*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. 

NEW: All new detached single-family detached residential housing is required to have a form board survey for the front corners of the dwelling once the form boards are set. The builder is responsible for having the form board survey on site for review by the inspector, prior to pouring concrete. On the form board survey the highest point of the finished floor at the front of the house, plus the front corners, must be on the survey. If beams are to be used, resting on concrete footings, the finished floor at the top of the beams would count as the highest point and will need to be noted on the form.

A permit is required to build new structures, replace existing structures, and/or complete an addition to existing structures at a residential single family home. This includes new or replaced decks, storage sheds, and swimming pools.

Required Documents

1. Completed Construction Permit Application
2. Upload completed Homeowner Declaration if the work is to be done by the homeowner
3. Upload one copy of drawings in PDF format, no larger than 50 MB. This should contain the site plan for any new structures, replacements of existing structures, and/or additions to existing structures (including new or replaced decks, storage sheds, and swimming pools). Site plans should follow the Plan Requirements for Residential Land Disturbance Projects
4. If a new home is proposed, upload a completed Residential Plan Review for New Homes application 
5. If a new home is proposed, upload one electronic copy of architectural drawings
6. Upload general contractor's license, business license, and government issued photo ID of contractor if submitting to Dunwoody for the first time
7. If you are submitting licenses on behalf of another individual, you will also need to upload a completed Authorized Permit Agent Form

If you are building a single-span, single-level residential deck, then please reference Georgia Department of Community Affairs' Prescriptive Deck Details and amendments based on the 2012 International Residential Code (IRC) regulations. A copy of this deck detail must be on the job site and available to the inspector during each required inspection.

Required with Interior Remodeling or Additions: Smoke/Carbon Monoxide Alarms

When alterations, repairs, or additions requiring a permit occurs, or when one or more sleeping rooms are added or created in existing buildings, smoke/CO alarms shall be installed as follows:

1. Smoke alarms are not required in the crawlspace, attic or garage.
2. A smoke/carbon monoxide alarm outside sleeping rooms
3. A smoke alarm in each sleeping room (bedroom)
4. A minimum of one (1) smoke alarm per floor including an unfinished basement

The alarms must:

1. Be 120 volt powered with battery back-up
2. Must communicate with each other, hard wired or wirelessly

Exceptions:

1. Work involving the exterior surfaces of dwellings (roofing, siding, addition or replacement of windows or doors or the addition of a porch or deck.
2. Installation, alteration or repairs of plumbing or mechanical systems.

Subcontractors

If you are using subcontractors, they will also require permits. Subcontractors may submit their forms and fees once the construction permit has been issued.

Applicable Codes

• Chapter 16: Land Development Ordinance
• Chapter 27: Zoning Ordinance

Review Process

All single-family residential projects require plan review by the city. The city’s review process may take up to 10 business days. If your project includes building a new home, it may also require review by DeKalb County (for elements such as water, sewer, health, or life safety). If you require review by DeKalb County, the city will provide you a routing sheet and directions to DeKalb County’s offices.

Fee Payment

We will email or call to let you know when the city’s plan review is finished. Once plans have been approved, you may pay your fees by Visa or MasterCard online or by check or cash at City Hall. The city will issue a permit for your project and provide your approved plans. To estimate your fees, you can review the Permit Fee Schedule.