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Building Permits

Generally, a building permit is required for new construction, temporary buildings and alterations to existing construction (interior and exterior). The following table provides general descriptions of common construction work and indicates whether or not a building permit is required:

Description of WorkPermit? YesPermit? NoStructures     New ResidentialY    Decks construction of structural repairs            New Construction/structural repairsY           Non-structural repairs  N         Change in building's use or occupancy classificationY          New roof decking or roof covering (commericial)Y         Retaining walls that are less than 48" N    Doors and Windows            With structural alterationsY           Without structural alternations  N    New Fireplace or StoveY     Interior remodeling            Drywall; Framing (structural and non-structural)Y           Painting; Tilling, Carpeting, Trim Work  N    Children's Playhouse (max. size:120 sq ft)  N    Garage Door repair/replacement  N    Roof Covering repair/replacement  N    Retaining Walls (4ft. or greater in height) Y     Swimming Pools/Spas/Jacuzzis Y     New exterior siding, masonry (i.e. brick, Hardi plank) or stucco finish Y Plumbing      Bathroom Fixture repair/replacement           with piping alterationsY          without piping alterations N    New ConstructionY     New Fixture requiring piping alterationsY     Water Heater replacementY Site      Driveway repairs N    Driveway Footprint (enlargement) Y     (Note: Grading and other land disturbing activities require a Land Disturbance Permit)  Electrical      Appliance replacement using permanent hardwired devices (piping or wiring) Y     Appliance replacement using plug-in devices N    Service change out Y Mechanical      Fire alarm, fire sprinkler, or hood suppression systemY     HVAC System (new installation or replacement) Y     Ductwork            New installation or replacement Y           Cleaning  NNatural Gas      Piping (new installation, replacement or maintenance) Y Fencing       New fence, fence replacement, or fence repair including fence postsY      Fence repair not including fence posts NTrees        Tree removal on commerical propertiesY       Tree removal of less than 5 non-specimen trees or non-specimen hazardous trees on residential properties N       Tree removal of specimen trees or more than 5 non-specimen trees within a yearY Signs         Signs for non-residential property (temporary and permanent)Y        Banners, tents, or stages for business promotion/eventY Misc.        U.S. Flag (commercial size with footing) (wall mounted flag does not need permit)Y 

NOTE REGARDING PERMITS FOR UTILITY CONNECTIONS: Depending on your gas or electricity service provider, you may be required to have a safety inspection of your property (electricity) or a line pressure test (gas) before service can be established at your address. Check with your provider for details regarding specific requirements. If either of these tests/inspections is required by the provider, you will need to obtain a building permit from the city.

Plan Submittal:  

Please visit https://clarkstonga.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/clarkstonga to submit information in citizen portal.  

Plans are required for all commercial and residential construction. Please submit digital copies of building/structural plans designed under the International Building Code, Georgia Fire Code and City of Clarkston building and construction code. These plans will be required for review and retained by the following department(s).

City’s contracted building inspectorDeKalb County Fire Marshal's DepartmentDeKalb County Watershed / Water and SewerDeKalb County GIS 

City of Clarkston Inspections  
https://clarkstonga.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/clarkstonga

For Questions on the Building Permit Process, contact FEtienne@cityofclarkston.com 

All inspection requests can be made through the on-line permitting portal at https://clarkstonga.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/clarkstonga

You will need one or more of the following to submit an inspection request. 
1.  Permit #
2.  Type of inspection
3.   Address of the inspection
4.   Contact Name
5.   Contact number

Any missing information will cause a delay in an inspection being scheduled.

All inspection requests received before 3PM Monday-Thursday, will be scheduled for the following business day. 

All inspections received after 3PM on Friday, will be scheduled for inspection on the following Tuesday.

No inspections can be scheduled or take place on a scheduled city holiday. 

DeKalb County Fire Marshal Inspections
The DeKalb County Fire Marshal will begin charging fees for plan review and inspections pertaining to both new construction and renovation of existing structures.  All fees are payable directly to DeKalb County and will be collected at the time of plan submittal.

Click here for Fire Marshal Fee Schedule and Application 

Forms and Additional Information
https://clarkstonga.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/clarkstonga

Authorized Permit Agent FormBuilding Permit ApplicationBuilding Permit FeesOwner Builder AffidavitOwner Permission AffidavitTrade Permit ApplicationTree Removal Permit ApplicationZoning Compliance Form