Building permits in the City of Sandy Springs — a Fulton County city — are issued by the Community Development Department, with applications managed online through the Build Sandy Springs portal. The city's "Plan Sandy Springs" discovery tool helps determine where a project is allowed, which permits are required, and estimated fees.
This Sandy Springs building permit guide covers what requires a permit, how fees work, the Build Sandy Springs process, trade permits, and inspections — so your Sandy Springs project starts clean.
This guide covers the City of Sandy Springs (Fulton County). The city permits work inside its limits; because Fulton County is fully incorporated, its cities — not the county — issue permits. Registration on Build Sandy Springs is required, commercial building permits are issued only to a state-licensed general contractor, and detached structures under 120 square feet generally don't need a building permit.
What requires a building permit in Sandy Springs?
Under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes (the International Codes as adopted with Georgia amendments by the Department of Community Affairs), a permit is required before you construct, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of most structures. Common triggers include:
Permit required
- New construction, additions, and tenant build-outs
- Structural / load-bearing alterations and demolition
- Reroofing, windows, doors, and exterior work
- Electrical service changes and most wiring alterations
- Mechanical / HVAC installations and changeouts
- Plumbing alterations, repipes, and water heaters
- Pools, decks, retaining walls, and accessory structures
- Signs and land-disturbance work
Typically exempt
- Painting and carpeting / cosmetic improvements
- Detached structures under 120 sq ft (still subject to the Development Code)
- Like-for-like minor repairs not altering structure or systems
- Routine maintenance not extending or rerouting systems
Exemptions are narrow and scope-specific. When unsure, confirm with the building department before starting — see the penalty note below.
Get the permit issued before starting work. Building without one exposes the owner to penalties and stop-work orders. The city never requests payment by wire transfer or bank draft — be cautious of unsolicited payment requests.
Who handles permitting in Sandy Springs?
Permitting, plan review, and inspections run through Community Development, with Planning & Zoning implementing the city's Development Code. A Developer Meeting is recommended after a second failed submittal and required after a third.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Office | City Hall, 1 Galambos Way, Sandy Springs, GA 30328 |
| Phone | Community Development 770-730-5600 |
| Online portal | Build Sandy Springs (registration required) |
| Discovery tool | Plan Sandy Springs (where allowed, permits needed, fees) |
| Developer Meetings | Every Thursday (hybrid); required after 3rd failed submittal |
| Enforced code | Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes |
Apply through Build Sandy Springs. Register, then submit and track applications, request inspections, and pay fees; the portal automatically calculates permit fees before submission. Online card payments carry a 5% processing fee, or pay by cash/check in person by appointment (QLess). A $200 resubmittal fee applies on a third resubmission.
Sandy Springs building permit cost
Sandy Springs building permit fees are valuation-based plus permit-type flat fees in the Community Development fee schedule, with a $50 minimum permit fee; review fees are embedded by permit type.
Online card payments carry a 5% processing fee, and a $200 resubmittal fee applies on a third resubmission. Confirm current amounts in the fee schedule before budgeting.
| Fee component | How it works |
|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Valuation-based + permit-type flat fees ($50 minimum) |
| Trade permits (E / P / M) | Single-trade permits often issued within a business day |
| Card processing fee | 5% on online card payments |
| Resubmittal fee | $200 on a third resubmission |
| Plan review | Embedded by permit type |
| Work-without-permit | Penalties and possible stop-work orders |
Want a precise number for a specific Sandy Springs project? Send us the scope and valuation and we'll return a fee estimate alongside a filing timeline.
Sandy Springs trade permits
A building permit covers all licensed trades on a project; single-trade work (electrical, plumbing, or HVAC) can use a single-trade permit, often issued within a business day.
Electrical permits
Required for service installations, panel upgrades, solar PV, and most wiring alterations, performed by a Georgia-licensed electrical contractor.
Plumbing permits
Required for new plumbing, repipes, water heater changeouts, fixtures, and gas piping, performed by a Georgia-licensed plumbing contractor.
Mechanical (HVAC) permits
Required for HVAC changeouts, ductwork, and refrigeration, performed by a Georgia-licensed conditioned-air contractor. Specialized systems are permitted and inspected separately.
Miscellaneous & specialty
Reroofs, pools, retaining walls, and signs are permitted separately. Projects involving multiple licensed trades or structural work require a Building Permit; commercial permits are issued only to a state-licensed general contractor.
Verify your contractor's license. Georgia licenses general and residential contractors through the Georgia State Licensing Board for Residential and General Contractors, and electrical, plumbing, HVAC/conditioned-air, and low-voltage contractors through the Georgia State Construction Industry Licensing Board (both under the Secretary of State). Most projects over $2,500 require a licensed contractor, and only a licensed contractor — or a homeowner on their own residence — may pull a permit. Verify before signing; the property owner is responsible for ensuring a permit is obtained.
How to get a building permit in Sandy Springs
Confirm scope with Plan Sandy Springs
Use the Plan Sandy Springs discovery tool to confirm the project is allowed, identify required permits, and estimate fees.
Register & prepare documents
Register on Build Sandy Springs and assemble the application, stamped plans, and the required owner/contractor affidavits.
Apply in Build Sandy Springs
Submit the application and plans; the portal calculates fees, and the initial fee assessment is paid before plan review begins.
Plan review & corrections
City staff review for code, zoning, fire, and accessibility; resolve comments (a Developer Meeting is required after a third failed submittal).
Pay fees & pull the permit
Pay the calculated fees (5% card fee online, or cash/check in person), then post the permit on site.
Schedule inspections through close-out
Request inspections in Build Sandy Springs. Clear all required inspections to obtain your certificate of completion/occupancy.
Inspections in Sandy Springs
Request and track inspections through Build Sandy Springs using your permit record. Typical checkpoints include footing/foundation, rough-in MEP, framing, insulation, and final. Post the permit and approved plans on site throughout construction.
A re-inspection fee applies to failed inspections and must be cleared before a final inspection or certificate can be requested.
Official Sandy Springs permitting resources
- 🏛️ Sandy Springs Building & Construction
- 💻 Build Sandy Springs & permitting process
- 📋 Residential building permits
- 🪪 Georgia Secretary of State — contractor licensing
- 📘 Georgia DCA — State Minimum Codes
- 🗺️ Construction permit types
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Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company: we prepare your paperwork, file it correctly, and coordinate with the building department through issuance — including preparing private-provider documentation where that option is available. We are not a contractor and do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your team and the jurisdiction.
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More Georgia permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general informational purposes and reflects publicly available information believed accurate as of June 2026. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change; always confirm current details with the City of Sandy Springs Community Development Department before filing. This is not legal advice.