Commercial Building Permits

When is a Commercial Building Permit required?
A Commercial Building Permit is required whenever a property owner is constructing, altering, enlarging, repairing or demolishing a building, structure or tenant space.

When is a Commercial Building Permit not required?
A Commercial Building Permit is not required for general aesthetic improvements such as painting & carpeting.

Who can apply for a Commercial Building Permit?
Anyone can apply for a Commercial Building Permit. However, a permit can only be issued to a state licensed general contractor. 

Applying for a Commercial Building Permit

You can apply for a permit online at Build Sandy Springs. Build Sandy Springs is where you can complete your application, submit construction drawings, pay invoices, request inspections, and view your current permit status.

You can also Schedule an Appointment via QLess to meet with one of our Permit Technicians at City Hall for further assistance with your application.

Required Application Documents: The following documents are required for the permitting process. You can fill these out before you visit us, or we can assist you once you arrive.

• Commercial Building Permit Application
• BC Application Guide

Associated Documents: The following documents may also be required, depending on the nature of your permit request. You can complete these when you visit after speaking with one of our permit technicians.

• Authorized Agent Affidavit
• Contractor Affidavit 
• Commercial Owner Authorization Affidavit
• Commercial CO or CC Request Form

Commercial Building Permit Types

If the project involves multiple licensed trades, then a Building Permit must be obtained which will cover all the licensed trades involved in the project. A building permit is also required for projects that involve structural work. Certain projects require special permits instead of or in addition to building permits.

• Commercial - Accessory Structure (Application Guide) 
  • An Accessory Structure Permit is used for constructing a new structure that does not touch the existing building. Examples include dumpster enclosures, drive-thru kiosks, gazebos, sport courts, outdoor kitchens, garages, and sheds. 
• Commercial - Additions and Alterations (Application Guide) 
  • An Additions and Alterations Permit is for alterations that will expand a building’s existing footprint or alter an exterior wall. This permit also includes any interior remodeling associated with the project.
• Commercial - Communication Tower/Antenna (Application Guide) 

  • A Communication Tower/Antenna Permit is for the provision of radio waves or wireless service. This includes roof-mounted antennas, free standing steeples, and structures that conceal antennas as an architectural feature.

• Commercial - Construction/Sales Trailer (Application Guide)  
  • A Construction/Sales Trailer Permit is for all temporary buildings associated with construction site management or real estate sales.
• Commercial - Decks and Covered Porches (Application Guide) 
  • Decks and Covered Porches Permit is for new decks or covered porches, as well as modifications made to existing decks and covered porches.  It is not required when replacing a small number of individually rotted planks.
• Commercial - Generator (Application Guide) 
• Commercial - Interior Remodel (Application Guide)  
  • An Interior Remodel Permit is for alterations to the floorplan within a structure’s existing footprint.
• Commercial - New Building (Application Guide) 
• Commercial - New Tenant Occupancy (Application Guide) 
  • A New Tenant Occupancy Permit is for moving into an existing suite as-is.  If you need to alter the floorplan of an existing suite, please apply for a Commercial Interior Remodel Permit instead.
• Commercial - Reconstruction (Application Guide) 
  • A Reconstruction Permit is for restoring a building to its original condition within its existing footprint. This includes fire damage or natural disaster. The new work must be compliant with current building codes.  Immediate repairs to stabilize the structure, secure the premises, or prevent further damage are acceptable prior to receiving a permit. Permits for emergency repairs must be applied for within 48 hours or the next business day, whichever is sooner. 
• Commercial - Roofing (Application Guide) 
  • A Roofing Permit is for flat roof replacement projects. A permit is not required to replace individual shingles on pitched roofs.
• Commercial - Solar Panel (Application Guide)  
• Commercial - Townhouse (4 Stories or More) (Application Guide) 

Construction Drawings

Drawing Submittal Requirements: The following is an example of construction drawings that would be required to complete plan review and issue a permit for a Commercial - New Building Permit. 

Please reference the Application Guides above for specific drawings required for each Workclass.

• Cover Sheet and Sheet Index with the project address and a sheet list of all drawings submitted for plan review.
• Civil Drawings
  • Existing Conditions/Survey
  • Site Plans including all setbacks, buffers and easements clearly labeled and shall include the lot coverage calculations. Also include any existing utility services such as water, sewer, septic fields, etc.
  • Grading and Drainage Plans
  • Retaining Wall Details, if applicable.
  • Erosion Control Plans clearly indicating the BMP locations with standard details.​
  • Tree Conservation Plan including the canopy coverage calculations.
• Architectural Drawings
  • Floor Plans
  • Roof Plan
  • Elevations
  • Life Safety Plan
• Structural Drawings
  • Foundation Plans and Details
  • Framing Plans and Details
  • Truss Drawings, if applicable.
• Trade Drawings
  • Mechanical
  • Electrical
  • Plumbing

Inspections

At bare minimum the permit should receive rough inspections for each trade (building, mechanical, electrical, and/or plumbing if performed) and final inspections for each trade.