The City of Duluth Community Development & Engineering Department administers and reviews all building, development and planning projects in the City. New permit applications go through the GovWell portal.
What requires a building permit in Duluth?
Duluth requires a building permit to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure. A permit is also needed to install, alter, repair, remove or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system.
For questions about whether work needs a permit, the City directs applicants to the Building Official at 770-476-1790.
Who issues permits in Duluth?
The City of Duluth issues permits for property inside city limits. Construction, land development, trade and special use applications are all filed with Community Development & Engineering.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Authority | City of Duluth Community Development & Engineering |
| City Hall | 3167 Main Street, Duluth, GA 30096 |
| Phone | 770-476-1790 (Building Official) |
Permit costs and fees in Duluth
Duluth charges $100 per reinspection. All reinspection fees must be paid before the City releases a wiring approval to the power company.
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits
Trade permits are filed through GovWell like other new permits. Sub-contractor affidavits must be on file before the City releases the wiring approval to the utility.
Application documents and plan review
Contractors with a state licence or a licensed business must register in GovWell before submitting a permit. Registration asks for the state contractor's licence and, if applicable, the business licence.
Permits issued under the City's earlier iWorQ portal stay there for inspection requests, file uploads and permit review.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →How to apply: 6-step Duluth process
Check the parcel is inside city limits.
Check zoning, land development and other approvals the project needs.
Assemble the plans and supporting documents required for the project type.
Register as a contractor if needed, then submit the application in GovWell.
Answer review comments and upload revisions in GovWell.
After permit issuance, complete the City inspection and closeout sequence for the approved work.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Duluth inspections
Request inspections before 2:00 p.m. for a next-business-day inspection; requests after 2:00 p.m. on Friday count as received the next business day. Give the permit number, street address, lot/block and project name. Only the general contractor may request inspections, not sub-contractors.
Erosion controls must be in place at every inspection, and a placard with the approved plans must stay posted on site. The final inspection for a certificate of occupancy needs landscaping, meters, sidewalks, Fire Marshal approval and water and sewer releases complete.
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
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →Official Duluth permitting resources
These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.
- Georgia DCA current state minimum codes
- Duluth permits and applications (GovWell)
- Duluth inspections
- Duluth ordinances and regulations (incl. Unified Development Code)
Duluth permit FAQs
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Who handles building permitting in Duluth?
The City Community Development & Engineering Department administers and reviews all building, development and planning projects.
How do I apply for a Duluth building permit?
Submit it online through GovWell. Licensed contractors must register in GovWell first.
Who can request an inspection?
Only the general contractor. Requests made before 2:00 p.m. are considered for the next business day.
What does a reinspection cost?
$100 per reinspection.
Where is City Hall?
City Hall is at 3167 Main Street, Duluth, Georgia 30096.
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More Georgia permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Duluth permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.