Gwinnett County, GA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Permit timing
- Required before work starts
- Covers
- Building, electrical, gas, plumbing work
- Minor exemptions
- Small sheds, low fences (§106.4)
- Penalty
- $100-$1,000 fine per violation
- Scope
- Unincorporated Gwinnett County only
Summary
Anyone who wants to build, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a structure in unincorporated Gwinnett County must first apply for and get a permit from the building official under Code § 106.1.
106.1. - Required. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, fuel gas piping, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: Code of Ordinances: Supplement 9).
Full Breakdown
§ 106.1 requires an owner or authorized agent to apply to the building official and obtain a permit before constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, demolishing, or changing occupancy of a building, or before installing/altering an electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system. § 106.4 carves out limited exemptions: small accessory sheds under 120 sq ft, fences up to 8 feet, low retaining walls, and similar minor items. This governs unincorporated Gwinnett only; the county's sixteen cities each run their own permitting.
Violations & Fines
Building without a required permit is unlawful under § 111.1; the building official can issue a stop-work order (§ 111.3) and a citation to Recorder's Court, with conviction bringing a $100-$1,000 fine or up to 60 days jail (§ 1-11), each day a separate offense.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does every home project in Gwinnett County need a permit?
What happens if I build without a permit in unincorporated Gwinnett County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Gwinnett County
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