Smyrna, GA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Chapter 18, Article II creates the office of building inspector (§ 18-34) and defines the building official as the city building inspector (§ 18-31). Section 18-35 makes it the inspector's duty to enforce all laws relating to the construction, alteration, removal, and demolition of buildings and structures, and § 18-36 authorizes entry into any building, structure or premises at any reasonable hour on proper identification. The codes enforced come from § 18-32: the Standard Building Code, the CABO One- and Two-Family Dwelling Code and the Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code, latest editions as adopted by the state.

Beyond that, a staged sequence is printed for electrical work in Article III. Before wiring a new building, a layout or blueprint goes to the electrical inspector (§ 18-62). No one can cover or conceal electric wiring without prior inspection and written authorization by the electrical inspector (§ 18-64). Upon notification of completion, the electrical inspector inspects the work and, if it conforms, issues a certificate of approval that authorizes the current to be turned on, unless temporary approval applies (§ 18-65). Defects must be corrected within five days after notice or no further permit issues (§ 18-66).

Permit fees cover periodic inspections throughout the progress of the work until it is finally completed and approved (§ 18-98). Approval of plans is not approval of a violation, and the enforcing officer can require corrections afterward (§ 18-11). A denial of a building permit or other adverse decision by the building inspector can be appealed to the Mayor and Council (§ 18-37).