Copyright 2021 by Forsyth County, Georgia

Permitting Division

The Permitting Division issues all building permits.

 

Once building plans have been approved, there are documents that will need to be completed to obtain the permit. Information on the various permits and associated documents is available through this division.



KEY CONTACTS

Brannon Bennett, Deputy Building Official
hbbennett@forsythco.com
678-513-5943 ext. 5943

Deborah Chambers, Permitting Manager
dschambers@forsythco.com
770-781-2114 ext. 2509

Faith Brooks, Administrative Assistant
lfbrooks@forsythco.com
770-781-2114 ext. 2881

Submit your building permit request using the Customer Self Service Portal. To access the portal, click the button below.

CSS Customer Self Service Portal

These forms below are available for download in PDF format for your convenience. To complete the application, click on the first field and type in your information. Use the tab key to move to the next field. Use mouse clicks to select or deselect the check boxes.

Residential Building Permits

Title Description
Deck / Porch This form is required to request a building permit for the installation or structural repair regardless of height of a deck. This permit is also used for outdoor fireplace. Download
Manufactured Mobile Home This form is required to request a building permit to locate a mobile home on a parcel of property must be obtained in the permitting office only. Download
Permit Packet Transmittal Form Download
Accessory Buildings This form is required to request a building permit for an accessory structure detached from the residents garages, pool houses, etc. Download
Residential Additions This form is used to request a building permit for an addition to an existing house. Download
Basement Finish This form is used to request a building permit to finish out an unfinished basement. If you have permitting and/or inspection questions or concerns about a previously completed basement project, please contact the Chief Building Inspector, Jason Holbrook, at 770-205-4633 or by e-mail at jtholbrook@forsythco.com. Download
Residential Fence Retaining Wall This form is used to request a permit to install a fence or retaining wall. Download
Residential New Home Permit to request a building permit for a new home. Download
Swimming Pool This form is used to request a building permit for in-ground, above-ground or on-ground swimming pool, hot tub or spa for residential use. Download
Residential Renovations This form is used to request a building permit for an interior renovation to an existing house. Download
Residential Townhome / Condominium This form is used to request a building permit for one and two family attached housing. These require a plan review prior to receiving a permit. Download

Commercial Building Permits

Title Description
After Hours Concrete Pour Application required when concrete is being poured after outside construction hours. Download
Building Permit Application A checklist is provided in the application for the required documentation needed to secure a commercial building permit. Download
Commercial Sewer Affidavit This is required when sewer is being added to a structure Download
Temporary Toilet Permit Application A temporary toilet permit is required when bathroom facilities are unavailable. This permit is currently issued by the Environmental Health Department. Download

NEW STRUCTURE, SHELL, ADDITIONS, AND FOUNDATION-ONLY ALSO NEED

IMPORTANT NOTICES TO APPLICANT

  • Approved commercial building plans should have stamped-approved plans on site.
  • All required sub-contractors must apply under original building permit.
  • Power cannot be released without approved inspection.
  • Final Inspections cannot be requested until all outstanding fees are paid.
  • New structure, shell, additions, and foundation-only permits require As-Built plans to be submitted to the Planning and Community Development Department for Commercial, Office, Industrial and Recreational sites. The final inspection will not be scheduled until the As-Built plan has been approved. An As-Built plan is a civil drawing depicting completed site development infrastructure, improvements, and building construction as it exists in the field. For additional information, please visit the Planning and Community Development webpage. 

Specialty Permits

Title Description
Tower Co-Locate This permit is used for Cell Towers. Download
Swimming Pools This permit is for all public swimming pools including pools located in residential amenity areas. Download
Electrical Only Permit This permit is used when the scope of work is limited to electrical only work in or on a commercial building or property. This type of work does not require a plan review. Download
Mechanical Only Permit This permit is used when the scope of work is limited to HVAC work only in or on a commercial building or property. This type of work does not require a plan review. Download
Plumbing Only Permit This permit is used when the scope of work is limited to plumbing work only in or on a commercial building or property. This type of work does not require a plan review. Download
Irrigation Permit This is used to obtain a permit for an irrigation system. Download
Temporary Trailer This permit is used for temporary construction offices used on commercial sites. Download

Affidavits and more

Title Description
Electrical Affidavit This affidavit is used when the scope of work is limited to electrical only work or on a residential building or property. Download
Letter of Transmittal Download
Mechanical Affidavit This affidavit is used when the scope of work is limited to HVAC only work or on a residential building or property. Download
Plumbing Affidavit This affidavit is used when the scope of work is limited to plumbing only work or on a residential building or property. Download
Residential Building Inspections Policies and Procedures This document is a summary of various federal, state, and county building construction laws, rules, and regulations. Download
Self-Work Owner Affidavit This form can only be used when the current homeowner is taking responsibility for both the building permit and the work that is being performed under the building permit. This form cannot be used for commercial building permits. Download
State Licensing Authorized Permit Agent Form This form is required by the state of Georgia for Licensed Residential and Commercial Contractors. Download


Septic Tank Systems 

Existing Systems, New Systems, Replacement Systems 

All applications, reviews, and approvals are handled independently by the

GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH (FORSYTH COUNTY ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH) 

Note:  A site plan will be required showing the location of proposed structures (patios, decks, detached garages, storage buildings,  porches etc.),    the existing home, and all other existing structures.  

Note:  Complete floor plans documenting the total number of bedrooms will be required for all home remodel and addition projects.

For more information please contact:

Gary D. Helmuth, M.P.H., Environmental Health Specialist
309 Pirkle Ferry Rd, Building D, Suite 500, Cumming, Ga. 30040
770-781-6909 | gary.helmuth@dph.ga.gov


Do I Need a Permit?

This information is provided as a guide to assist homeowners and contractors; it does not include every type of permit required. If you do not see a description of the work you are proposing, please contact the Building and Economic Development Department to verify whether or not a permit is required. All building permits expire twelve (12) months from the date of issuance.



Building Permits
Type of Work Permit Needed?
Accessory Structure for use as a Storage Building Yes
Basement Finish Yes
Children’s Playhouse, Playground, or Similar Equipment No
Deck Construction or Repair Yes
Deck Repairs (non-structural) Replacing Floor Boards, Repairing or Replacing Guards on Decks Less than 30” Above Grade No
Garage Door Repair or Replacement No
Interior Addition / Interior Remodel Yes
Painting, Tiling, Carpeting and/or Trim Work No
Retaining Walls that are Less than 6' measured from the Bottom of the Footing to the Top of the Wall No
Retaining Walls that are 6' or Taller measured from the Bottom of the Footing to the Top of the Wall Yes
Roofing, Re-Roof or Shingle Replacement No
Siding Replacement No
Single Family Dwelling with Monolithic Slab Foundation Yes
Single Family Dwelling with Basement Foundation Yes
Swimming Pools and Spas Yes


Plumbing Permits
Type of Work Permit Needed?
Fixture Addition or Replacement with Piping Alterations
Yes
Fixture Repair or Replacement with No Piping Alterations
No
Irrigation (Lawn Sprinklers)
Yes
Water Heater Replacement
Yes


Electrical Permits
Type of Work Permit Needed?
Addition of Electrical Circuit Yes
Appliance Replacement using Plug-in Devices No
Electrical Service Repair or Upgrade Yes


Mechanical Permits
Type of Work Permit Needed?
Ductwork Replacement Yes
Furnace and/or AC Systems Replacement
Yes
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