How to get a permit

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Commercial Building Permit

From restaurants to retail and storage facilities are just some of what we specialize in expediting. 

Residential Building Permit

New single-family construction, duplexes, decks, additions, retaining walls, or a basement finish.

Special Events and Planning

From production permits, festivals, or food trucks we offer expediting and consultation services for special use events.

Zoning Compliance Assistance

We conduct thorough research on behalf of our clients to identify applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and other regulatory requirements.

Atlanta Permit Expeditors exceeded our expectations in expediting permits for our commercial real estate projects. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and ability to navigate complex regulations saved us valuable time and ensured our projects stayed on schedule. We highly recommend their services to anyone in need of efficient permit assistance.
image of real estate developer reviewing city of Atlanta permits
John Allison
CEO of Allison Holdings
"Atlanta Permit Expeditors made the permit process seamless for our residential renovation project. Their team's expertise and dedication ensured that we obtained all necessary permits quickly and efficiently. Thanks to their assistance, our project progressed smoothly, and we couldn't be happier with the results. Highly recommend their services to fellow homeowners!"
A homeowner reviewing city of Atlanta building permits
Alicia Potts
Residential Homeowner
Atlanta Permit Expeditors went above and beyond in securing the special permits we needed for our film production. Their team's knowledge of the permit process and proactive approach ensured that we obtained all necessary approvals in a timely manner, allowing our project to proceed without delays. Their exceptional service and attention to detail made them an invaluable partner for our event, and we wouldn't hesitate to work with them again in the future.
A filmmaker that used the special events permit service for the city of Atlanta building permits
Ernie B. Juarez
Filmaker, Producer
Benifits of Hiring Atlanta Expeditor Not Hiring Atlanta Expeditor Who Needs Expeditors
Saves Time Confusing Regulations Engineers
Reduced Delays Lengthens Approval Process Real Estate Investors
Avoids Mistakes Project Delays Property Owners

How Long Does It Take To Get A Building Permit?

 So, you’re embarking on a construction adventure, dreaming of breaking ground on a project that’s been brewing in your mind for ages. Whether it’s a cozy addition to your home, a full-blown commercial development, or maybe just a deck where you can enjoy those peachy Atlanta sunsets, you’ve hit a common snag: how long does it actually take to get a building permit in Atlanta?

Fear not! I’m here to walk you through the winding paths of the Atlanta permit process, keeping things light and understandable. Grab your metaphorical hiking boots; we’re about to embark on a journey to permit land.

Understanding the Permitting Landscape

Before we dive into the timelines, let’s get our bearings. In Atlanta, a building permit is your golden ticket to legally starting your construction project. It’s the city’s nod of approval, ensuring that your project complies with local zoning laws, building codes, and safety standards.

The Journey to Permit Approval: What to Expect

The Application Submission

Your adventure begins when you submit your permit application to the City of Atlanta’s Office of Buildings. Along with your application, you’ll need to provide detailed plans of your project, which might include architectural drawings and engineering specifications.

Review and Revisions

Once your application is in, it enters the review stage. This can feel a bit like running a marathon with several checkpoints. Your plans will be scrutinized for adherence to city codes and regulations. Depending on the complexity of your project, this can involve multiple departments, from zoning to fire safety.

If everything checks out, you move smoothly to the next stage. But, if there are issues, you’ll need to make revisions. This back-and-forth can be a significant time add-on, so cross your t’s and dot your i’s before submission!

Permit Issuance

Once your application clears all hurdles, congratulations are in order! Your permit will be issued, and you can finally break ground. But remember, the timeline to this point can vary widely.

So, How Long Will It Take?

Ah, the million-dollar question! The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. For simpler projects, like a small residential addition, you might be looking at anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks. More complex undertakings, especially those involving new constructions or significant commercial developments, can take several months, sometimes even longer.

Key factors affecting your timeline include the completeness of your application, the current workload of the permitting office (summer months tend to be busier), and how quickly you can address any issues that come up during the review.

Tips to Speed Up the Process

Preparation is Key: Ensure your application and all accompanying documents are thorough and accurate.

Pre-Application Meetings: Consider scheduling a meeting with city planners before submitting your application to identify potential issues.

Stay Proactive: Keep in touch with the permitting office and be ready to make any needed revisions promptly.

Risk Mitigation and Compliance Assurance

Residential permit expeditors conduct thorough research to ensure that projects comply with local building codes, zoning regulations, and other legal requirements.

Qualified Expert

With years of experience in the Atlanta area, our team brings a wealth of knowledge in local building codes, zoning laws, and permit processes, ensuring your project complies with all regulations.

Time Saving Expertise

Residential permit expeditors are experienced professionals who understand the intricacies of the permit application process.

Affordable Package

Our transparent pricing structure and efficient processes allow us to offer affordable permit expediting services without compromising on quality or speed. We understand the importance of staying within budget.

Comprehensive Permit Management

Permit expeditors handle all aspects of the permit acquisition process, from gathering necessary documentation to submitting applications and coordinating with local authorities.

Special Event Permits

Take advantage of our exclusive special offers to enjoy even greater savings on your permit expediting needs, providing unparalleled value and affordability while ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish.

Need A Free Estimate?

Ready to expedite your permit process and bring your project to life? Contact us today to get started and experience the difference with Atlanta Permit Expeditors!

Frequently Asked Questions

The time it takes to get a building permit approved in Atlanta can vary depending on factors such as the complexity of the project, the volume of permit applications being processed, and the efficiency of the local permitting office. Typically, smaller, straightforward projects may receive approval relatively quickly, while larger or more complex projects may require more time for review and approval. In some cases, it may take a few weeks to several months to obtain approval for a building permit. It’s essential to plan ahead and allow sufficient time for the permitting process when scheduling construction or renovation projects. Additionally, working closely with your local building department and providing all required documentation and information upfront can help expedite the permit approval process. City Of Atlanta

In Georgia, the requirement for a permit to finish a basement can vary depending on local building codes and regulations. Generally, if the basement finishing project involves structural alterations, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work, or changes to the building’s layout, a permit is likely required. However, if the project is limited to cosmetic upgrades such as painting, flooring, or minor decor changes, a permit may not be necessary. It’s essential to check with your local building department to determine whether a permit is required for your specific basement finishing project. They can provide guidance based on the scope of work and local regulations.

In Georgia, you may be able to build a shed without a permit, depending on the size and location of the shed, as well as local building codes and regulations. Typically, smaller sheds below a certain size threshold, such as 120 square feet or less, may not require a permit. However, it’s essential to check with your local building department to determine the specific requirements and exemptions for shed construction in your area. Additionally, even if a permit is not required, you may still need to comply with setback and zoning regulations, so it’s crucial to verify all applicable regulations before proceeding with shed construction.

In Georgia, the duration of a building permit can vary depending on local building codes and regulations, as well as the specific circumstances of the project. Typically, building permits have an expiration date, which may vary depending on factors such as the type of project and the complexity of the work involved. In some cases, building permits may be valid for a period of six months to a year from the date of issuance. However, it’s essential to check with your local building department to determine the expiration date for your permit and any requirements for permit extensions if needed. Additionally, once a permit expires, you may need to reapply and pay fees to obtain a new permit if the project has not been completed.

In Georgia, homeowners are generally allowed to perform electrical work on their own property, but there are important considerations and restrictions to be aware of. Homeowners must adhere to state and local building codes and regulations, which may impose limitations on the type of electrical work they can perform and require that work be inspected and approved by the local building department. Additionally, certain types of electrical work, such as work involving the installation or modification of circuits, panels, or outlets, may require a permit and inspection by a licensed electrician. It’s essential for homeowners to familiarize themselves with the relevant regulations and safety standards before attempting any electrical work and to consider consulting with a qualified electrician for assistance or guidance as needed.

Yes, in Atlanta, you typically need a permit to build a fence. The specific requirements for permits may vary depending on factors such as the height and location of the fence, as well as local building codes and regulations. Generally, if the fence exceeds a certain height, such as six feet, or if it is located within a specific distance from property lines or public rights-of-way, a permit is likely required. It’s essential to check with your local building department to determine the specific permit requirements and regulations that apply to fence construction in your area. They can provide guidance on the application process, required documentation, and any applicable fees.