Atlanta Building Permits

The City of Atlanta Office of Buildings manages residential permitting through the Accela portal. New State building codes and structural review policies took effect in February 2026.

🏛 City of Atlanta Department of City Planning, Office of Buildings 📅 Updated April 2026

Atlanta Permitting Note: As of early 2026, Atlanta has suspended city structural plan reviews, shifting full liability and certification responsibility for structural integrity to the project's Engineer of Record.

About Building Permits in Atlanta

Building permits in Atlanta are issued by the City of Atlanta Office of Buildings. Most residential permit applications are submitted online through the Atlanta Accela portal at permits.atlantaga.gov. Processing times for standard residential projects typically run 10–15 business days; 2026 policy shifts structural review to Engineer of Record.

2018 International Building Code with Georgia amendments. As of 2026, Atlanta no longer performs city structural plan review — homeowners must hire an Engineer of Record to certify structural plans.

Atlanta's tree protection ordinance requires arborist approval for any work near trees with a 6-inch or greater trunk diameter.

Project Types in Atlanta

Fence PermitEXEMPT IF < 6FT (REAR) · 4FT FRONT LIMIT Deck Permit$175 MIN · REQ IF ATTACHED Roof Replacement Permit$175 · COOL ROOF RULES 2026 Kitchen Remodel Permit$400+ · REQUIRED FOR MEP Bathroom Remodel Permit$350+ · REQUIRED FOR PLUMBING HVAC Permit$150+ · REQUIRED FOR REPLACEMENT Shed PermitEXEMPT < 120 SQ FT · 20FT HEIGHT CAP Electrical Panel Permit$175+ · REQ EXTERIOR DISCONNECT Pool Permit$300+ · REQUIRES 5FT BARRIER ADU Permit$1K+ · 750 SQ FT MAX (BY RIGHT)