Roswell, GA
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Building Permits & Inspections
Contact
Permit Technician
770-594-6195
John Boland
Chief Building Official
Email John Boland
770-594-6279
Inspection Lines
Request a Building Inspection
Fire Inspections
770-641-3730
Find out more
770-594-6195
John Boland
Chief Building Official
Email John Boland
770-594-6279
Inspection Lines
Request a Building Inspection
Fire Inspections
770-641-3730
Find out more
Hours & Location
Monday - Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Appointments Available
38 Hill Street
Suite G-30
Roswell, GA 30075
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Appointments Available
38 Hill Street
Suite G-30
Roswell, GA 30075
Overview
The Building Division serves to protect the health, safety and welfare of the public and enhance the general quality of life in the City of Roswell through interpretation and enforcement of the Georgia State Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Electrical Codes, as well as other applicable regulations governing construction and land use.The Building staff review building plans and inspect all residential and commercial structures built or remodeled within the City. They also issue the following permits:
- building (residential and non-residential)
- deck/pool/spa
- demolition
- interior finish
- remodeling and additions
- retaining wall
- roof
- trade
- siding and window replacement
- any additional permits required
City Code Online
The City of Roswell Code of Ordinances and Unified Development Code are hosted by Municode and are available at thannyle.com/ordinances.
Currently Enforced Codes
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:
Mandatory Codes
- International Building Code 2018 Edition
- International Residential Code 2018 Edition
- International Plumbing Code 2018 Edition
- International Mechanical Code 2018 Edition
- International Fuel Gas Code 2018 Edition
- International Energy Conservation Code 2015 Edition
- International Fire Code 2018 Edition
- National Electrical Code 2017 Edition
- International Swimming Pool and Spa Code 2018 Edition
Optional Codes
- International Property Maintenance Code 2012 Edition
- International Existing Building Code 2012 Edition
- National Green Building Standard 2008 Edition (Voluntary)
Building Inspections & Requirements
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.
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 Inspection Process
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:
- Foundation and Foundation Wall Inspection: Foundation inspection shall be made after trenches are excavated, the reinforcement steel is in place, forms erected, and prior to the placing of concrete.
- Underground Inspections: Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated, Electrical - Conduit or Cable Installed; Mechanical – Underground duct and fuel piping installed; Plumbing – Piping installed; before any backfill.
- Slab Inspection: Slab inspection shall be made just prior to placing of concrete.
- Exterior Framing Inspection: This inspection of the exterior wall sheathing fasteners and braced wall panels shall be made prior to concealment by building wrap and other moisture barrier systems.
- Moisture Barrier Inspection: Inspection of the building wrap, membranes, flashings, and any other required moisture barrier systems shall be made prior to the installation of the exterior finishing materials. Note: this inspection may be made in conjunction with the required Framing/Rough Inspection.
- Frame Inspection/Rough Inspection: Inspection of framing construction shall be made after the roof, all framing, fire stopping, sheathing, draft stopping, bracing and fasteners are in place. The Rough Inspection of plumbing, mechanical, gas and electrical systems shall be made prior to covering or concealment, before fixtures or appliances are set or installed.
- Insulation Inspection: To ensure an energy-controlled building envelop, the inspection of the building insulation must be made prior to covering or concealing the insulation from view.
- Final Inspection: Final inspection shall be made after the building is complete and is ready for immediate occupancy.
Prior to calling for an inspection, the following must be on the job site or inspection will not be performed, must reschedule the inspection:
- Inspection will not be performed on structures until required permits are approved.
- Permit card and sign off sheet must be posted on job site in a weather-tight permit box and must remain on job site until a certificate of occupancy or completion is issued by the Building Official.
- If inspector arrives at the job site and the job is not ready for inspection, the inspector will leave notice on site stating: (Structure was not inspected, must email buildinginspection@roswellgov.com to schedule a re-inspection).
Building Inspection Approval
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 Placards
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.Erosion Inspection
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.Find Out If a Permit is Needed
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
Land Disturbance and Grading Permits in the City of Roswell are handled by the City's Engineering Division.
Building Permit: Fee Schedule
Building Permit: Application Packet
Building Permit: Residential Pool/Addition/Deck/Retaining Wall Combined Building & Land Disturbance Permit Application Packet
Demolition Permit Application
Trade Permit Application: Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Roofing, Siding, Window Replacement
Contractor Exemption Affidavit
Authorized Permit Agent Form
Property Owner Affidavit: General Contractor
Property Owner Affidavit: Trade Contractor
Subcontractor Affidavit
Retaining Wall: Property Owner Indemnification
Retaining Wall: Licensed Design Professional Certification
Retaining Wall: Installation/Construction Licensed Design Professional Certification
Fire Permit Application Packet
Development Impact Fee Flyer
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Expand/Contract Questions and Answers
Yes, a house moving permit is required to move a house in, out, or through the City of Roswell. A map of the route is required with notification to Fire, Police, Transportation, and the utility companies.
- Yes, water heaters are under the purview of the plumbing and gas codes requiring permits and inspections to ensure a safe installation. State licensing is also required if a tradesman is doing the job.
No, the insulation cannot be installed for the rough-in inspection; it is considered a visual obstruction and is conducted after the rough-in.
- No.
- The City of Roswell always issues either a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Occupancy, depending on the scope of the work, when the job has passed final inspection. It may be in a homeowners best interest to require a contractor to produce the appropriate document prior to final payment.
- Please send an email to buildinginspection@roswellgov.com to schedule a next-day inspection prior to 4:00 PM. 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 new construction, windows are required to display the NFRC label with a U-factor of 0.50 or less and a SHGC not to exceed 0.30.
- The City of Roswell has a packet of information specifically for pools, there are different requirements for a private pools vs. public pools. Private pools require a permit and compliance with the Standard Swimming Pool Code while a public pool requires approval with Fulton County regulations as well as approval and permits with the City of Roswell. Approval stamps from Fulton County are required on the pool drawings prior to submission to the City of Roswell.
- A permit is required for a new deck or replacement of an existing deck. Submit a building permit application with two copies of a site plan showing existing as well as the proposed structures. This is used to determine if the setbacks are met.
- Any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert, or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the construction codes, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the Building Division and obtain the required permit for the work. A permit shall not be issued to an owner, who is neither a licensed contractor nor the occupant of a residential structure being altered. Routine maintenance such a painting, floor coverings, and wall paper, do not require a permit.
- The inspection staff is limited and work as combination inspectors. The length of time an inspector might be on a job site is unpredictable therefore making it difficult to schedule set times for inspections.