white county georgia

Building Permit FAQs

Q: WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES TO BUILDING CODES?
A: Each one of us relies on the safety of structures that surround us in our everyday living. Building codes provide safeguards and even though no code can eliminate all risks, reducing them to an acceptable level provides for a better living environment. Other advantages would include helping to prevent instant slums, establishing a means of updating property assessments, lower insurance rates, helping in getting state and federal grants and satisfying the requirements of the water conservation act.

Q: WHEN DO I NEED A PERMIT?
A: If you intend to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure or to install, alter, repair or replace any part of the electrical, gas, plumbing or HVAC systems, a permit is required. Other specific items would include but not be limited to manufactured homes, decks, storage buildings, pole barns, etc.

Q: WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME WHEN I COME FOR A RESIDENTIAL PERMIT?
A: Before a permit can be issued you need to provide us a recorded copy of the plat of the property showing lot lines and size of the lot. A copy of the septic tank and well permit (if applicable) issued by Environmental Health Department and if County water system is used, a receipt for a water meter application must also be submitted. General contractors and licensed subcontractors on the job MUST be the permit holders and sign the permit application. HOWEVER, a homeowner can be their own contractor so long as they do not hire licensed sub-contractors. All contractors, either homeowners or licensed, must bring in the necessary self-work and contractor affidavits at time of permitting. These affidavits must have original signatures. Faxed copies will be accepted.

Q: WHAT IS THE PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING A COMMERCIAL PERMIT?
A: The first step is to obtain a soil erosion permit from the Planning Department. The second step is to contact the Planning Department and go through their PRC (Plan Review Committee) process. After the PRC process is complete, you are ready to apply for the Plan Review and Building Permit. Application needs to be filled out and fees paid along with 1) three complete sets of Architectural, Structural, Electrical, Plumbing and HVAC plans stamped and signed by the appropriate engineers. These all have to be turned in to the Building Inspections Department in order to be reviewed by the appropriate personnel. The plans are then reviewed for code compliance and when all conditions have been met, the building permit can be issued. Soil Erosion plans are required for sites disturbing more than one acre, within 200 feet of a stream, or unless exempted.

Q: WHAT BUILDING TYPES REQUIRE STAMPED DRAWINGS?
A: Georgia law requires architect or engineer stamped drawings on all group A (Assembly), group E (Education) and group I (Institution) occupancies; on buildings 3 or more stories in height, and on all commercial buildings 5,000 square feet or more in area.

Q: WHAT CODES ARE CURRENTLY BEING ENFORCED IN WHITE COUNTY?

Q: WHEN DO I NEED AN INSPECTION?
An inspection is required at various stages of the construction process. The first inspection would probably be a footing inspection before any concrete is poured. If a slab is involved, any plumbing and/or electric installed under that slab would also need inspecting before concrete is poured. The next inspection would be the rough-in inspection, which includes the framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and gas systems before any drywall is installed. This inspection also includes fireplaces. Sometime between this inspection and the final, a Temp to Perm inspection is required to get permanent power on the structure. Lastly comes the final inspection where framing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, driveway and culvert pipe, house number, landscaping and soil erosion measures are to be completed. We will issue a Certificate of Occupancy when approvals from all departments have been received.

Q: WHAT DO I DO WHEN I’M READY FOR AN INSPECTION?
A: Call the White County Building Inspections Department at (706) 865-6496. The information you need when you call in includes the complete master permit number including letters (ex. RES2003-1234), be sure to listen to all prompts before selecting. A listing of inspection codes is available upon request.

Q: WHO SHOULD I CALL IF I HAVE QUESTIONS REGARDING LICENSES, TESTS AND INVESTIGATION OF CONTRACTORS’ WORKMANSHIP?
A: Call the Construction Industry Licensing Board at (478) 207-1416

Q: WHO SHOULD I CALL IF I HAVE A COMPLAINT OR DISPUTE WITH MY BUILDER?
A: Call the Governor’s Office of Consumer Affairs at (404) 651-8600 or 1-800-869-1123

Q: WHO DO I CONTACT TO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT MANUFACTURED HOMES?
Contact the Office of the Georgia Safety Fire Commissioner, Manufactured Housing Division at:(404) 656-9498

WEB SITES OF INTEREST
Department of Community Affairs (DCA) www.dca.state.ga.us
International Codes Council (ICC) www.iccsafe.org
Secretary of State www.sos.georgia.gov
State of Georgia www.state.ga.us