PERMIT GUIDE

Metal Building Permits in Georgia: Complete Guide

Getting a building permit in Georgia is straightforward when you have the right plans and know the local requirements. We handle permitting on every project we build -- but here is what you should know about the process, costs, and timelines across Georgia.

What You Need for a Building Permit

While requirements vary by jurisdiction, most Georgia building departments require the following for a metal building permit:

PE-Stamped Structural Drawings

Structural plans signed and sealed by a Georgia-licensed Professional Engineer. These show the building frame, connections, bracing, and load calculations. Required for all commercial buildings and most residential buildings over a certain size.

Site Plan

A scaled drawing showing the building location on the property, setbacks from property lines, parking, driveways, drainage, and utilities. Most jurisdictions require this to verify zoning compliance.

Foundation Plan

Engineered foundation drawings showing footing sizes, reinforcement, anchor bolt locations, and concrete specifications. Must be designed for your specific soil conditions.

Mechanical/Electrical/Plumbing Plans

For buildings with interior buildout, MEP plans are required. These show electrical panel sizing, circuit layouts, plumbing fixtures and piping, and HVAC equipment and ductwork.

Energy Code Compliance

Georgia has adopted the IECC (International Energy Conservation Code). Commercial and residential buildings must demonstrate compliance through insulation R-values, window specifications, and HVAC efficiency.

Permit Application & Fees

A completed application form plus applicable fees. Fees are typically based on construction value or building square footage.

Permit Costs & Timelines by Region

Georgia permit costs and review times vary significantly by jurisdiction.

Region Typical Fees Timeline
Metro Atlanta (Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett, Cobb) $1,500 - $8,000+ 4-8+ weeks
Suburban (Henry, Fayette, Cherokee, Forsyth) $1,000 - $4,000 3-5 weeks
Small City (Newnan, Carrollton, Griffin, LaGrange) $500 - $2,500 2-4 weeks
Rural (Coweta unincorp., Meriwether, Heard, Pike) $300 - $1,500 1-3 weeks
Middle GA (Macon-Bibb, Houston, Monroe) $500 - $3,000 2-4 weeks
West GA (Columbus-Muscogee, Harris, Troup) $500 - $3,000 2-4 weeks

* Fees are approximate for a typical metal building. Impact fees, plan review fees, and special assessments may add to the total.

Agricultural Exemptions

Georgia law provides some exemptions for agricultural buildings, but the details vary by county:

  • The building must be used exclusively for agricultural purposes (equipment storage, hay, livestock)
  • The property must be zoned agricultural or have an agricultural tax exemption
  • The building typically cannot include plumbing, electrical service, or habitable space
  • Unincorporated county land is more likely to have exemptions than incorporated cities
  • Even when exempt from permits, buildings must still meet setback requirements
  • We recommend building to code regardless -- it protects your insurance coverage and property value

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a permit for a metal building in Georgia?
For commercial buildings, yes -- a building permit is required in virtually all Georgia jurisdictions. For residential metal buildings, a permit is required in all incorporated areas and most unincorporated areas. Agricultural buildings used exclusively for farming may be exempt in some unincorporated areas, but this varies by county. We always recommend building to code regardless of permit requirements.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Georgia?
Permit timelines vary by jurisdiction. Rural counties (Coweta, Meriwether, Heard, Pike) typically take 2-3 weeks. Suburban counties (Henry, Fayette, Cherokee) take 3-5 weeks. Metro Atlanta (Fulton, DeKalb, Gwinnett) can take 4-8+ weeks. Having PE-stamped plans significantly reduces review time because the structural engineering is already verified.
How much does a building permit cost in Georgia?
Permit fees in Georgia are typically calculated based on construction value or square footage. For a typical metal building, expect $500-$3,000 in rural areas and $1,500-$8,000+ in metro Atlanta. Some jurisdictions also charge plan review fees, impact fees, and inspection fees. We include all permit costs in our turnkey pricing.
Do I need PE-stamped plans for a building permit in Georgia?
For commercial buildings, yes -- PE-stamped structural drawings are required in virtually all Georgia jurisdictions. For residential buildings over a certain size (varies by county), PE-stamped plans may also be required. All Bolt buildings include PE-stamped structural drawings as standard.
What inspections are required during construction?
Typical inspections include: foundation/footing inspection before concrete pour, framing/structural inspection after steel erection, rough electrical/plumbing/HVAC inspection, insulation inspection, and final inspection before certificate of occupancy. Some jurisdictions also require slab inspection, fire protection inspection, and accessibility inspection.
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