Are you looking to build a shed but unsure if you need a permit? We feel the struggle! Keep reading to understand permit requirements. Want local answers? Jump ahead to our table with links to specific GA cities and counties.
Do I Need a Shed Permit in Georgia?
Yes. If you plan to build a shed for residential use that is 200 square feet or larger, you will need a building permit. A building permit is required if you want to construct a shed that is 120 square feet or larger for commercial purposes.
For a clear visual, check out our infographic.
Let’s break down building permit requirements in GA.
Georgia allows local governments to amend state building codes (once reviewed by DCA), meaning building permit requirements for sheds can vary from county to city. Additional permits are required if you plan to add electricity, water, or a permanent foundation to a shed. Because of these variations, contact your local government for more information on building and zoning regulations.
How Do I Know If I Need A Shed Permit?
Shed permit requirements vary by county and municipality, so you must check with your local building department. However, here are some general guidelines that apply in Georgia:
A Permit Is Required If:
- It is over 200 square feet
- It has electrical or plumbing connections
- It has a permanent foundation (concrete slab or footers)
- It is over 10 – 12 feet tall
- It is for commercial or agricultural purposes
A Permit Is Not Required if:
- It is under 200 square feet
- It is portable or temporary without a permanent foundation
- It is a prefabricated shed on skids or blocks
As stated, shed permits vary by municipality, so check with your local authorities before purchasing a shed. We have a table below with links to most of the permitting departments in Georgia by county.
How Long Does It Take To Get A Shed Permit?
Shed permit processing times will vary by season. Generally, it takes 1 – 10 business days to receive your shed permit in GA. Call the permitting office beforehand and ask their processing times for a direct answer.
What are the shed permit costs in GA?
On average, a building permit for a shed in GA costs at least $70. Some cities and counties charge a minimum fee based on the construction cost. For example, shed building permits in Savannah have a minimum fee of $40 plus charging $8 for every $1,000 spent on construction.
Can a Homeowner Pull a Shed Permit in GA?
Yes. When a homeowner plans to construct their own shed, they can pull a building permit themselves. However, if a homeowner plans to have a contractor build the shed, the contractor is responsible for receiving the required permits in GA.
Take a look at some of the information you’ll need to submit for a building permit for your shed:
- Lot Number
- Number of stories
- Number of rooms
- Electricity provider
- Building height
- Exterior finish material
- Type of construction
- Type of occupancy
- Total square footage
- Est. cost of construction
- Name of Property Owner
- Name of Contractor
- Certification number of the Contractor
Access Your Local Shed Permit Requirements in GA
Are you having trouble finding your local permit requirements? We’ve created two tables with direct links to local building codes. The first table includes 30 of the largest counties in GA, while the second one includes 40 of the largest cities in GA.
Georgia Shed Permit Requirements By County
City Shed Permit Requirements in GA
Shed Permit FAQs
Do I need a building permit for a shed in Fulton County, GA?
Yes. If your shed is 200 square feet or larger, you will need a residential building permit in GA. Fulton County aligns under the 2018 International Residential Codes with Georgia Amendments.
Do I need a building shed permit in Gwinnett County, GA?
Yes. In Gwinnett County, a 120-square-foot or larger shed requires a building permit. To start the permit process, click here.
Do I need a building permit for a shed in Cobb County, GA?
Yes, Cobb County requires building permits for sheds. To obtain permits, visit Cobb County’s website.
Do I need a building permit for a shed in Chatham County, GA?
Yes, sheds within Chatham County need a building permit.
Do I need a building permit for a shed in Atlanta, GA?
Yes, Atlanta requires all residents to obtain a building permit for sheds.
Can I build a shed without a permit in GA?
It depends. In most areas of GA, sheds for residential storage use are exempt from a building permit if they are under 200 square feet. However, some jurisdictions only allow you to build a shed without a permit if it’s under 120 square feet. Other regions of GA still require a shed permit regardless of size.
In short, ensure you check with your local zoning and building requirements before beginning construction.
How long is a shed permit valid in GA?
Generally, a shed permit is valid for six months. Once you receive your shed permit, you have six months to complete your shed. Keep in mind that this varies in different regions in GA.
Where should I apply for a building permit in GA?
Typically, building permit applications can be submitted online. You can find your local government’s building permit application through the links in the table above.
Can I apply for a building permit online in GA?
Yes. Building permits are available online and have an easy application process in most regions. However, a few areas of GA do not allow online applications; check your local government’s web page.