License & Inspection

Augusta
License & Inspection

Frequently Asked Questions

Business:

On the urgent reminders where it states, practitioners of professions, as described in O.C.G.A. 48-13-9 (c) 1-18, have the option of either being billed on gross revenue or paying a flat fee of $365.00.

Does this apply to me?

Only if your business is classified as the following:
Lawyer
Physicians licensed under chapter 34 of Title 43
Osteopaths licensed under chapter 34 of Title 43
Chiropractors
Podiatrists
Dentists
Optometrists
Psychologists
Veterinarians
Landscape architects
Land surveyors
Practitioners of physiotherapy
Public accountants
Embalmers
Funeral directors
Civil, mechanical, hydraulic, or electrical engineers
Architects
Marriage and family therapists, social workers, and professional counselors

All other business pay based on your gross revenue for the period of October 1st of previous year to September 30th of current year

How do I request an inspection online?

In order to submit a inspection request online you will need to access the inspection status application. You may access this application at anytime by using the drop down menu at the top of the page. To access this, look for “eGov Services” drop down box, below the search box, at the top of every page. Then select "Inspection Status" and click go. Once in the application click on the "Submit a Inspection request" link and input your request from there. You may also access the application by clicking on the "Inspection Status" link in the License and Inspection menu.

You will need your Business License number to be verified for each inspection request. Fill out each requested line. To enter the type of inspection, click on the down arrow and choose the inspection you are in need of. Enter any comments if any and click submit. You will then receive a message “Your E-mail has been sent successfully – Thank You”

How do I check the status of an inspection online?

In order to check the status of an inspection request online you will need to access the inspection status application. You may access this application at anytime by using the drop down menu at the top of the page. To access this, look for “eGov Services” drop down box, below the search box, at the top of every page. Then select "Inspection Status" and click go. You may also access the application by clicking on the "Inspection Status" link in the License and Inspection menu.

Enter your permit number where indicated and click submit. All inspections that have been entered and performed will be present. It will show your permit numbers, the type of inspection performed, address of the job, the inspector, the date it was inspected, results – passed or failed and any notes or comments. At the top of all that information you will find the Total Records found. That will be the total amount of inspections that have been performed. Any voided inspections shown should not be counted as a total for inspections.

You can print a copy, if desired for your records. You will not be able to make any changes to this page. It’s for view only.

If another inspection is needed go back to the top of the page and click on the underlined: “Submit an Inspection Request” and proceed to enter another inspection.

How Much Will My License Cost ?

The cost of the license is determined by estimated gross Revenue, you should have this information ready when submitting the application

If I Am Adding On To My Business, Do I Need A Separate License?

Not in all cases, if you are not keeping separate books for the additional type of business added, you do not have to get a separate license, however; if the gross for the additional business added is kept separately; then an additional license is required.

When Do I Need To Have Health Department Approval?

This is needed when you are serving or preparing food for the general public.
Pre packaged items do not require Health Department approval.

How Long Will It Take To Get My Business License?

There is a two to three day waiting period to receive your license after the application has been submitted.

Permits:

When Do I Need A Permit?

A permit is required if the cost of the project materials is over $500.00; or if the type of work requires an inspection as provided for in the construction codes adopted by Augusta-Richmond County, or for the following situations:

1. A Building Permit is required for the following:

New construction: commercial and residential
Renovations
Additions
Re-roofing
Signs
Swimming Pools
Utility or storage buildings.

* Residential renovations: A permit shall be obtained before beginning construction, alteration or repairs, other than ordinary repairs in which the cost of the project materials is less than $500.00. Ordinary repairs are nonstructural repairs and do not include addition to, alteration of, or replacement or relocation of water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electrical wiring, or mechanical or other work for which a permit is required by the building official.

* Commercial renovations: For commercial renovation projects: any 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 must obtain a permit.

* An application for a permit for any proposed work shall be deemed to have been abandoned unless the work authorized by such permit is commenced with 6 months after the date of filing for the permit.

* Temporary Structures. A special building permit for a limited time shall be obtained before the erection of temporary structures such as construction sheds, seats, canopies, tents and fences used in construction work or for temporary purposes such as reviewing stands.

* Off-Premise Signs require approval of the Zoning Administrator (Planning Commission-525 Telfair Street) and Building Official. All signs must comply with the Zoning Ordinance, the Standard Building Code, and the National Electrical Code. Inspection of signs is required. If sign is illuminated an electrical permit is required.

2.Electrical. Plumbing, Gas and Mechanical Permits:

A permit is required for all Electrical, Plumbing, Gas and Mechanical projects exceeding the cost of $500.00. All new installation and repair work requires a permit. Minor repairs can be made to these systems without a permit - as determined by the Building Official. All permits must be obtained prior to commencement of work to avoid penalties.

What Codes Have Been Adopted that Govern Construction, Repairs, And Renovations?

The editions of the following, including Georgia amendments:

International Building Code, 2006 Edition, with Georgia Amendments (2007)
International Plumbing Code, 2006 Edition, with Georgia Amendments (2007)
International Mechanical Code, 2006 Edition, with Georgia Amendments (2007)
National Electrical Code, 2005 Edition with Georgia Amendments (2006)
International Fuel Gas Code, 2006 Edition, with Georgia Amendments (2007)
International Fire Code, 2006 Edition, with Georgia Amendments (2007)
International Residential Code, 2006 Edition, with Georgia Amendments (2007)
International Energy Conservation Code, 2000 Edition,
with Georgia Supplements and Amendments (2003), Supplements and Amendments (2005), Supplements and Amendments (2006), and Supplements and Amendments (2007)
International Property Maintenance Code, 2003 Edition
Standard Swimming Pool Code 1994 Edition
Standard Unsafe Building Abatement Code 1985 Edition
Life Safety Code 2000 Edition

What Determines The Cost Of My Permit?

The permit cost is based on labor and materials.

What Are The Requirements For New Commercial Construction Permits?

New construction permits require three sets of drawings with and architectural seal and an approved site plan. Note: Plans are needed on all commercial jobs.

How Long Is My Permit Good For?

Permits are good for six months with one extension.

What Are The Requirement For New Residential Construction?

Two sets of drawings, mecheck, water tap, sewer/septic tank approval, and a plot plan.

If I Hire A Contractor, Who Buys The Permit?

The contractor buys the permit.

What Type Of Inspections Can Be Faxed?

All inspections can be faxed by 4:00 on the previous day in which the inspection is needed.

What Type Of Permits Requests Can Be Faxed?

Roofing, mechanical change outs, burglar alarms, vinyl sidings, window replacements and telephone wiring.

What Are The Historic Districts Recognized By Augusta Richmond County?

Summerville, Bethlehem; Sand Hills, and Old Towne.

What Are The Requirements For The Issuance Of A Certificate Of Occupancy/Letters of Completion?
:
Commercial requirements: back flow prevention, landscape approval; Fire Marshall approval; and all inspections and all permits must be purchased.

Residential requirements: all inspections must be done.

Certificate Of Occupancy/Letters of Completion will not be issued during the hours of 12:30 – 2:00.

What Are The Qualification For A Home Owners Permit?

The requirements for a homeowner’s permit are the same as a contractor.

What Type Of Remodeling Job Should Not Be Done By A Homeowner?

A homeowner can do any and all jobs as long as he lives in the house.

Can I Work On My Rental Property?

No. Rental property is considered commercial.

How do I obtain a license to run a business from my home?

Contact planning and zoning at 821-1796 for pre approval to run a home based business. Note: any business that uses a residential address as the business address even if there is no activity in the home must obtain approval from planning and zoning before a license can be issued.