Land Disturbance Permits

A Land Disturbance Permit is generally required when 1,000 square feet or more of ground disturbance is proposed. This may include grading, clearing, paving, grubbing, or other activities classified as land-disturbing under Article 9 of the City of Sandy Springs Development Code .

In some cases, a permit may also be required for disturbances under 1,000 square feet if the work:

• Requires erosion control Best Management Practices (BMPs)
• Changes topography or stormwater drainage patterns

Contact the Community Development Department before starting work to confirm whether a permit is required.

Who Can Apply for a Land Disturbance Permit?

Land Disturbance Permits are typically submitted by the property owner or developer.

Types of Land Disturbance Permits

• Land Disturbance – Commercial Site Improvements
• Land Disturbance – Residential Site Improvements
• Land Disturbance – Subdivision Development

Applying for a Land Disturbance Permit

Applications can be submitted online through Build Sandy Springs .

The portal allows applicants to:

• Complete permit applications
• Submit construction drawings
• Pay invoices
• Request inspections
• Track permit status

Applicants may also schedule an appointment through QLess to meet with a Permit Technician at City Hall for assistance.

Applicants must comply with the Georgia Stormwater Manual and the Manual for Erosion and Sedimentation Control in Georgia .

Forms and Checklists

The following documents may be helpful during the application process:

• Authorized Agent Affidavit
• Commercial Owner Authorization Affidavit
• Residential Owner-Contractor Affidavit
• As-Built Detention Facility Form
• Fulton County Driveway Manual
• Fulton County Transportation Standards
• Green Infrastructure Manual
• GI Feasibility Form for Linear Projects
• GI Feasibility Form for Non-Linear Projects
• Maintenance Agreement – Detention Ponds
• Maintenance Surety Calculation Form
• Performance Surety Calculation Form
• Right-of-Way Easement Dedication Form
• As-Built Checklist
• Drainage Review Checklist
• Erosion Control Checklist
• Hydrology Review Checklist
• Transportation LDP Checklist
• GSWCC Erosion Control Plan Review Checklist

Construction Drawing Requirements

The following construction drawings are typically required for plan review and permit issuance:

• Cover Sheet and Sheet Index including:
  • Project address
  • List of submitted drawings
• Civil Drawings
  • Existing conditions survey
  • Site plans showing:
    • Setbacks
    • Buffers
    • Easements
    • Lot coverage calculations
    • Existing utility services such as water, sewer, and septic systems
  • Grading and drainage plans
  • Retaining wall details, if applicable
  • Erosion control plans showing BMP locations and standard details
  • Tree Conservation Plan including canopy coverage calculations
• Subdivision Development Projects Only: Include utility plans showing all existing and proposed underground utilities.

Permit Fees

Land Disturbance Permit fees include:

• $25 administrative fee
• $50 CO/CC fee
• Review fee:
  • $350 for commercial and subdivision projects
  • $100 for residential projects
• Land disturbance permit fee:
  • $200 per acre for commercial properties
  • $200 per lot for residential properties
• Technology fee ( varies based on permit cost )

Required Inspections

1. Pre-construction meeting with a site inspector before any land-disturbing activities begin
2. Stormwater receptor inspection, if applicable
3. Final site inspection after all landscape stabilization and site work are completed