The Permitting Process

Before You Apply

Use our digital Permit Discovery tool to simplify the permitting process. Plan Sandy Springs is a guided experience that helps you discover where projects are allowed within the City, which permits are required, and estimated associated fees.

Visit Plan Sandy Springs (opens in new tab)

Applying for a Permit

Build Sandy Springs is the permit management website for the City of Sandy Springs. Registration is required to use the website. The public may also search projects by permit type, date, address, permit number, or project name.

Visit Build Sandy Springs OpenGov Website (opens in new tab)

Phase One: Permitting

A permit must be obtained by the property owner or licensed trade professional responsible for the project before construction or site work begins.

The permitting and inspection process protects property owners and the public by verifying that construction and site improvements comply with state building codes.

The entire permitting process is managed through Build Sandy Springs (opens in new tab) .

Visit the Build Sandy Springs Help Page for tutorials and guidance.

Step 1: Apply for a Permit

Build Sandy Springs is the City’s permitting website, allowing builders and property owners to manage permit applications and inspection requests online. Users can request inspections, track permit status, review fees, and access approved permits. Registration is required.

To meet with staff, you may:

Schedule an appointment through the Sandy Springs Online Scheduling Portal (opens in new tab) for assistance at City Hall.
Request a Developer Meeting to discuss your project with the Plan Review Team either in person or virtually.

Commonly Used Forms

Step 2: Pay Permit Fees

After an application is submitted and before plan review begins, applicants must pay the initial fee assessment.

Build Sandy Springs automatically calculates permit fees prior to submission. Additional fee schedule information is available below:

Additional fees may be assessed if the scope of the project changes. Permit Technicians are available to assist with fee calculations.

There are only two authorized methods for submitting payment:

Online Payment: Pay through Build Sandy Springs (opens in new tab) using a credit or debit card. A 5% processing fee applies to card transactions.
In-Person Payment: Schedule an appointment through the Sandy Springs Online Scheduling Portal (opens in new tab) to meet with a Revenue Technician at City Hall and pay by cash or check.

Note: The City of Sandy Springs will never request payment by wire transfer, bank draft, or any method not listed above. Be cautious of unsolicited payment requests and report suspicious activity.

Step 3: Plan Review

Construction permit applications are reviewed by City staff for compliance with:

International Building Codes
State environmental protection requirements
The Sandy Springs Development Code (zoning)
Other applicable regulations

The review teams include:

Building
Land Development
Planning & Zoning
Arborist
GIS
Fire Marshal’s Office
Transportation
Sustainability
Impact Fees
ADA Compliance
Demolition

Review teams may provide comments or corrections requiring revised plan submissions before approval.

A Developer Meeting is recommended after the second failed submittal and required after the third failed submittal.

A resubmittal fee of $200 is assessed upon the third resubmission.

Each resubmission initiates a new round of plan review, which may take approximately 3–10 business days depending on project complexity.

Step 4: Permit Card Issuance

Once all review teams approve the application and construction drawings, the City may stamp the approved drawings and issue a Permit Card. This process may take up to five business days.

Contractor affidavits and all outstanding invoices must be submitted before permit issuance.

Approved construction drawings, the Permit Card, and the City’s Noise Ordinance (PDF, opens in new tab) will be uploaded to the Build Sandy Springs permit page and must remain onsite in a permit box for the duration of construction.

Phase Two: Construction

Step 5: Inspections

The City’s Inspections Division verifies contractor and property owner work at project milestones to ensure compliance with state-adopted building codes.

Inspections may include pre-construction meetings, rough inspections, and final inspections.

Fire Marshal’s Office Plan Review and Inspections

Commercial construction projects also require additional review and inspections by the Fire Marshal’s Office .

This applies to both new construction and renovations of existing buildings.

Step 6: Plan Modifications (If Applicable)

Plan Modifications are used to submit revised drawings after a Permit Card has been issued.

Plan Modifications undergo the same review process as initial construction drawing submissions. The fee for Plan Modifications is $200.

Do not proceed with modified work until updated plans are approved and stamped drawings and the revised Permit Card are present onsite.

Plan Modification Form (PDF, opens in new tab)

Step 7: As-Built Drawings (If Applicable)

As-Built Drawings document completed construction conditions and are reviewed to confirm compliance with approved construction documents.

As-Built Drawings undergo the same review process as initial construction drawing submissions.

As-Built Policy and Checklist (PDF, opens in new tab)

Step 8: Certificate of Completion or Occupancy

A Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is required to legally occupy residential and commercial buildings.

A Certificate of Completion (CC) is required for additions and alterations to occupied residences where the property remained occupied during construction.

Visit the Certificate of Occupancy page for additional information.

The certificate fee is $50 and is included with applicable permit fees.

Property owners may use these certificates to demonstrate that projects were completed in compliance with City code requirements.