About Construction Projects in Atlanta, GA

Atlanta is in the middle of a construction boom. New projects are popping up across Georgia’s capital, especially in Midtown and Buckhead. Consider local guidelines before planning your next project.

Building Permits

The Atlanta Municipal Code states that building permits are required for all building and repair jobs in the city. The Office of Building issues Atlanta’s building permits.

If your building requires any of the following, first visit the Office of Planning:

• Zoning changes
• A planning overlay district
• PDMUs or historic districts
• Variances
• Manipulation of property lines
• Replating

Apply for a building permit in person at the Atlanta City Hall. The Office of Buildings is at 55 Trinity Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30303, Suite 3800. Arrive by 3 p.m. for a same-day appointment.

Bring the following to Atlanta City Hall:

• A title sheet
• Architectural plans with all dimensions
• Structural plans, if applicable
• Four copies of your Office of Planning approval, if applicable
• Your complete building permit application
• A contractor license agent affidavit
• A projected cost of construction letter

The final three forms are downloadable from the City of Atlanta website.

Pay half the building permit fee and the technology fee when you submit your application. You’ll be invoiced for the rest of the building permit fee and any impact fees when your permit is issued.

Pay your invoice at the cashier’s window. This is on the first floor of City Hall. The cashier accepts:

• Cash
• Visa or Mastercard
• Certified bank check
• Money order

Building Licenses

The state of Georgia offers three different licenses:

• Residential – Basic Contractor
• Residential – Light Commercial Contractor
• General Contractor

You can only get a builder’s license if you:

• Are pre-approved by the state
• Pass the Georgia Business and Law exam
• Pass the relevant Construction exam
• Have worked as a contractor for at least two years
• Have been responsible for at least two projects in the past two years
• Are aged at least 21
• Pass background and credit checks
• Hold proof of liability insurance 
• Hold a workman’s compensation policy

The Georgia Secretary of State handles all building licenses. Call this department at 478-207-2440 to apply. All license applications require a nonrefundable $200 fee.

Builders must complete three hours of education annually to maintain their building licenses.

Best Equipment to Use in Atlanta, Georgia

Atlanta lies at the edge of the Georgia Piedmont. That means many parts of the city have the rocky soil this region’s known for. Inspect your site thoroughly to see whether it has metamorphic or igneous rocks.

Rocky terrain requires special equipment. Rough terrain scissor lifts and rough terrain manlifts can negotiate rocky ground. Boom lifts with high ground clearance can move over rocky sites without damage. If you want to rent a forklift, remember they don’t like rocky surfaces. You’ll need to clear any loose rocks from your site before using this equipment.

Don’t let the Atlanta building boom pass you buy. Do your research and take advantage of all the construction opportunities this city provides.