permit?
Not all submittals listed here may be required for each project, so be sure to contact the Development office at 404-370-4104 to identify the appropriate items for your job. Submittals can include:

• Two sets of site development plans for the Development Department.
• Three sets of tree protection plans for the City's arborist.
• Five sets of soil erosion plans and two sets of drainage study/calculations for the Engineering Department.
• Two sets of building construction plans for the City Development Department for zoning and life safety/fire prevention review.
• Eight sets of plans and an application for review and approval by the Historic Preservation Commission if property is historic or located in a historic district.

Residential Plan Review Checklist

When are plans due?
Plans may be received during Building Official's office hours, Monday and Friday 8-11 a.m. or Tuesday and Thursday 1-4 p.m.  Please allow up to two weeks for Residential plan review. Commercial plans will be reviewed in the order in which it's received.

How much will it cost?
Applicable construction-related fees payable to the city:

• Building Permits - vary depending on the value of construction.
• Soil erosion and sedimentation control review.
• Drainage review.
• Tree preservation and replacement review.
• Demolition permit.
• Bond for construction work in public right of way.

NOTE: The city accepts cash and checks made payable to "City of Decatur" only.

• Electrical permit (DeKalb County).
• Water meter and sewer tap fees (DeKalb County).

Refer to the schedule of fees for detailed information.