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1. When do I need a permit?

A permit is required whenever an owner or contractor intends to: construct new, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish a building or structure, or install or alter any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. In addition, utility construction and site development also require permits. Examples include:

• Decks (new, repair, or replace)
• Water heater replacement
• New window installation
• Change of occupancy
• New HVAC system (partial or whole)
• Outdoor accessory structures

2. Is anything exempt from a permit?

Although fence construction is exempt, Planning and Zoning has specific requirements for height, location, and configuration. Access guidelines for fence construction.

3. How much does a permit cost?

Permit Fee Schedule

Residential

• $4 per $1000 of total construction costs (labor + materials) 
• $50 base fee 
• No plan review fee 

Commercial / Institutional (Based on Cost of Construction)

• $250K or less: $3 per $1000 of total construction costs (labor + materials) 
  • $50 base fee 
  • Plan review fee*
• $250K or greater: $5 per $1000 of total construction costs (labor + materials) 
  • $50 base fee 
  • Plan review fee
    

Plan Review Fee Schedule

• Commercial Building Plan Review Fee- Under 250K= $125 Flat Rate
• Commercial Building Plan Review Fee- $250,001 up to $500k= $250 Flat Rate
• Commercial Building Plan Review Fee- $500,001 up to $1 Million= $500 Flat Rate
• Commercial Building Plan Review Fee- $1 Million and over= $1,000 Flat Rate

4. Can a homeowner be their own Building Contractor?

A homeowner can be their own Building Contractor if they meet conditions set forth in O.C.G.A. 43-41-17(h). These conditions are listed on the Homeowner Affidavit required to be notarized and submitted with permit application.

See a copy of the affidavit (PDF).

5. How do I apply for a permit?

All permitting is done online using SAGES software.

Register and create account.

6. Where can I find the current codes?

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs regulates codes currently mandated.

Access the codes.

7. What documents will I need to apply for a permit?

Documents required are determined by project being either residential or commercial, interior only or exterior, general contractor or homeowner as contractor.

Residential – General Contractor (GC) – Documents required

• Copy of GC's state license
• Copy of GC's business license
• Photocopy of GC's driver's license
• Construction plans - Plans should include a detailed scope of work and provide a scaled, dimensional drawing depicting existing and proposed floorplans, denote function of all rooms, provide specific measurements for footings and framing when applicable, and bear the name of the individual who created the plans. The State of Georgia does not require stamped plans for residential structures, however the addition or subtraction of loads to an existing structure and/or any engineered design will require a design professional.
• Site Plan (Required for any exterior work with land disturbance) The site plan is an overhead two- dimensional view of the property showing all existing structures as well as proposed work. The plan should include the distances of proposed work to lot-lines. When the proposed work is within 10' of the property line, or in close proximity to set-back lines designated by a variance, a professional survey may be required before beginning construction.

Residential – Homeowner Permit – Documents required

• Copy of notarized Property Owner's Affidavit (PDF)
• Copy of recent utility bill or deed proving ownership
• Photocopy of applicant's driver's license
• Construction plans – (see above)
• Site Plan – (If applicable – see above)

Commercial

• Copy of GC's state license
• Copy of GC's business license
• Photocopy of GC's driver's license
• Copy of completed, notarized Authorized Permit Agent Form (If applicant is not GC)
• Construction plans – Plans meeting any of the criteria below will require sealed plans from a registered, licensed architect:

1. Project is greater than 5000 sq. ft. in area or located in a building greater than 5000 sq. ft.
2. Project is more than one story in height
3. Any Group A, E, or I occupancies

• Site Plan – Commercial projects involving land disturbance will require a site plan prepared by a registered, licensed design professional

8. Can I apply for the permit before I have a general contractor for the job?

No. The General Contractor's (GC) license information is required for the application.

9. Can I apply for the permit for the general contractor?

Yes. A notarized Authorized Permit Agent Form completed and signed by the contractor, accompanied by photocopies of both the contractor's and the applicant's driver's license, will be accepted. See a copy of an Authorized Permit Agent Form (PDF).

10. Can the city do inspections with video?

The City of Marietta can perform 'stand-alone' MEP inspections such as water heaters and HVAC changeouts in occupied homes by way of the Cisco Webex cell phone application. It will be the responsibility of the contractor to ensure installers have this capability. When the inspection is needed, contractor will call main number, 770-794-5659, Option 8 to request inspection. Contractor should be ready to provide name, phone number, address, and permit number. An assigned inspector will then video-call the on-site installer to perform inspection.

Note this is a 'same day' inspection – scheduled orally by the permittee or the permittee's agent (installer) and subject to all City of Marietta rules and regulations.

Please see more information regarding our Virtual and Video inspections.