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Building Safety in Decatur, GA (2026)

3 verified building safety rules for Decatur, Georgia, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Building Permits

Any Decatur, Georgia owner, agent or contractor who wants to build, alter, move or demolish a building, or install its electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing systems, must first apply to the Building Official and get a permit under UDO Sec. 10.1.1(B), with minor repairs under $1,000 exempted.

Decatur GA Building Permit Requirements

Some Restrictions

Decatur Unified Development Ordinance § 10.1.1(B)(1)-(2)

When required, any owner, authorized agent, or contractor who desires 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, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the construction codes, or to cause any such work to...

Electrical Permits

Decatur, Georgia enforces the National Electrical Code, as adopted and amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, for every electrical installation, alteration and repair in the city under UDO Sec. 10.1.2(C)(3), on top of the general building-permit requirement in Sec. 10.1.1(B).

Decatur GA Electrical Code Adoption Rule

Some Restrictions

Decatur Unified Development Ordinance § 10.1.2(C)(3)

The provisions of the National Electrical Code, as adopted and amended by the state department of community affairs, shall apply to the installation of electrical systems, including alterations, repairs, replacement, equipment, appliances, fixtures, fittings, and appurtenances thereto.

Plumbing Permits

Decatur, Georgia adopts the International Plumbing Code, as amended by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, as its plumbing code under UDO Sec. 10.1.2(G)(1), and requires a Building Official permit before any plumbing installation, alteration or replacement begins.

Decatur GA Plumbing Code Adoption Rule

Some Restrictions

Decatur Unified Development Ordinance § 10.1.2(G)(1)

The International Plumbing Code, as amended and approved by the state department of community affairs for use as the state minimum standard plumbing code, is hereby adopted as the plumbing code of the City. Such code shall have the same force and effect as if it were fully set forth or described in this section. A copy of the code shall be properly attested and kept on file with the City clerk.

Looking for DeKalb County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Decatur city rules.

Building Safety in DeKalb County