Fulton County, GA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- Sec. 14-41 (adds §109.3.11)
- Stages
- Underground, rough-in, final
- Who schedules
- The permit holder
- Jurisdiction
- Unincorporated Fulton County only
Summary
Fulton County's amended building code sets three required inspection stages for mechanical and plumbing work in unincorporated areas: underground, rough-in and final, each scheduled by the permit holder before work is concealed.
109.3.11 Mechanical and Plumbing Inspections. The holder of the permit shall be responsible for scheduling of such inspection as follows:
1.Underground inspection shall be made after trenches or ditches are excavated and bedded, piping installed, and before backfill is put in place. When excavated soil contains rocks, broken concrete, frozen chunks and other rubble that would damage or break the piping or cause corrosive action, clean backfill shall be on the job site and shall be used in lieu of the excavated soil.2.Rough-in inspection shall be made after the roof; framing, fire blocking and bracing are in place. For a mechanical inspection all ducting and other components to be concealed shall be complete. For a plumbing inspection all sanitary, storm and water distribution pipes shall be roughed-in. Wall and ceiling membranes are not to be installed until these inspections has been approved.3.Final inspection for mechanical shall be made upon completion of the mechanical system. Final inspection for plumbing shall be made after the building is completed, all plumbing fixtures are in place and properly connected, and the structure is ready for occupancy. Exception: Ground-source heat pump loop systems tested in accordance with Section 1208.1.1 shall be permitted to be backfilled prior to inspection.
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 adds § 109.3.11 to the county's adopted IBC administrative code, requiring the permit holder to schedule three inspections for mechanical and plumbing work: an underground inspection after trenches are excavated and piping installed but before backfill; a rough-in inspection after roof, framing and bracing are in place and before walls are closed; and a final inspection once the system is complete and, for plumbing, fixtures are connected and the structure is ready for occupancy.
Violations & Fines
Concealing mechanical or plumbing work before the required underground, rough-in or final inspection is approved is enforced as a Sec. 14-1 misdemeanor, up to $1,000 per violation and 60 days in jail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspections does Fulton County require for plumbing rough-in?
Who is responsible for scheduling inspections?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fulton County
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