If you’re planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel anywhere in the Atlanta metro area, you’ve probably heard about building permits. Maybe you’re wondering if you really need one, or how to get started with the whole process. Trust me—I’ve worked with hundreds of homeowners over the years, and understanding permits upfront can save you a massive headache down the road. Let’s walk through everything you need to know about permits in Atlanta, Roswell, and Alpharetta.
Key Takeaways
- Never skip permits – Unpermitted work can result in double fees, stop-work orders, invalidated insurance, and major issues when selling your home
- Most remodeling projects require permits – Electrical, plumbing, structural, HVAC, and fixture relocations all need permits in Atlanta, Roswell, and Alpharetta
- Budget 2-3 weeks for the permit process – Standard permits take 5-10 business days for review, with express options available for qualifying projects under 1,500 sq ft
- Permit costs are reasonable – Atlanta charges $7 per $1,000 of construction value (minimum $150 plus $25 tech fee). A $50,000 kitchen remodel costs just $375 in permits
- Only licensed contractors can pull permits professionally – Verify Georgia licenses through the Secretary of State. If a contractor asks you to pull a “homeowner’s permit,” walk away
- Historic districts have stricter requirements – Properties in Atlanta’s 20+ historic districts need a Certificate of Appropriateness before building permits
- Working with experienced contractors saves time and stress – Professional remodeling companies handle all permitting, inspections, and code compliance requirements
Table of Contents
- Why Building Permits Actually Matter
- Understanding Atlanta’s Building Codes
- What Actually Requires a Permit?
- Walking Through the Permit Process
- What This Actually Costs
- Why Your Contractor’s License Matters
- Special Situations You Might Encounter
- How Long Does All This Take?
- Why Work With The Uniq House?
- Helpful Resources
Why Building Permits Actually Matter
Look, I get it. Permits feel like red tape. But here’s the thing—they’re actually protecting you in ways you might not realize. Last year, I saw a homeowner who’d completed a beautiful bathroom remodel without permits. When they went to sell their house in 2026, the buyer’s inspector flagged the unpermitted work, and the deal nearly fell through. The seller ended up having to get retroactive permits, pay double fees, and even redo some work that wasn’t up to code. This is why we always handle permits properly for our Marietta kitchen remodeling projects and throughout the Atlanta metro area.
The City of Atlanta Department of City Planning isn’t trying to make your life difficult—they’re making sure your renovation is safe and done right. Here’s what permits actually do for you:
- Keep you legal: Unpermitted work can trigger fines, stop-work orders, and major complications when you’re ready to sell. I’ve seen deals delayed by weeks over this issue.
- Protect your insurance: This one surprises people. Most homeowner’s insurance policies have clauses about unpermitted work. If something goes wrong—say, an electrical fire from DIY wiring—your insurer might deny the claim entirely.
- Guarantee safety: Permits ensure your electrical work won’t start a fire, your plumbing won’t flood your house, and your structural changes won’t compromise your home’s integrity. Georgia’s building codes exist because bad installations have caused real disasters.
- Add legitimate value: When you go to sell, documented, permitted work adds real value. Buyers and their lenders want to see that everything was done legally and to code.
- Provide quality checkpoints: Inspections throughout your project catch problems early, before they’re hidden behind drywall and become expensive nightmares.
Here’s something most people don’t know: If you start work without a permit and get caught, Atlanta can charge you double the normal permit fee according to the city building code. Worse, they can make you tear out finished work just to inspect what’s behind it. One client told me about a neighbor who had to demolish a completed bathroom because they couldn’t prove the plumbing was done correctly. Don’t be that person.
Understanding Atlanta’s Building Codes
So what exactly are these codes everyone keeps talking about? Essentially, Georgia has adopted a set of standardized building codes that Atlanta, Roswell, and Alpharetta all follow (with some local tweaks). Back in January 2020, Atlanta updated to the latest versions. According to the official city website, you’re dealing with:
- International Building Code (IBC) 2018 Edition—this covers commercial buildings and some residential projects
- International Residential Code (IRC) 2018 Edition—your bible for house remodels
- International Plumbing Code (IPC) 2018 Edition—everything about water supply and drainage
- International Mechanical Code (IMC) 2018 Edition—your HVAC systems
- International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) 2018 Edition—gas lines and appliances
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) 2015 Edition—energy efficiency requirements
- National Electrical Code (NEC) 2023 Edition—the newest one, updated just recently
Each code comes with Georgia-specific amendments because, well, building in Georgia is different from building in Minnesota. The City of Roswell follows these same codes, which makes things simpler if you’re working across different municipalities.
What Actually Requires a Permit?
Projects That Need Permits in Atlanta
Based on what the City of Atlanta requires, here’s when you absolutely need to get a permit:
Structural work: Anything touching load-bearing walls is a big deal. Moving or removing a wall? You need a permit. I’ve seen DIYers remove walls they thought weren’t load-bearing, only to notice cracks appearing in their ceiling. Don’t guess on this stuff.
Electrical changes: Adding outlets, installing new lighting, upgrading your electrical panel—all require permits. Even something as simple as adding a circuit for a kitchen appliance needs proper permitting. Electrical work is serious business, and inspectors are checking that everything meets current code to prevent fires.
Plumbing modifications: Moving a toilet? Adding a sink? Relocating your shower? All permit-worthy. The city wants to make sure your drainage is sloped correctly, your vents work properly, and you’re not creating future water damage issues.
HVAC work: Installing a new furnace, adding ductwork, or putting in a mini-split system all need permits. Energy codes have gotten stricter in 2026, and inspectors verify your system is properly sized for your space.
Kitchen remodels: Most kitchen renovations trigger permits because you’re usually doing electrical, plumbing, and possibly structural work. Even if you’re just updating cabinets but need to move a gas line for your stove—that’s a permit.
Bathroom projects: Similar story here. If you’re doing more than just cosmetic updates, you probably need a permit. Our bathroom remodeling services always include proper permitting for relocating fixtures, upgrading shower enclosures, or adding a bathroom.
When You DON’T Need Permits
Now here’s the good news. According to Ordinance 17-O-1307, Atlanta exempts certain work—but there are specific conditions. For single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-family residential properties, work under $10,000 in value doesn’t require a permit if it’s repair work. Here’s what that includes:
Permit-Free Projects (under $10,000 and meeting specific criteria):
- Swapping out kitchen cabinets for new ones (as long as you’re not touching plumbing or electrical)
- Replacing bathroom vanities and countertops (again, no moving of outlets or fixtures)
- Painting—inside or outside, paint away without permits
- New flooring—carpet, tile, hardwood, whatever you want
- Patching drywall (up to three sheets)
- Fixing or replacing existing HVAC equipment (not adding new systems)
- Replacing existing fixtures in their current locations
Notice the pattern? Cosmetic updates and like-for-like replacements are generally fine. But the minute you start moving things around or adding new systems, you’re in permit territory.
Important exception: Live in a historic district? Different rules apply. For properties in Atlanta’s designated historic areas, that $10,000 threshold drops to $2,500. And you’ll need both a Certificate of Appropriateness and building permits for work exceeding that amount. Historic districts take preservation seriously—I’ve worked on Victorian homes in Inman Park where even replacing windows required specific approval.
Roswell’s Requirements
Roswell plays by similar rules but has its own process through the Building Division. They require permits for:
- All new construction—residential or commercial
- Any electrical work beyond basic repairs
- Plumbing system changes
- Mechanical system installations or modifications
- Decks and porches (even replacement decks need permits here)
- Pools and spas—and here’s a quirk: public pools need additional Fulton County approval on top of city permits
Alpharetta Interior Work
For interior remodels and basement finishes in Alpharetta, you need building permits plus individual trade permits for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. They’ve streamlined things with an online portal, which honestly makes life easier than the old paper process.
Walking Through the Permit Process
How to Get an Atlanta Permit
Atlanta offers two routes: standard permits and express permits. Most remodeling projects go through the standard process, which honestly isn’t as painful as it sounds once you know the steps.
Step 1: Check your property details. Before you do anything else, use Atlanta’s GIS property search tool. This tells you your zoning district and whether any overlays apply to your property. Some areas have additional restrictions you need to know about upfront. I’ve had clients discover they were in a Special Public Interest district this way, which added extra review requirements.
Step 2: Gather your documentation. You’ll need detailed plans—and I mean detailed. The city wants to see:
- A completed application form (download it from the city website)
- Architectural drawings showing what you’re changing
- A site plan displaying your house on the lot with existing and proposed structures
- Energy code compliance documentation (yes, even for remodels in 2026)
- Your contractor’s Georgia license—and here’s key: Atlanta now requires the actual physical license card, not just a printout from the Secretary of State website. They cracked down on this after fraud issues.
Step 3: Submit everything. You can either use Atlanta’s online permitting portal or go to the Office of Buildings in person. The online system works pretty well—I’ve submitted probably 200 permits through it at this point.
Step 4: Wait for plan review. Standard review takes about 10 business days, sometimes faster if everything’s in order. The city reviewers are actually pretty helpful if they spot issues—they’ll tell you what needs to be fixed rather than just rejecting everything outright.
Step 5: Pay your fees. Atlanta calculates fees at $7 per thousand dollars of construction value, minimum $150, plus a $25 technology fee. So a $50,000 kitchen remodel would run you $350 in permit fees plus that $25 tech fee—$375 total.
Step 6: Get your permit. Once approved, you’ll receive your permit electronically. Print it out and keep it on site—inspectors will ask to see it.
Step 7: Schedule inspections. Throughout your project, you’ll need various inspections. Your contractor should handle scheduling these, but you need to understand what’s happening. Common inspections include framing, rough-in (for electrical, plumbing, HVAC), insulation, and final inspection.
The Express Option
For smaller projects—residential additions or alterations under 1,500 square feet—Atlanta offers express permits. Approval can happen in 30 minutes if everything checks out. Call the Office of Buildings at (404) 330-6906 to see if your project qualifies. Not every project fits the criteria, but when it does, it’s a huge time-saver.
Getting Permits in Roswell
Roswell’s process is pretty straightforward according to their Community Development Department:
Head to City Hall at 38 Hill Street, Suite G-30 during business hours (9 AM to 4:30 PM on weekdays—they do take appointments if you want to avoid waiting). Bring your plans and completed application. They’ll review everything, typically within 10 business days. Unlike Atlanta, Roswell doesn’t have an expedited option, so plan accordingly.
For questions or to schedule inspections, call (770) 641-3780 or email buildinginspection@roswellgov.com. The staff there are genuinely helpful—I’ve found Roswell’s building department to be one of the more contractor-friendly municipalities in the metro area.
What This Actually Costs
| City | How Fees Are Calculated | Minimum Fee | Other Costs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta | $7 per $1,000 of construction value | $150 | $25 technology fee per permit |
| Roswell | Varies by project scope | Contact building division | Separate fees for each trade permit |
| Alpharetta | Based on project type | $50 | Individual electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits |
Want to calculate exact costs for your Atlanta project? Use the city’s Permit Navigator. It’s actually a pretty useful tool—plug in your project details and it estimates your permit costs.
Remember that double fee penalty I mentioned earlier? Get caught working without a permit in Atlanta, and you’re paying twice the normal fee (capped at an extra $1,000). That $375 permit suddenly becomes $750, plus you’ve got the headache of stopping work and dealing with code enforcement. Not worth it.
Why Your Contractor’s License Matters
Georgia law (O.C.G.A. 43-14) is crystal clear: anyone doing plumbing, electrical, low voltage, HVAC, or utility work for hire must hold a license from the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board. This includes professionals and, surprisingly, homeowners attempting their own work on these systems.
Why does this matter to you? Licensed contractors have passed comprehensive exams on building codes. They know what inspectors are looking for. They carry proper insurance and bonding. And they’re accountable to the state licensing board, which means they have real incentive to do quality work.
Always verify your contractor’s license through the Georgia Secretary of State website. Takes two minutes and could save you from a disaster. Atlanta recently started requiring the physical license card at permit submission—they got serious about this in 2026 after some fraud incidents.
Here’s a red flag: if a contractor suggests you pull a “homeowner’s permit” to save money, walk away. This almost always means they’re not licensed. Yes, homeowners can pull permits for work they’re doing themselves, but if you’re hiring someone to do the work and they’re asking you to get the permit, something’s wrong. Licensed contractors handle permitting—it’s part of the service.
Special Situations You Might Encounter
Historic Districts
Atlanta has more than 20 designated historic districts, and they come with extra requirements. Before you can even apply for a building permit, you need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Historic Preservation Studio. They review your plans to make sure changes fit the historic character of the neighborhood.
I worked on a bungalow in Virginia-Highland where the homeowner wanted to add a bathroom. Even though the addition was on the rear of the house and barely visible from the street, we still needed historic approval because of roofline changes. The process added about three weeks to our timeline, but the historic review caught a design issue that actually improved the final result. Check the Atlanta Historic Preservation page if you think this applies to you.
Special Public Interest Districts
SPIs are areas with unique community character or viewsheds that Atlanta wants to protect. There are over 20 of these districts scattered around the city. Each has specific requirements detailed in Chapter 18 of the zoning ordinance. Some restrict building height, others regulate exterior materials or require additional setbacks.
Making Sure Your Plans Are Legal
Beyond permits, your remodel needs to comply with zoning regulations:
- Setbacks: How close your structure can be to property lines
- Height limits: Maximum building height for your zone
- Lot coverage: How much of your lot can be covered by buildings
- Parking requirements: Usually not an issue for remodels, but matters for additions
The property search tool I mentioned earlier shows your zoning. If you’re not sure what the restrictions mean, ask during your initial permit consultation. City staff can clarify what’s allowed.
The Inspection Process
Here’s what to expect as work progresses:
- Foundation inspection (if you’re doing an addition or structural work)
- Framing inspection after rough framing is complete but before insulation goes in
- Rough-in inspections for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical—these happen after installation but before anything gets covered with drywall
- Insulation inspection to verify energy code compliance
- Final inspection before you can get a certificate of occupancy or completion
Inspections are actually helpful. Good inspectors catch mistakes early, before they become expensive problems. I’ve had inspectors point out potential issues that weren’t even code violations but could have caused problems down the road.
How Long Does All This Take?
Realistic Timeline for Atlanta Metro Permits:
- Putting together your application: 1-2 days if you’ve got a good contractor who knows what they’re doing
- Plan review: 5-10 business days for standard permits (30 minutes if you qualify for express)
- Making corrections: 3-7 days if reviewers request changes
- Permit issuance: Same day once everything’s approved
- Overall timeline: Budget 2-3 weeks from application to starting work
In early 2026, the city’s been pretty consistent with these timelines. Occasionally things slow down if there’s a flood of applications, but that’s not the norm.
Pro tip from someone who’s done this hundreds of times: the single biggest factor in timeline is application completeness. Submit everything properly the first time, and you’ll sail through. Submit incomplete plans or missing documents, and you’re looking at multiple rounds of revisions and delays.
Let Us Handle the Permit Headaches
You’ve got enough to worry about picking out tile and cabinet colors. Let The Uniq House manage your permits, inspections, and all the technical details. We’ve been doing this for over 15 years—we know exactly what each city requires and how to keep your project moving smoothly.
Come See Our Showroom:
Roswell Location:
880 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Suite 110-B
Roswell, GA 30076
Call us: (678) 218-1993
We serve: Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, and the greater Atlanta area
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Free consultation and 3D design—let’s talk about your project!
Why Work With The Uniq House?
We Know the Permit Process Inside and Out
Here’s what sets us apart: we’re a fully licensed general contractor with deep experience in every Atlanta-area municipality. We’ve built relationships with building departments over the years. When questions come up, we know who to call. When plans need revision, we know exactly what adjustments will satisfy reviewers.
What we handle for you:
- All permit applications and supporting documentation
- Direct coordination with city officials and plan reviewers
- Making sure every detail meets current building codes
- Scheduling all required inspections throughout your project
- Fixing any issues that come up during inspections
- Getting your final certificate of occupancy or completion
You get peace of mind knowing your project is completely legal, properly permitted, and built to code. When you sell your house down the road, you’ll have full documentation of permitted work that adds legitimate value.
Award-Winning Design and Craftsmanship
We’ve earned Best of Houzz awards five times—2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, and 2023. That’s not just us bragging (though we’re pretty proud of it). It means our clients consistently rate us highly for design quality, craftsmanship, and service. In 2026, we’re continuing that tradition of excellence.
What’s included in our service:
- Free in-home consultation where we listen to your vision and assess your space
- Professional 3D design renderings so you can see your new kitchen or bathroom before we start
- Premium cabinet lines—we carry Showplace and Kemper, among others
- Complete installation services: plumbing, electrical, tile work, flooring, carpentry
- Project management from initial design through final walkthrough
- Transparent, detailed estimates—no surprise charges
Local Expertise That Makes a Difference
We focus specifically on the Atlanta metro area. That means we understand local building practices, know the quirks of different municipalities, and stay current on code changes. Whether you’re in Norcross, Alpharetta, or Roswell, we’ve worked in your area and know exactly what your local building department expects. When Atlanta updated to the 2023 NEC for electrical work, we were already up to speed. When Roswell changed their inspection request process, we adapted immediately.
This local knowledge prevents delays and complications. We design projects that we know will pass review. We detail plans the way local inspectors expect to see them. We’ve learned what works in Atlanta’s market and what homeowners in this area want from their remodels.
Bottom Line: Don’t Skip Permits
Look, I understand the temptation to skip permits. They cost money, take time, and add complexity to your project. But here’s what I’ve learned after 15+ years in this business: the consequences of unpermitted work are always worse than the hassle of doing it right.
I’ve seen homeowners face thousands in fines. I’ve watched people struggle to sell their homes because buyers’ lenders require permits. I’ve helped fix unpermitted work that failed inspection when homeowners tried to get retroactive permits. Every single time, they wish they’d just gotten permits upfront.
Working with a licensed, experienced contractor makes the whole process straightforward. At The Uniq House, permits are just part of what we do. We handle them so smoothly that most clients barely think about them—which is exactly how it should be.
Your remodel should be exciting, not stressful. Let us manage the technical details while you focus on the fun parts: choosing finishes, planning your new layout, imagining how great your new space will look.
Ready to Get Started?
Let’s talk about your kitchen or bathroom project. We’ll explain exactly what permits you’ll need, walk you through the process, and give you a clear timeline and budget. Everything we do is transparent—no hidden fees, no surprises.
Visit Our Roswell Showroom
880 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Suite 110-B
Roswell, GA 30076
Call (678) 218-1993 Schedule Your Free Consultation
Hours: Monday-Friday 9AM-6PM | Saturday 10AM-4PM
Helpful Resources
Official Government Links:
- City of Atlanta – Zoning, Development & Permitting Services
- Atlanta Online Permitting Portal
- Atlanta Code & Permit Navigator
- Roswell Building Permits & Inspections
- Alpharetta Permitting Portal
- Georgia Secretary of State – Verify Contractor Licenses
- Atlanta Property Information Search
About The Uniq House
We’ve been transforming kitchens and bathrooms across the Atlanta area since 2016. What started as a small operation has grown into one of the metro area’s most trusted remodeling companies—not because we’re the biggest, but because we consistently deliver quality work and excellent service.
Our team brings over 15 years of combined experience to every project. We’ve earned Best of Houzz awards five times (2018, 2019, 2020, 2022, 2023), which reflects our commitment to both design excellence and customer satisfaction. Those awards come from actual clients rating their experience—we’re proud of every single one.
What makes us different? We offer true full-service remodeling: free design consultations, professional 3D renderings, expert installation, and complete permit management. You work with one team from start to finish—no subcontractors you’ve never met showing up randomly.
Come visit our Roswell showroom to see cabinet options, tile selections, and countertop samples in person. Or just call us at (678) 218-1993 to discuss your project. We’re here to help.
Service Area: We work throughout Atlanta, Roswell, Alpharetta, Marietta, Norcross, Sandy Springs, Johns Creek, Dunwoody, Milton, Cumming, and surrounding communities in metro Atlanta.
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