Remodeling permits in metro Atlanta, city by city

The general rule

Cosmetic work (paint, cabinet hardware, swapping a faucet in place) generally doesn't need a permit. Work that changes plumbing, electrical, HVAC, walls or the layout generally does, and plumbing, electrical and HVAC each usually need their own trade permit pulled by a licensed contractor. A good remodeler pulls the permits; be cautious if one asks you to pull them as the homeowner.

You can verify a contractor's Georgia license on the Georgia Secretary of State's licensing site before you sign anything.

Decatur (DeKalb County)

City of Decatur — Design, Environment & Construction · 404-377-6198
Leveritt Public Works Building, 2635 Talley Street, Decatur, GA 30030
Mon–Fri 9am–4pm (closed 12–1)

• A residential building permit needs the application plus two sets of construction drawings.
• Contractors submit their business and state licenses; homeowners doing their own work file a Homeowner as Contractor Affidavit.
• Electrical, HVAC and plumbing work each need a trade permit, filed with a copy of the business and state licenses.
• A dumpster or storage pod in the city right of way needs a right-of-way permit: a $500 bond for smaller items plus a $50 permit fee.

Addresses with a Decatur mailing address but outside city limits are permitted by DeKalb County (Planning & Sustainability).

Official source: www.decaturga.com

Lithonia & Stonecrest (DeKalb County)

City of Stonecrest Building Department (inside Stonecrest city limits)

• Three different offices issue permits around here, depending on your exact address: the City of Stonecrest, the City of Lithonia, or DeKalb County for unincorporated addresses.
• Stonecrest handles home-improvement permits online through its Citizenserve portal.
• Unincorporated "Lithonia" mailing addresses go through DeKalb County Planning & Sustainability.
• Check your property tax record or ask the remodeler to confirm which office applies before work is scheduled.

Official source: www.stonecrestga.gov

McDonough (Henry County)

City of McDonough — Building & Inspection Division
136 Keys Ferry Street, 3rd Floor, McDonough, GA 30253
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm

• Inside McDonough city limits, permits and inspections run through the city’s Building & Inspection Division.
• The city publishes a Residential Permit Packet with the application and checklist.
• Many "McDonough" mailing addresses are actually in unincorporated Henry County, which permits through the Henry County Building & Plan Review Department.

Unincorporated Henry County: Henry County Building & Plan Review Department.

Official source: www.mcdonoughga.org

Peachtree City (Fayette County)

Peachtree City Building Department · 770-487-8901

• Interior alterations need a building permit. Work must not start until the permit is approved, paid and picked up, or the city issues a Stop Work Order and doubles the fees.
• Residential permit reviews usually take 3–5 business days.
• Applications go through the city’s online portal only (no emailed applications). Homeowners don’t need an account; contractors do.
• Homes on septic need a construction approval form from the Fayette County Health Department.
• Replacement windows and doors with no structural changes don’t need a building permit.

Official source: peachtree-city.org

Permit rules change. Always confirm with the issuing office or your remodeler before work starts.