Fulton County, GA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 14-41 (amends IBC §105.2)
- Shed exemption
- Under 150 sq ft
- Permit office
- Environment & Community Development Dept.
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Fulton County only
Summary
Unincorporated Fulton County requires a building permit for construction, alteration and repair work, with only narrow exemptions, small sheds under 150 square feet, roof repairs, and short retaining walls, under the county's amended permit code.
105.2 Work Exempt from Permit.
Amend item 1 as follows:
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the under roof area does not exceed 150 square feet.
Delete item 2.
Amend item 11 to read as follows:
Swings and other playground equipment.
Add the following:
14.Roof repair or replacement of roofing material.15.Retaining walls less than 4' above grade on all sides along the entire length when located more than 6' from other retaining walls or load bearing structures.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 57).
Full Breakdown
Sec. 14-41 amends IBC § 105.2 (Work Exempt from Permit) to narrow the exemption list for unincorporated Fulton County: one-story detached sheds, playhouses and similar structures up to 150 square feet, roof repair or reroofing, and retaining walls under 4 feet located more than 6 feet from other walls. Everything else needs a permit. Sec. 14-41 also amends § 105.3, requiring the application be filed in writing on a Department of Environment and Community Development form before work begins.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit is enforced under Sec. 14-1: a misdemeanor punishable by up to $1,000 per violation and up to 60 days in jail, with each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a storage shed in unincorporated Fulton County?
Is roof repair exempt from a permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
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