The City of Roswell Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Code are hosted by Municode and are available at thannyle.com/ordinances.

For all new building permit applications submitted after January 1, 2020, design drawings must be done in conformance to these new codes: In addition to the above mandatory codes, the City of Roswell has adopted the following optional codes:

Please send an email to buildinginspection@roswellgov.com prior to 4:00 PM to schedule a next day inspection. Inspection requests received after 4:00 PM will be scheduled two days out. All inspections called in on Friday will be scheduled for the following Monday. For more information, please call 770-641-3780.

For fire inspections, please call 770-641-3730.

Building & Inspection Division Inspection Requirements

• Documents: Permits and Stamped Approved Plans must be on-site for every inspection. No documents, no inspection. Plans are not required for over-the-counter type jobs (HVAC/Water Heater/Electric Service Restore/Panel Changeouts, etc.). Permits are required to be on site for every job.
• Re-Inspections: If an inspection fails, the fee may not be paid until the next business day. After the fee is paid, the inspection may be scheduled for the following day. Example: Fail on Monday, pay fee on Tuesday, schedule inspection on Tuesday for Wednesday. The inspectors do not have authority to alter this procedure nor remove fees for a failed inspection.
• Temporary Power: "Temp Power" requests require that the panel box be in an area that is lockable. If located in a garage, then the overhead door must be installed with a way to secure it. If located anywhere else in the structure, doors must be installed with locks. Make sure electricians know of this requirement before they request an inspection. One GFCI breaker or outlet and one duplex outlet are required.
• Cancelling Inspections: You may cancel an inspection if you call us before 8 AM the day of the inspection. You can call your inspector if he has given you his number, or the Building Official or Asst. Building Official. We never automatically cancel an inspection because of inclement weather. You must determine if you are prepared or not. The Building Official may cancel inspections due to storm/freezing weather but you will receive a phone call alerting you of this. Inspections may not be cancelled once the inspector has arrived on the site.
• Access: We require access to the job from 8:00 AM till 4:00 PM. We do not call ahead, regardless if you have requested this on the inspection line. Because of the inspection scheduling and volume of work, we cannot accommodate special requests of this type. The job must be open and if an occupied residence, someone must be present. We do promise next day inspections; we do not give specific times, nor AM/PM requests.
• Inspections Results: The inspector will leave an inspection report on each job with the results noted. They only sign the permit when a job passes and please be aware that not every inspection on the permit may be required. Check with the inspector on this. Due to the ever increasing work load, we do not give inspection results over the phone. Contractors are expected to monitor and manage their jobs and check the permit box for their inspection results.
• General Requirements: General Contractors are required to call inspections in. We do not want nor will accept subs requests for inspections. Permits must be posted on site in a weather resistant device in an accessible, visible location.
• Questions: Please send an email to buildinginspection@roswellgov.com or call 770-594-6279.

Building Process Flowcharts

• Commercial Interior Renovation
• New Commercial Building
• New Residential Building
• Residential Interior Remodeling
• Trades Permits

Inspection Requests

It shall be the duty of the permit holder or their agent to notify the City Building Inspection Department that the site is ready for an inspection for the following Required Inspections. Work shall not be done beyond the point indicated in each successive inspection until inspector has approved such work. Any portion that does not comply at the time of inspection requires a re-inspection and shall not be covered or concealed until approved by the Inspector. A copy of the stamped construction plans “reviewed for code compliance” shall be kept on site when required.

Please send an email to buildinginspection@roswellgov.com prior to 4:00 PM to schedule a next day inspection. Inspection requests received after 4:00 PM will be scheduled two days out. All inspections called in on Friday will be scheduled for the following Monday. For more information, please call 770-641-3780.

For fire inspections, please call 770-641-3730.

Each inspection below is a separate inspection and must be inspected in the following order:

Please Note: In an effort to cut down on unnecessary confusion and to make for a more efficient process, re-inspection for a failed inspection cannot be scheduled until the next business day. This allows the inspector time to result the failed inspection in the system. Also, it allow the applicant/builder time to correct the failed items and to pay the re-inspection fee.

Overview

Construction normally proceeds in steps or stages usually determined by the various mandated inspections. Steps may vary dependent upon the scope of work to be done and at the discretion of the Building Division.

Guidelines

The important thing to remember when doing permitted construction is to not cover anything up that has not been visually inspected and approved in writing by City inspectors. If the work is covered prior to inspection and approval, the contractor will be required to uncover the work to allow City inspectors to ensure the work is code compliant.

Work shall not progress on any part of a building, mechanical, electrical, low voltage, plumbing, fuel gas, energy conservation, fire prevention, or other system without first obtaining a written release from the building inspectors, Fire Department, or other City officials as required by permits or approved plans as applicable.

Such written release shall be noted on the posted yard placard and by an inspection slip left on location. The inspection certificate will usually be placed on the placard. For results or current status of a project – visually check your permit yard placard for signoffs.

No further inspections or written releases of construction shall be made, nor shall a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Completion be issued for any construction, until the permit holder or property owner demonstrates code(s) compliance to the satisfaction of the Building Official.

Re-Inspection Policy & Fees

When a work inspection fails, permit holders must correct noted violations and reschedule the inspection when ready, but not before the next workday, unless so directed by the inspector. Inspectors are not for construction punch list preparation. Please call the Inspection Hot Line at 770-641-3784 prior to 4:00 PM to schedule a next day inspection. Inspection requests received after 4:00 PM will be scheduled two days out. All inspections called in on Friday will be scheduled for the following Monday.

If inspectors deem a permit holder is negligent in preparing for inspections and using inspectors to prepare punch lists, inspections will be suspended and the permit holders are required to schedule a meeting with the Building Official for instructions to resolve inspection issues.

Building Permit Placard Guidelines

Building Permit Placard guidelines are as follows:

• Work requiring a building permit shall not be started until the permit holder posts the City-issued building permit yard placard in a conspicuous place at the front of the premises where the permitted work is to be done.
  • If a permit yard placard is not posted on site, the City will not provide inspections for the work being completed as required by the applicable codes.
• Permit yard placards must be accessible and readable from the public right-of-way and located in a position to allow permit inspectors to view it and make any required entries thereon.
• Permit yard placards shall be maintained in position until all required final inspections have been approved and have received the necessary sign-off with the building or system ready for occupancy and use.
• The permit holder is responsible for maintaining the yard placard by protecting it from the weather.
  • All damaged, lost, or stolen permit yard placards shall be replaced before further inspections can be made.

Additional Information

For more information, please call 770-641-3780.

Overview

Inspections will not be conducted on any construction site without effective soil erosion control measures in place. Silt fences, rocked construction entrances, and other best management practices (BMPs) as required by Development Services - Engineering Division. All erosion control measures (BMPs) shall be constantly maintained in a good state of repair.

Measures must effectively contain all mud, silt, and other construction debris within the site limits and out of waterways, public streets, and paved walkways. Those sites found not having effective soil erosion control measures in place will receive stop work orders, which can include citations for violations. The work cannot resume until it has been released by the City of Roswell Engineering Division.

Additional Information

For more information, please call 770-594-6268.

Description of Work		Permit Needed?
Accessory structure for use as a storage building		Yes
Appliance replacement using plug in devices		No
Appliance replacement using permanent hardwired devices such as piping or wiring		Yes
Bathroom fixture repair or replacement		No
Bathroom fixture repair or replacement needing piping alterations		Yes
New buildings-commercial or residential		Yes
Change in buildings use or occupancy classification		Yes
New deck construction or structural repairs		Yes
Simple deck repairs (non-structural)		No
Screened porches and decks		Yes
Freestanding decks, arbors, pergolas		Yes
Driveway repairs		No
Enlarging footprint of driveway in river corridor		Yes
Enlarging footprint of driveway outside of corridor		Contact Engineering
New doors and windows requiring structural alterations		Yes
Window and door replacement not requiring structural alteration		Yes
Electrical service repair		Yes
New electrical circuit		Yes
New fireplace or stove		Yes
Interior remodel including drywall, lighting, and/or structural framing		Yes
Interior projects that are limited to painting, tiling, carpet and/or trim work		No
Replacement of furnace or a/c system		Yes
Replacement of water heater		Yes
Replacement of duct work		Yes
New plumbing fixture requiring piping alterations		Yes
Gas piping		Yes
Swimming pools and spas		Yes
Above ground pools		Yes
Garage door repair or replacement		No
Minor repairs to roof covering		No
New roof covering or roof decking or replacement		Yes
Retaining Walls		Yes
New exterior siding, masonry or stucco finish		Yes
New exterior brick or stone masonry		Yes
Minor repair to damaged siding, masonry or stucco		No
Garage storm shelters		Yes
Solar panel		Yes

Land Disturbance and Grading Permits in the City of Roswell are handled by the City's Engineering Division.