Garage Building Permits in GA: The Key Considerations
December 15, 2023 Shed Tips
We get it. You have these vast and beautiful plans to build a garage, but are concerned about getting a garage building permit in GA. No need to freak out. In this article, we outline the steps to take.
And to make your life easier, we’ve created two tables with links to the largest cities and counties in GA, allowing you to find local permitting answers.
But if you are still searching for a portable garage, at Fisher Barn’s we give you two golden opportunities: a free quote and customizations through our 3D Builder.
Alrighty, let’s get our garage building permits!
What permits do you need to build a garage in GA?
If you are planning to build a detached portable garage in Georgia that is larger than 120 square feet, you will need to obtain a building permit before beginning to build. (Some areas within Georgia do not require a building permit if your garage is less than 200 square feet and only one story tall.)
But even if your portable, detached garage is less than 120 square feet, you may need to receive site plan approval or a zoning permit.
Now, if you plan to add an attached garage to an existing building (maybe your house), you always need to get a building permit in Georgia.
But here’s the deal. Georgia has given local governments the rights to adapt their building regulations (with approval, of course). So, no matter if you plan to build an attached or detached portable garage, remember to verify all the permit and code requirements of your local jurisdiction (see our table of links).
Do I need a permit to build a garage in my backyard in GA?
Yes. If you plan to build an attached garage in your backyard, you will always need a building permit.
However, if you plan to build a detached portable garage less than 120 square feet (and 200 square feet in some locations), you will not need a building permit. However, site approval and zoning permits may be required no matter the size of your garage.
In any situation (portable or attached; 120 square feet or larger), we strongly recommend that you contact your local government to verify all their building regulations surrounding garage building.
What requires a building permit in GA?
A permit is necessary whenever a property owner or contractor plans to engage in any of the following activities:
- New building
- Expansion
- Modification
- Repair work
- Relocating buildings
- Demolishing a structure/building
- Electrical
- Gas
- Mechanical
- Plumbing systems
How much is a building permit in GA?
When considering the average from cities and counties across GA, you can expect to pay a minimum of around $70. Typically, local governments charge according to projected building costs. For instance, in Athens-Clarke County, you will be charged a base price of $80, plus $3 per each $1,000 estimated for materials and labor. Check with your local government to understand building permits costs.
Can I get a building permit online?
Yes. Good news for you in this digital era: a building permit is available online and can be accessed through your government’s website. To find your building permit, scroll through our table of government links.
How long will it take to get a garage building permit in GA?
Typically, you will receive a garage building permit within ten business days of putting in your application in Georgia.
How long is a garage building permit valid in GA?
In general, a garage building permit is valid for six months after it has been issued. But of course, this can vary depending on the region in which you live (see our table for links to your local region).
What are the penalties for building without a garage building permit in GA?
If you start building a garage before receiving a building and/or zoning permit, you will be fined (or in severe cases, imprisoned). For example, in Atlanta, GA, if you violate their zoning regulations, you’ll receive a fine ranging from $300-$1,000 or up to 60 days in prison (or both). Of course, penalties vary according to city and county laws.
Can a homeowner pull a garage permit in GA?
Yes, if a homeowner plans to build a garage, they can pull their own building permits. But if the homeowner plans to hire a contractor to do the work for them, the contractor must pull the garage permit themselves. As a homeowner, always confirm that your contractor has indeed pulled the relevant garage permits.
What do I need for a garage permit in GA?
When applying for a building permit in GA, you will need some or all of the following items (it depends on your local government):
- Description of the work
- Square feet
- Residential Building Permit Application
- Construction Drawings
- Site Plans
- Existing Conditions
- Cover Sheet and sheet index
- Floor Plan
- Roof Plan
- Elevations
- Foundation plans and details
- Framing plans and details
- Affidavit from contractor/agent
- Cost of labor, material, site work, ect
Check with your local government for a comprehensive list.
What work does not need a building permit in GA?
When it comes to small repair jobs, we don’t want to be bothered with paperwork and bureaucracy. Below are some of the types of work that do not require a building permit in the state of Georgia:
- Painting
- Floor coverings
- Wall paper
- Minor porch repairs
- Carpet installation
- Kitchen cabinet installation
- Repairing leaks
- Repairing appliances (i.e. oven, dishwasher)
- Fence less than 7 feet
- Storm windows installation
- Hardwood or asphalt tile on a sub-floor
- Replacing roof shingles
- 100 square foot roof patch
- Step repair
Garage Building Permits by GA County
Looking for specific garage code answers in your GA County? Simply find your local link and submit the required building permits.
Garage Building Permits by GA City
Through our table of links, you will be able to find local answers to your garage building permit questions.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to do a garage or yard sale in GA?
In most areas of Georgia, a permit is required for a garage or yard sale. For example, in Windsor, GA, you are only permitted to have three yard sales in a year. Additionally, individual yard sales can not exceed three consecutive days. However, we strongly recommend checking with your local jurisdiction (see our table), as permitting requirements can vary extensively in different regions.
Do I need a permit to change a garage into a room in GA?
Yes. In Georgia, a building permit is required to change a garage into a living area or space.
Can a homeowner do their own electrical work in GA?
It depends. Is the homeowner a licensed electrician? Then, yes, they may do their own electrical work in the state of Georgia, as long as they receive the required electrical permits. However, if they do not have a license, they must hire a certified electrician (and receive the appropriate approvals and permits).
Do I need a permit to build a carport in GA?
Generally, yes. In most locations in Georgia, a building permit is required for a carport that is larger than 120 square feet. Of course, it’s important that you verify this with your local government.
Let’s Wrap it Up…
Well, there you have it. See, the permitting process isn’t as bad as you may have imagined. Here are four quick, important things to always remember:
- Get all relevant building permits before you have to start building.
- If you are building an attached garage, always apply for a building permit.
- If you are building a detached, portable garage less than 120 square feet, you will not need a building permit, but will need site approval (or a zoning permit in most areas).
- Regardless of the size or style of the garage, remember to check with your local jurisdiction.
Thanks for staying with us! If you’re interested in furthering your education, you may want to read about shed permits in GA or facts about pre-manufactured garages.
Happy garage building!
