Garden City, Georgia Building Permit Guide

In Garden City, building permits are issued by the City’s planning office (Planning, Zoning & Building, part of Planning and Economic Development) at 100 Central Avenue, with applications and sealed plans filed online through GovWell. Under the fee schedule effective January 1, 2026, a new single-family home costs $0.35 per square foot of climate-controlled space, plus $100 per required inspection.

What requires a permit in Garden City?

Building construction and land development both go through the City's development review and permitting process. Land development also needs a land disturbance permit application, a hydrology study and tree protection and replacement plans.

The City’s fee schedule shows the permits it issues:

Garden City building department: who handles permitting

Applications and electronically signed and sealed construction plans are submitted through the City's online permit portal (GovWell).

Garden City permit types and filing path

The City's Building Inspector and Fire Inspector review plans for code compliance. Depending on the type of construction, Water Operations and other City departments also review and must approve. For land development, review comments come back within about 20 working days of the other departments receiving the plans.

To get a building permit, contractors must be state-licensed and hold a current Georgia business licence. A contractor without one must apply for it with the City of Garden City.

The City encourages applicants to talk to Planning staff before submitting plans or applications. Building work is governed by Chapter 18 of the City Code and zoning by Chapter 90.

Permit costs and fees in Garden City

Fees come from the City’s Regulatory Fees Schedule, effective January 1, 2026, part of the FY2026 Master Fee Schedule. Building permits are charged per square foot, and inspections and plan review are added on top.

Inspections are charged separately at $100 each for homes. A new house needs at least 5 building inspections on a slab or 6 on a stem wall, and at least 3 plumbing or electrical inspections; commercial building inspections are $450 each with a minimum of 4. HVAC inspections are $150 per visit. Extra inspections beyond the minimum are charged at the same rate.

For example, a 2,000 sq ft climate-controlled house on a slab costs $700 for the permit, at least $500 for building inspections and $200 for plan review, before trade inspections. A $25 administrative fee applies to every application. For development plans, the City charges an initial $400 per civil and building plan submittal, covers two reviews, and charges $650 for each later review. Renewing a permit within 30 days of its expiry costs $450.

How to apply: 6-step Garden City process

Garden City inspections

The Planning Department schedules inspections once the applicant or contractor tells it that the work is ready. The permit states how many inspections are required.

Do not cover regulated work before the required inspection.

Local Garden City details that matter

Land disturbance: a land disturbance permit is $500 for under 1 acre of total disturbance, and an LDA permit is $500 per acre above that. Land development reviews may also need approval from the Chatham County Health Department, NRCS or GDOT.

Trees: on residential property, owners removing trees themselves pay no permit fee until more than 3 trees are removed in a calendar year. A non-specimen tree over 8 inches in diameter costs $450 to remove, and specimen trees $550 per unit, under the City’s Tree Protection & Landscape Ordinance.

Flood zones: the City’s online flood hazard map shows flood zones, base flood elevations and elevation certificates, and floodplain rules are set by the Flood Damage Control Ordinance. Questions go to Planning and Economic Development at 912-963-2749.

Fee reductions: building and inspection fees are reduced by 60% for federally funded residential projects and for hotel and hospitality projects under City Code Section 18-85.

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

Garden City permit search and official resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• Georgia state codes
• Garden City permit portal (GovWell)
• Development Review & Permitting
• Garden City Building Inspections
• Garden City FY2026 Master Fee Schedule (amended)
• Garden City Floodplain Management

Garden City permit FAQs

Who handles building permits in Garden City?

The City of Garden City Office of Planning, Zoning & Building, for property inside the City.

How much is a building permit for a new house in Garden City?

$0.35 per square foot of climate-controlled space, plus $100 for each required inspection (at least 5 building inspections) and a $200 plan review fee.

Where should I submit a Garden City permit?

Through the City’s GovWell portal, with electronically signed and sealed plans.

What licences do contractors need?

A state licence and a current Georgia business licence. A contractor without a Georgia business licence must apply for one with the City.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Homeowners removing trees themselves pay no fee until more than 3 trees are removed in a year; larger trees and specimen trees carry fees under the tree ordinance.

How are inspections scheduled?

Tell the Planning Department when the work is ready, and it schedules the inspection.

Simplify Garden City 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.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Garden City permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.