Planning, Zoning and Inspections Procedures
Construction:
1. Prior to commencement of construction, please contact the Planning, Zoning and Inspection Department to determine if you need to obtain the following:
- Zoning and Life Safety Approval from the Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department and the Fire Marshal
- A Tree Preservation Permit from the City tree consultant
- Soil Erosion and Drainage Permits from the Engineering Department
- Permits from the Engineering Department for curb cuts and any work to be done in the right of way
- Building, Plumbing and/or HVAC permits from the Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department
- An Electrical permit from DeKalb County
2. You must also:
- Install soil erosion control devices and tree protection prior to construction (if applicable)
- Post permit card on job site
3. Once construction begins you must request inspections at appropriate intervals
4. Prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy you must:
- Submit Final Drainage Certificate from owner's engineer to Engineering Department
- Obtain final tree preservation approval from tree consultant (if applicable)
- Apply to Building Official for final construction inspections and Certificate of Occupancy
Documents needed to obtain a building permit:
Not all submittals listed here may be required for each project, so be sure to contact the Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department at 404-370-4104 to identify the appropriate items for your job. Submittals can include:
- Two sets of site plans for the Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department
- Three sets of tree protection plans for the City's arborist
- Five sets of soil erosion plans and two sets of drainage study/calculations for the Engineering Department
- Two sets of building construction plans for the Planning, Zoning and Inspections Department for zoning and life safety/fire prevention review
- Eight sets of plans and an application for review and approval by the Historic Preservation Commission if property is historic or located in a historic district
Please refer to the following flow chart and checklists for additional information regarding obtaining a Building Permit for Single Family Dwellings:
When to Submit Plans:
Plans may be received during general office hours, Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fees:
Applicable construction related fees payable to the city may include but are not limited to:
- Building Permit
- Plumbing Permit
- HVAC Permit
- Sign Permit
- Soil erosion and sedimentation control review
- Drainage review
- Tree preservation and replacement review
- Demolition permit
- Bond for construction work in public right of way
- Certificate of Occupancy
- Historic Preservation Certificate of Appropriateness or Exemption
Refer to the schedule of fees for detailed information.
NOTE: The city accepts cash, credit/debit cards (no American Express) and checks made payable to "City of Decatur" only.
Other possible fees: