Permits and Inspections

Starting a project soon? Call us at 770-867-3510 for help determining if a permit is required, then apply online through our Citizen Portal using the button below.

About Permits and Inspections

The Planning and Development Department reviews, issues, and inspects all permitting and licensing requests within the City’s municipal boundaries in conformance with State law, City Ordinances, applicable regulations, and the City’s adopted land use policies.

We strive to offer excellent customer service and to administer and enforce the building, construction, inspection, and license codes in a professional, timely, and courteous manner.

Project Management

By providing a variety of customer services, including one stop shop permitting, online submissions, Development Team Meetings, and Project Management services, the City of Winder works closely with developers and citizens with land use and business development needs to ensure a timely and professional process focused on producing quality development within the City of Winder.

To better serve you, all land use projects are assigned a Project Manager to concierge your project from conception to completion. Your Development Project Manager will assist you with all submittals, scheduling, and process needs as well as liaison with all other development staff to ensure a timely and through review process for your project.

Additionally, we offer a one stop permit shop. All your project’s permit and license applications, inspection request, and development related payments are handled through your Project Manager in the Planning and Development Department.

Building Permits

The City of Winder requires a plan review and issuance of building or development permits prior to construction or remodeling activity. Building permits help ensure that proper inspections are performed; the inspections, in turn, verify that construction or remodeling of a residence or business complies with code requirements. Prior to starting a project, please call the Planning and Development Department by dialing 770-867-3510 to assist in the permit determination process. You can apply for a permit through our Citizen Portal.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Building permits are required for all new construction, as well as additions, remodels, and mechanical system replacements.*
Permits are not required for minor repair, painting, carpeting/floor covering, etc.*

*Please note that these lists are examples and are not comprehensive.

If it will be self-build, will need to complete homeowners affidavit (per OCGA 43-41-17).
Must live in home for at least two years to qualify.

Historic District

If you are in the Historic District, additional permits and approvals may be required. Visit the Historic Preservation Commission's webpage for more information:

Inspections

Upon the issuance of a building permit, several inspections are necessary throughout the construction process. The City of Winder Building Inspections Division provides services to general contractors and homeowners undertaking new construction, remodeling, or adding expansions to existing structures. Our team is committed to ensuring safety and maintaining compliance with the applicable standards established by local, state, and federal regulations.

Request an Inspection

The applicant may submit an inspection request directly through our Citizen Portal. This is the most efficient method, ensuring that the request is promptly assigned, even if we are in meetings or out of the office. Apply for an Inspection

The applicant can call our office at 770-867-3510 to request an inspection.

State Minimum Standard Codes Adopted (Sec. 5-2.)

For the purposes of establishing rules and regulations for the construction and alteration of buildings and other structures and similar work in the city and its service area, the city hereby adopts the following state minimum standard codes as defined in O.C.G.A. § 8-2-20, as amended from time to time to-wit: International Building Code (ICC); National Electrical Code (NFPA); International Fuel/Gas Code (ICC); International Mechanical Code (ICC); International Plumbing Code (ICC); International Residential Code for 1- and 2- family dwellings (ICC); International Energy Conservation Code (ICC); and International Fire Code (ICC). The term "state minimum standard codes" shall specifically not include the Georgia State Fire Code.

Building codes are a set of regulations established by local, state, or national authorities that specify the minimum standards for the design, construction, and safety of buildings.

Additional Information

Required Inspections: Each permit requires inspections based on the scope and nature of the work performed. Work must not be covered up or progress until it passes required inspections.

Trade Permits: The first inspection is paid with the initial trade permit. If more inspections are required, there will be additional inspection fees that will require payment before the additional inspections can be completed.

Who Should Request: Inspections are requested by the licensed contractor, who is responsible for ensuring that work is ready for inspection, or by the job superintendent.

Cutoff Time: Inspections requested by 4:00 PM on a business day will be scheduled for the next business day. Future dates may also be requested, up to a week in advance.

Time Requests: Scheduled inspections are routed geographically, so we don’t make appointments for specific times except in special circumstances, such as early concrete pours.

Contractor on Site: The contractor/job superintendent should be on the job site during inspections. Permits must be posted, and the approved plans must be available to the inspector, or the inspection will fail.

Arrival Time: The inspector is not expected to call contractors to alert them of expected arrival time. It may be done as a courtesy when time allows, but most days they are very busy.

Cancel or Reschedule: You may cancel or reschedule an inspection before the 4:00 PM request cut-off time.

Concurrent Inspections: Building, Site, and Fire Marshal inspections may be scheduled for the same day. The Inspectors will not arrive at the same time.

Inspection Results: Inspection results cannot be found online. For inspection results, please call 770-867-3510.

Planning & Permitting Fees

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)