Copyright 2023 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 PERMIT PACKET To request a building permit for the installation or structural repair regardless of height of deck. This permit is also used for outdoor fireplace. Download
MOBILE HOME PERMIT PACKET To request a building permit to locate a mobile home on a parcel of property. Must be obtained in the permitting office only. Download
RESIDENTIAL ACCESSORY STRUCTURE PERMIT PACKET To request a building permit for an accessory structure detached from the residence such as garages, storage sheds, pool houses, etc. Download
RESIDENTIAL ADDITION PERMIT PACKET To request a building permit for an addition to an existing house. Download
RESIDENTIAL BASEMENT FINISH PERMIT PACKET To request a building permit to finish out an unfinished basement. Download
RESIDENTIAL FENCE RETAINING WALL PERMIT PACKET This form is used to request a permit to install a fence or retaining wall. Download
RESIDENTIAL NEW HOME PERMIT PACKET To request a building permit for a new home. Download
RESIDENTIAL POOL PERMIT 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 PERMIT PACKET To request a building permit for an interior renovation to an existing house. Download
RESIDENTIAL TOWNHOME AND CONDOMINIUM PERMIT PACKET 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
COMMERCIAL BUILDING APPLICATION A checklist is provided in the application packet for the required documentation needed to secure a commercial building permit. Download
COMMERCIAL SEWER AFFIDAVIT required when sewer is being added to a structure Download
TEMPORARY TOILET 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
CELL TOWER ANTENNA ONLY This permit is used for Cell Towers Download
COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL PLUMBING ONLY APPLICATION This permit is used when the scope of work is limited to plumbing work only in or on a commercial or residential building or property. This type of work does not require a plan review. Download
COMMERCIAL POOL PERMIT PACKET This permit is for all public swimming pools including pools located in residential amenity areas. Download
COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL ELECTRICAL ONLY APPLICATION This permit is used when the scope of work is limited to electrical only work in or on a commercial building or residential property. This type of work does not require a plan review. Download
COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL MECHANICAL ONLY This permit is used when the scope of work is limited to HVAC work only in or on a commercial or residential building or property. This type of work does not require a plan review. Download
IRRIGATION PERMIT PACKET This is used to obtain a permit for an irrigation system. Download
TEMPORARY CONSTRUCTION TRAILER This permit is used for temporary construction offices used on commercial sites. Download

Affidavits and more

Title Description
ELECTRICAL AFFIDAVIT 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
Letter of Transmittal Download
MECHANICAL AFFIDAVIT 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 AFFIDAVIT 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
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 License Document This form is required by the state of Georgia for Licensed Residential and Commercial Contractors. Download

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
Pre-fabricated Playhouses, 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


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:

Erin Stitt., Environmental County Manager
514 West Maple St, Suite 404, Cumming, Ga. 30040
770-781-6909 | erin.stitt@dph.ga.gov


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