The City of Auburn issues building permits through its Community Development (License & Permits) office. The City contracts with SAFEbuilt for plan reviews and building inspections.
What requires a permit in Auburn?
Building permits are required for all new construction and for most additions, alterations and renovations. Common examples include sheds over 96 square feet, retaining walls over 4 feet, swimming pools, fences over 6 feet high, decks, fireplaces, basement finishing, HVAC, electrical and plumbing work, including water heaters.
Before starting a project, call Community Development at 770-963-4002 ext. 206 to find out whether a permit is required.
Who issues permits in Auburn?
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Permit authority | City of Auburn Community Development (License & Permits); SAFEbuilt for plan review and inspections |
| Contact | 770-963-4002 ext. 206 |
| Application drop-off | 1369 Fourth Avenue, Auburn, GA; applications can also be emailed to labland@cityofauburn-ga.org |
| Processing time | Five to seven business days |
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →Auburn permit types and filing path
Auburn has separate applications for building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, sign and tree permits. The City also publishes guides for basement finishes, accessory structures, decks and porches, patio covers, pole barns, re-roofs, home additions and swimming pools.
Permit fees in Auburn
The building permit fee is based on the square footage of the structure to be built. The City does not post a fee table on its permit pages.
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas work
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and low-voltage work each need a separate permit. The person or contractor doing the trade work must obtain it. The state card holder must sign the application, and the City verifies the current state card and business licence.
Application documents and plan review
File the building permit application with a subcontractor affidavit or, for owner-builders, a homeowner affidavit. Commercial buildings also need approval from the Barrow or Gwinnett County Fire Marshal, and food-service businesses must contact the Barrow or Gwinnett County Health Department.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →Bring the completed application to 1369 Fourth Avenue or email it to labland@cityofauburn-ga.org. Processing takes five to seven business days.
Before you file in Auburn
- Call 770-963-4002 ext. 206 if you are unsure whether the work needs a permit.
- Line up trade contractors early: each trade pulls its own permit.
- Allow five to seven business days for the building permit.
How to apply: 6-step Auburn process
Check that the parcel is inside Auburn city limits. Auburn lies in both Barrow and Gwinnett counties, which matters for fire marshal and health approvals.
Separate building, trade, development, fire, right-of-way or other permits where the official workflow requires separate records.
Prepare the current application, plans and project-specific attachments before opening or submitting the record.
Bring it to 1369 Fourth Avenue or email it to the City, then pay the fee.
Respond to comments in the same permit record and obtain prerequisite approvals before construction proceeds.
Schedule each required inspection, keep work accessible and complete the final approval or occupancy step required for the project.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Auburn inspections
SAFEbuilt carries out building inspections for the City. For a next-day inspection, request it before 4:30 p.m. by emailing ganortheastinspections@safebuilt.com or calling 770-963-4002 ext. 206. The City states that inspections take place within two business days after being scheduled.
The City’s third-party inspector also handles detention pond, development, erosion, paving, pool and site inspections.
Local Auburn details that matter
- Two counties — Commercial buildings need Barrow or Gwinnett County Fire Marshal approval depending on location.
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →Georgia building code
Georgia's State Minimum Standard Codes apply statewide: the 2024 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes and the 2023 National Electrical Code, with Georgia Amendments, in force since 1 January 2026; the energy code is still the 2015 IECC with Georgia supplements. The Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes
Official Auburn permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Auburn permit FAQs
Who handles building permits in Auburn?
The City of Auburn issues building permits. It contracts with SAFEbuilt for plan reviews and building inspections.
Where do I submit an Auburn permit?
Bring the completed application to 1369 Fourth Avenue or email it to labland@cityofauburn-ga.org.
Are trade permits separate?
Yes. Electrical, plumbing, HVAC and low-voltage work each need their own permit, obtained by the person or contractor doing that work.
How is the building permit fee calculated?
The City bases the building permit fee on the square footage of the structure to be built.
How long does a building permit take?
The City states that five to seven business days are needed to process a building permit.
Inspections are where schedules slip.
Get a free quote →Simplify Auburn permitting with Alliance Permitting
Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in Georgia. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.
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Let Alliance prepare, file, and track your Auburn permits while your crew stays on the job.
More Georgia permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Auburn permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.