Frequently Asked Questions

Subdivisions and Recorded Documents

• What is a Homeowner’s Association (HOA)?
• What are subdivision covenants?
• Can the county enforce covenants in my subdivision?
• Where can I get a copy of my subdivision plat, covenants, deeds, or other recorded documents?

The Forsyth County Unified Development Code (UDC)

• What is the Unified Development Code (UDC)?
• How can I obtain or view a copy of the Unified Development Code (UDC)?

Report Violations

• How do I report unsightly debris, neglected property, or other potential UDC violations?
• Which department can I report erosion control issues?

Flood Information

• What is a Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA)?
• What does floodplain have to do with my mortgage?
• I have located my property on NFIP maps and believe it is outside the SFHA zone; what do I do to resolve this issue?
• I received a letter from my mortgage company stating that am a flood area and must purchase flood insurance, why has this happened for the first time?
• I do not believe that my property is subject to flooding based on its elevation; what do I do to resolve this issue?
• What is a Base Flood Elevation?
• How can I get an Elevation Certificate?

Business Licenses

• Does my business require a license?
• How do I apply for a business license?
• Do I need a business license to work from home?
• How much does a business license cost?
• How long is a license valid?
• What is a state license?
• Do I need a license for each of the locations I conduct business?
• How do I register a business name?

Public Participation

• Where is the office of Planning and Development, and what are office hours?
• What information can be found on the county's eStatus Web site?
• How do I know when a public hearing will take place for an issue that I am interested in?
• How do I learn the results of a public hearing?
• How do I learn more about development taking place in my area?
• I met with the Planner of the Day to look at a project I am interested in but have more questions; can I make an appointment to meet with the planner assigned to the project?
• Is Forsyth County involved in development issues within City of Cumming limits?
• What are those orange and yellow public notice signs?

Long Range Planning

• What is a "Comprehensive Plan"?
• How can I view or purchase a copy of the Comprehensive Plan 2004-2025?
• What is a “Zoning Map”?
• What is a “Future Land Use Map”?
• What is a Design Overlay District?

Land Use

• What is "zoning"?
• How do I determine the zoning of my property?
• How do I determine what uses are allowed in a particular zoning district?
• What are zoning conditions?
• How do I get a copy of zoning conditions?
• What is a Conditional Use?
• What is a Variance?
• How can I determine the recommended future land use for property in Forsyth County?
• Can I check the status of rezoning and other applications?

Land Division

• Scheduling an appointment to discuss an application for permit or plat?
• How do I record a document?
• When is it necessary to submit and record a plat?
• What requirements pertain to plats?
• What is the process to submit a minor plat for review?
• What is the process for submitting a final plat for review and approval?
• What is the process to revise an approved final plat?

Land Development

• Can I make an appointment to discuss applying for a permit or plat?
• What is a Land Development Permit (LDP)?
• What is the process for submitting construction plans for review and approval for a Land Development Permit?
• How do I submit an NOI or NPDES fees?
• What is the process to renew a Land Development Permit?
• What is the process to renew a Land Development Permit?
• When is an Individual Lot Permit (ILP) required?
• What is the process to apply for an Individual Lot Permit (ILP)?
• What is a State Water?
• What is a riparian buffer?
• I am not in a major subdivision but need to do minimal land disturbance, do I need a permit?
• What are Best Management Practices (BMP’s)?
• I need to bring in a dump truck load of dirt; is a land disturbance permit required?

Landscaping and Tree Ordinances

• What is a buffer?
• What maintenance does a “landscaped area” require?
• What does a “landscaped area” require?
• What is landscaped open space?
• Do I need a permit to remove a tree in my yard?
• Can I clear all the trees from my property?
• There is a dead tree on my neighbor’s property; can the county require the owner to remove it?

Building Permits

• What fees will I have to pay for a building permit?
• What documents do I need to obtain a residential building permit in Forsyth County?
• What is a setback?
• What structures must meet setbacks?
• How can I determine the required setback for a property?
• Do I need an active LDP to apply for a commercial building permit?
• When will my permit expire? How do I renew a permit?
• Is pool equipment required to meet setbacks?
• Do I need a permit for low voltage lighting?
• Do I need a permit to install a fence?
• Do I need a permit to install a sign or erect a banner?
• Can I install a driveway or patio in the setback area of my property?
• What documents do I need to obtain a residential building permit in Forsyth County?
• What documents do I need to obtain a commercial building permit in Forsyth County?
• What is the process to revise approved commercial building plans?

Building Inspections

• Must all sub-contractors register to do business in Forsyth County?
• What fees will I have to pay for building inspections?
• What inspections may be required for my project?
• How do I schedule an inspection?
• Can I request to schedule a specific time for an inspection?
• What if I need to cancel an inspection?

Building Codes and Plans

• Does the building department review fire alarm and sprinkler plans?
• What are the applicable building codes and amendments?
• Do any local building ordinances differ from the adopted state construction codes?
  
• Must plans be stamped by an Architect or Engineer?
  
• Who can submit building plans for review and permitting?
  
• Does the building department accept applications via mail or courier service?
  
• Are plan review and permits required to add non-load bearing walls in a commercial building?
  
• Is a permit required to take down a wall in an existing space?
  
• Is a permit required to install low voltage wiring?
  
• How many commercial building plans are required for review submittal?
  
• What are the fees associated with building plan review?
  
• Will plan reviewers provide a preliminary review of drawings?
  
• Can drawings be “walked through” to expedite reviews on smaller jobs?
  
• How long does the plan review process take?
  
• What happens after the 15 business day review cycle?
  
• Where is the plan review meeting located?
  
• Is there a time limit to address comments for plan approval?
  
• Can plans for new commercial buildings and structures be submitted prior to application for a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP)?
• Can building plan review be concurrent with LDP review?
• Will a tenant finish permit be issued if previous white box or speculative space permits are incomplete?
• Do Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing drawings require an engineer’s stamp?
  
• When are Special Inspections Required?
  
• Are structural building plans required for my single family home?
  
• Is a building permit required to open a new business in an existing space without making any changes to the space other than cosmetic?
• What is the process to revise approved commercial plans?