Copyright 2024 by Forsyth County, Georgia

Building & Economic Development

Customer Self Service Portal (CSS)

The Building and Economic Development Department accepts online, digital plan submission and inspection requests. We use the Forsyth County Customer Self Service (CSS) portal for these certain plan and permit applications, inspections requests, status tracking, information gathering and fee payment.

CSS Customer Self Service Portal

Local Amendments to Plumbing Code Effective January 1, 2024

Forsyth County Department of Building and Economic Development has adopted a local amendment to the following state minimum standard codes:

2018 International Plumbing Code Sections 202, 604.3, 1304, and Appendix E

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Residential Combination Inspections Beginning in 2023

All residential building permits issued January 1, 2023 and later will require Combination Rough Inspections and Combination Final Inspections. For these permits, individual trade inspections will no longer be available, and all trades must be ready at the time of inspection to avoid a failed inspection. For additional information, please click below.

Common Questions

Policies and Procedures for the Inspection Process

We have updated our guides for Policies and Procedures to help you through the inspection process. The guides include definitions of the different types of inspections, the typical inspections to expect based on your permit type, common violations that our inspectors come across and more. There is a guide for Commercial Inspections and a guide for Residential Inspections. Click below to download. 

Commercial Inspections Policies and Procedures

Residential Inspections Policies and Procedures

Fee Schedule

Fee Schedule

Building Information Resources

The following should assist you in navigating various informative documents, downloads and websites:

  • Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) – Forsyth County enforces building codes as adopted and amended by the DCA. DCA's website provides information including a list of current codes and amendments.
  • Licensing Board/Office of Secretary of State (SOS) – In 2008 Contractor licensing became law in Georgia. At the SOS website you can find licensing requirements and verify a contractor’s license status. You will also find a list of specialty occupations that are exempt from state licensing.
  • Elevation Certificate Form – is used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate.
  • Lead Paint – Here you will find useful information on working around and the removal of lead paint.
  • Asbestos- Here you will find useful information on working around and the removal of asbestos.
  • State Fire Marshal’s Office - Here you can view the rules and regulations of the State Fire Marshal including the Georgia Accessibility Standards and rules for Manufactured Housing.
  • Residential Definitions– Here you can find a link to Chapter 2 in the IRC 2012 where many different general construction terms are defined.

Frequently Asked Questions

Commercial Plan Review

Q: How do I submit plans?

A: Submit plans through the CSS Portal

Q: What all is required to obtain a commercial building permit?

A: Requirements do vary per project. Most of the time a set of building plans are required to be submitted for review and prior approval is needed from the review team before a permit is obtained. 

Permitting

Q: Do I need a permit?

A: Refer to “Do I Need a Permit?” page.

Q: What type of permit do I need?

A: Refer to information found on the “Permitting Division” page.

Q: Do I need a general contractor, or may I conduct the work myself?

A: Refer to the Homeowner Affidavit.

Q: How much will my permit cost?

A: Refer to our fee schedule PDF.

Q: Can I change the general contractor after I have been issued a permit?

A: Yes. You will need to submit a notarized affidavit and state business license of the new general contractor to the Permitting Division.

Q: Who can I contact with Permitting questions?

A: Refer to the Key Contacts for Permitting Division.

Inspections

Q: How do I schedule an inspection?

A: Inspection requests should be submitted using the Customer Self Service Portal. You may also submit requests via email to inspectionschedules@forsythco.com

Q: Do I need to be present for my inspection?

A: If the home is occupied and the inspector needs to come inside to conduct the inspection, someone will need to be present at the time of inspection.

Q: How do I contact my inspector?

A: Refer to the Key Contacts on the Inspections page.

Q: Where can I find the list of approved 3rd Party Inspectors?

A: Refer to the Third Party Inspection documents.

CSS Portal

Q: How do I create a CSS Account?

A: See the CSS User's Guide.

Q: How do I apply for a Permit or Plan within CSS?

A: See the How to Apply for and Manage a License, Permit or Plan Guide.

About Building & Economic Development

Our mission is to effectively administer and enforce mandatory construction codes, thereby ensuring the integrity of both residential and commercial buildings. With a sharp focus on efficiency and continuous improvement, we strive to enhance the prosperity of Forsyth County's citizens and business community through a strong commitment to customer service and shepherding projects to the finish line.

Vivian-Vakili-SQUARE

Contact

Vivian Vakili
Director

Phone: (770) 781-2114
Fax: (770) 781-2193

Location

Building & Economic Development

110 East Main Street
Suite 210
Cumming, GA 30040

Office Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday

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