*Special Notice: In mid-June 2023, new water conservation rules went into effect that apply to all NEW water fixtures, like faucets, toilets and landscape irrigation systems. Existing water fixtures are not affected. Water fixtures for residential homes are also subject to different standards than water fixtures for commercial businesses. A summary of the new regulations can be found using this link.

Permits

All construction activities in the city require a permit through the Community Development Department.

The permitting and subsequent inspection process ensures that all construction is done safely and in accordance with the adopted codes.

All construction activities in the city require a permit through the Community Development Department, which provides permitting and subsequent inspection measures designed to help the homeowner through the process.

Not sure if you need a permit or if your permit will require plan review? Please call us at 678-382-6821.

Permit Required Checklist

Plan Review

Most major projects require plan review such as new construction, additions, deck replacement, land disturbance, retaining walls, swimming pools, permanent signs, and fire sprinklers. Please upload digital copy of plans when submitting.

Many projects will require the review and approval by outside agencies, such as DeKalb County, which may add to the overall process time. These reviews should be accounted for in your development schedule.

The city also provides permits online for projects that do not require plan review such as single-family residential interior renovations, residential interior demolition, plumbing (such as water heater replacements), and temporary signs.

Not sure if you need a permit or if your permit will require plan review? Please call us at 678-382-6821. Or you can reach DeKalb County Department of Planning and Sustainability at 404-371-4915.

Permit Fee Schedule

Permit fees are based on construction valuation. The city calculates the construction valuation based on the floor area of the project and a pre-determined cost per square foot based on the type of construction.

The city accepts Visa or MasterCard payments online. We also accept check, cash, Visa or MasterCard for payments in person but can only accept check by mail. We cannot currently accept payment by phone or credit card authorization forms.

Please call 678-382-6821 to learn more about fees based on the details of your project. You can also review the Fee Schedule or the Examples for Fee Estimation.

Applications

Construction Permit Instructions
Uploading Files Instructions

Online Applications

1. Construction/Demolition Permit
2. Land Disturbance Permit
3. Sign Permit
4. Trade Components (stand-alone project such as water heater, air conditioning, or furnace replacement)
5. Tree Removal Permit Application
6. Special Events

Other Permit Applications

Download, complete, and email to permits@dunwoodyga.gov.

1. Backyard Chickens
2. Construction Noise Exception
3. Fence and Wall Agreement Form
4. Minor Site Work Permit
5. Roofing (commercial only)
6. Solar Panel Installation
7. Sub-Contractor (projects with a General Contractor and an issued building permit)
8. Final Plat Review Application
9. Preliminary Plat Application
10. Pre-Application Review Application
11. OTC Inspections Checklist
12. Filming
13. Temporary Outdoor Restaurant Operations
14. Temporary Use Permit Application

When applying for a permit as a homeowner, please upload the Homeowner Declaration form to the application.

Revision to Issued/Approved Permits

To change plan documents after issuance/approval of a permit, please fill out this form and upload together with the plan documents. Also, please be sure to only upload complete plan sets and highlight/bubble any changes.

Certificate of Occupancy or Completion

To obtain a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion, please email a picture of the permit card to permits@dunwoodyga.gov.

Home Improvement & Safety

Homeowners should also pay close attention to working with licensed contractors.

Without the help and guidance of a licensed professional, some homeowners take on added risks and liabilities, especially when the quality or design of the project does not meet with safety requirements within the allowable and adopted codes.

Inspections

In order to maintain safety standards in accordance with the state mandated minimum guidelines and the Ordinances adopted by the City Council, the Community Development Department conducts inspections of building and development throughout the city.

These inspections are designed to protect citizens, the environment and maintain a level of safety for the city.

If your inspection request is made before 4:00 p.m., your inspection will be conducted on the next business day. If your request is received after 4:00 p.m., your inspection will be conducted on the day following the next business day.

Request an inspection or find additional information regarding a permit.

Remote Inspections

In order to provide improved customer service, and in the interest of the safety of our residents and staff, the City of Dunwoody is utilizing remote inspection technology for certain residential permits, including water heater and HVAC replacements. Upon completing installation, the installing technician, not the property owner, must provide a video of the installation. View instructions for obtaining and submitting the video.