Our office is responsible for maintaining the safety standards in accordance with the state mandated minimum guidelines and the ordinances drafted, approved and adopted by the city council. These guidelines are designed to protect citizens, the environment and maintain a level of safety for the city.  We are here to help safeguard you and your future generations.

As the new City of Dunwoody, we have completely revamped the permitting process and have an inspection process focused on the safety and well being of the citizens and the community as a whole. Inspections are only conducted for projects that have been permitted through the City of Dunwoody. If you have been issued a permit by the City of Dunwoody, you may call (678) 382-6804 to schedule an inspection.

Please have ready the following information:

• Permit Number (example: 2009-1234-2345)
• Project Address
• Type of Inspection
• Contact Name
• Contact Phone Number

HOMEOWNERS: If you are a homeowner scheduling an inspection, as an added service we will call you to schedule an appointment time.  We cannot always guarantee an exact time of arrival but we will do our best to work with your schedule.

Inspection requests are logged at 4:00PM.  If your inspection request is made before 4:00PM your inspection will be conducted on the next business day.  If your call is received after 4:00PM, your inspection will be conducted on the day following the next business day.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Why are there building codes and building permits?
A: Simply, they are in place for your safety.  According to the code ‘the purpose is to provide minimum requirements to safeguard the public safety, health and general welfare through affordability, structural strength, means of egress, stability, sanitation, light and ventilation, energy conservation and safety to life and property from fire and other hazards attributed to the built environment.’
Your home or business is an investment, if your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by the city, the value of your investment could be reduced or you could be exposed to liabilities that could easily be avoided.

Q: Will I need a permit if I do the work myself?
A: Yes.  You as a homeowner can perform work on your own home however a permit still has to be obtained prior to starting.  The inspection staff undergoes countless hours of training and continuing education in the codes to assist you in protecting your greatest investment, your home.  We can aid in identifying major defects or hazards you may not be aware of.

Q: What are the benefits of having a permit?
A: One of the major benefits of having a permit is you have a technical resource on your side, one of our certified building inspectors.  Building inspectors are there to answer your questions, provide guidance before you start the project and save you time money and a great deal of frustration.  Some insurance companies disallow claims caused by illegal or improperly installed components not permitted and approved by the local jurisdiction.

Q: When is a permit required?
A: Under Chapter 7 of Dunwoody’s Building Code; Any owner or authorized agent who intends to erect, construct, install, enlarge alter, repair, move, remove, convert, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to or replace any electrical gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to and obtain the required permit.

Examples of such work would include:

• New buildings
• Additions (bedrooms, bathrooms, family rooms, swimming pools, etc.)
• Residential work (installing or replacing; roofs, decks, garages, fireplaces, pools, etc.)
• Commercial work (moving walls, changing doors or exits, electrical, plumbing and HVAC alterations, changing occupancy use of a business)
• Renovations (garage conversions, finishing a basement, kitchen expansions, removing and replacing wall finish materials or moving walls, replacing roofing materials, etc.)
• Electrical systems (services, replacing electrical conductors and rewiring etc.)
• Plumbing systems (replacement of water heaters, water lines and drains, etc.)
• HVAC (heating, ventilating and air-conditioning systems)

Q: Does getting a permit takes a long time?
A: NO, most residential permits take 20 minutes or less to obtain.

Q: I’m renting a commercial space can I remodel it myself?
A: No according the new state law that went into effect last July, all commercial projects must have a licensed general contractor overseeing the project and obtaining the permit.

Q: How long does it take to obtain a commercial permit?
A: Commercial permits require plans to be submitted to our office as well as the county fire marshal’s office.  This process can take up to 6 weeks but usually only takes 2 or 3 weeks.
It’s always good to have a drawing reviewed by our staff to help prevent costly mistakes in building something that is not allowed or lacking required components.

Q: Are permits expensive?
A: That depends a lot on the project concerned and the number of inspections expected.  Feel free to contact our staff and we can assist you on estimating the permit cost for your project.

Q: Where do I get a permit?
A: Our office is conveniently located at 41 Perimeter Center East in Dunwoody, suite 250 and our staff is ready to assist you however possible.  Our office hours are 8am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.
It is our honor and pleasure to work for the citizens of Dunwoody, promoting and ensuring everyone’s safety and well being.