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License and Inspection - Permit

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1. I need an Emergency After-Hours Inspection.

Please visit this link to enter a request for an Emergency After-Hours Inspection.

2. When Do I Need A Permit?

1. A Building Permit is required for the following:

New construction: commercial and residential

Renovations

Additions

Tree , Water or Fire Damaged properties (commercial or residential)

Re-roofing, window replacements, vinyl siding, soffit & fascia

Signs

Swimming Pools

Utility or storage buildings larger than 120 square feet

* 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, water heater replacement, 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. Tents and membrane structures having an area in excess of 200 sq ft and canopies in excess of 400 sq ft shall not be erected, operated or maintained for any purpose without first obtaining a permit and approval from the Fire Marshall’s office. The contact number is (706) 821-2513.

* Free-Standing, Building Mounted, Directional or Off-Premise Signs require a permit. The Off-Premise signs require approval of the Zoning Administrator (Planning Commission-525 Telfair Street) and Building Official. All signs must comply with the International 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. 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.

3. What work is exempt from permit?

Building:

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11.15 m2).

Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high.

Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.

Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.

Sidewalks and driveways.

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.

Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.

Swings and other playground equipment.

Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

Electrical:

Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Gas:

Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.

Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical:

Portable heating appliances.

Portable ventilation appliances.

Portable cooling units.

Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.

Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

Portable evaporative coolers.

Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.

Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

R105.2.1 Emergency Repairs. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official.

R105.2.2 Repairs. Application or notice to the building official is not required for ordinary repairs to structures, replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles. Such repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

R105.2.3 Public Service Agencies. A permit shall not be required for the installation, alteration or repair of generation, transmission, distribution, metering or other related equipment that is under the ownership and control of public service agencies by established right.

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

Click additional information to view codes. [additional info...]

5. How do I request an inspection online?

The Inspection Cut-Off Time is 3:00 PM. If request is received before 3:00 PM, it will be scheduled the next business day. If after 3:00 PM, the inspection will be scheduled within 2 business days.

Go to our website – www.augustaga.gov, or click here to go straight to the request page.

Instructions for Inspection Request

On the home page, in the top right -

Point to “City Services”

Click on “License & Inspection Status”

Click on “Submit an Inspection Request”

Complete all boxes.

On the inspection line, press the down area and click the requested inspection.

If you are requesting all finals or all roughs, please request the building inspection and enter “all roughs/finals” in comment area.

Click on “Submit”

You will receive a message stating “Your E-mail has been sent successfully.”
If another inspection is needed, go to the bottom of the page and click “Submit an Inspection Request” and proceed to enter the next inspection.

6. How do I check the status of an inspection?

Go to our website – www.augustaga.gov or click here to go directly to the inspection status page.

Instructions to Check the Status of an Inspection

On the home page, in the top right -

Point to “City Services”

Click on “License & Inspection Status”

Click on “Inspection Status”

Enter the entire permit number (PR…)

Click on “Submit”

All inspections that have been entered and performed will be present. It will show the permit number, type of inspection performed, inspector, date it was inspected, results (pass or fail) and any comments entered.
You can print a copy, if desired, for your records. You will not be able to make any changes to this page. It is for viewing purposes only.

7. What Determines The Cost Of My Permit?

• The permit cost is based on the following:
• New Residential will be based on square footage under the roof and number of required inspections.
• New Commercial will be based on job cost, but will also include fees for plan review, Fire Marshall’s plan review, and number of required inspections.
• Repairs are based on job cost and number of inspections required.
• Demolitions are flat rate of $67.00 (as of January 1, 2012).
• Mothballing permits are flat rate of $25.00 (as of January 1, 2012).
• Mobile Home permits are flat rate of $67.00 (as of January 1, 2012).

[additional information...]

8. What are the top reasons for a failed inspection?

Please click here: 10 Most Common Reasons

9. What Are The Requirements For New Commercial Construction Permits?

New construction permits require three sets of drawings and an approved site plan. All plans for new construction and alterations shall be sealed by an architect or engineer legally registered under the laws of this state for the following:

• All Group A, E, I occupancies
• Building and structures three stories or more high
• Buildings and structures 5,000 sq ft or more in area.
  Plans are required on all commercial jobs.
  One set is forwarded to the Fire Marshal’s Office for their review, one set is retained for our records, and one set is given to the contractor at the time of permitting. All associated fees are required at the time of permitting.
  The drawings may be submitted for review without the approved site plan but no permits will be issued until an approved copy of the site plan is submitted.
  Drawings shall be prepared and shall bear the seal of the registered architect in the following: Assembly occupancies, educational occupancies, health care occupancies, correction or detention facilities, hotels, dormitories or lodging facilities, multi-family housing or apartment complexes, care facilities, and any occupancy other than single family residences and domestic outbuildings that exceeds 5,000 square feet and three or more stories in height.
• Click Here for more information

10. What Are The Requirement For New Residential Construction?

Contractors need to complete all the forms stapled within the New Residential Package.

• New Construction Application
• Soil Erosion / Drainage Application
• Termite Certification Application
• Compact Fill Material Application
  The first 2 pages of the package have all requirements needed to obtain permit. Among the requirements:
• 2 sets of plans (1 copy will be given to Contractor at time of permitting)
• ResCheck
• NOI (Notice of Intent) filed with the state on properties within a subdivision
• Water Tap Receipt
• Picture of property – undisturbed
• Plot (Site) plan

11. How Long Is My Permit Good For?

Permits are good for six months with one extension.

12. If I Hire A Contractor, Who Buys The Permit?

The contractor is responsible for the obtaining the permit. CAUTION should be exercised if the person or company you are contracting with urges or requests you to obtain the permit.

13. What Type Of Inspections Can Be Faxed?

All inspections can be faxed by 3:00 the day before the inspection is needed.

Fax number is 706-312-4277 or email [email protected]

Make sure to list the permit number, address of project, and the type of inspections you are seeking in the email.

14. What Type Of Permits Requests Can Be Faxed?

Roofing, windows, fascia, soffit, siding, landscape sprinklers, burglar alarm, and mechanical change outs. If there is a general contractor on the job, the mechanical contractor must come in the office to purchase their permit. Once the Fax-In Permit Request application is faxed, the mailed payment is required to be received by our office within 72 hours.

15. What Are The Historic Districts Recognized By Augusta Richmond County?

Summerville, Downtown, and Old Towne.

16. If the job site is within the Historic District, what are the requirements?

A Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required on all exterior building work within the Historic District. To obtain a COA, contact Planning & Zoning, 525 Telfair Street, (706) 821-1796.

Electrical work does not require a COA.

Mechanical (HVAC) only requires COA if moving the unit or installing new unit.

If changing out an existing unit and replacing in same space, no COA is required.

Plumbing work does not require a COA.

17. What Are The Requirements For The Issuance Of A Certificate Of Occupancy/Letters of Completion?

Certificate of Occupancies are only issued for new construction (ground-up) permits.

Commercial requirements: back flow prevention, landscape approval, Fire Marshall’s approval, and all permits & inspections must be purchased and approved.

Residential requirements: all permits must be purchased, all inspections must be approved, a termite letter and blower door test & certificate must be received.

18. Who can obtain a permit?

Building. Any structural work (repairs, additions, alterations, new construction, etc.) must be completed by a state licensed (Georgia State Industry Licensing Board) contractor. In addition to state license, contractors must have current business license with Augusta, Georgia.

Commercial. Contractors must have state license (Georgia State Industry Licensing Board) of Light Commercial or General Contractor. In addition to state license, contractors must have current business license with Augusta, Georgia. Business owners / property owners cannot work on any commercial building. A state licensed contractor is required on all commercial property.

Electrical, Plumbing, and Mechanical. Contractors must have state license (Georgia State Industry Licensing Board) in appropriate trade. In addition to state license, contractors must have current business license with Augusta, Georgia.

19. What are the requirements for a homeowner’s permit?

The requirements for a homeowner’s permit are as follows:

Homeowner is doing the work

Homeowner is not paying anyone to do the work

Property is homeowner’s primary residence and driver’s license verifies address.

20. Can I Work On My Rental Property?

No. Rental property is considered commercial; therefore, a state licensed contractor is required.

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

A homeowner can do any and all jobs on a single-family residence as long as he lives in the house and is not paying anyone to do the work.

22. 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.

23. Can I use a modular building for a commercial occupancy?

Yes. If it is a pre-owned modular building the Industrialized Building (IB) Program allows existing Industrialized Buildings that are being renovated, moved, or changed in occupancy to go through the re-manufacturing process. The re-manufacture process in the IB program requires the buildings to be brought into “substantial” compliance with current code. The re-manufacture process requires that an existing industrialized building be:

• 1) Inspected by a third party - Click Here
• 2) New plans drawn to bring the building into substantial compliance and
• 3) The building be re-inspected by the third party to ensure the changes were completed by the contractor.

Once the building is approved by the third party it will be issued a new DCA Re-Manufacture Insignia to be placed on the building.

Exception: On September 13, 2012 The Construction Advisory Board voted an approved a modular building of Group B occupancy to be allowed if the DCA Insignia is less than five years old at the discretion of the Building and Fire Departments.

Link to Approved Third Party Inspector.....

24. Can I move a manufactured home into Augusta Richmond County?

All pre-owned manufactured homes re-located into Augusta Richmond County shall bear a label certifying it was constructed in compliance with the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974, 42 U.S.C. Section 5401, ( the HUD Code ) and shall be installed in accordance with O.C.G.A 8-2-160.

25. Are Used Modular Buildings allowed for Commercial Use?

Yes. Existing industrialized buildings that are being renovated, moved, or changed in occupancy are required to go through the re-manufacture process as required by the Department of Community Affairs. The Re0-manufacture program requires that an industrial building be brought into “substantial” compliance with current codes. The re-manufacture process requires that an existing industrialized building be:

• 1.) Inspected by a Third Party - Click Here
• 2.) New plans drawn to bring the building into substantial compliance.
• 3.) The building is to be inspected by the third party to ensure the modifications were completed by the contractor. Once the building is approved, it will be issued the new DCA Re-Manufacture Insignia to be placed on the building. Please call (706) 312-5050 to request a plan examiner e-mail you the DCA approved list of third party inspectors and explain the process in more detail.

26. Do I need a permit to repair foundation settlement?

Yes. A building permit is required for the installations of helical piles or hydraulically driven steel pilings. Two sets of plans are required to be submitted detailing the following.

• A written description of the work and number of helical piles or hydraulically driven steel pilings to be installed.
  
• A foundation plan detailing the location of the piles that is sealed by a structural engineer licensed in the State of Georgia.
  
• A letter from a licensed structural engineer stating that he will inspect the piles and submit a letter within 10 business days after the installation to the Inspection Department stating that the piles have been installed correctly.

27. Are Special Inspections required?

Yes. Chapter 17 requires Special Inspections on certain commercial projects. Page C1 must be completed and signed before the permit can be issued. Click here for the Special Instructions guideline.

28. Is a permit required to construct a shed on my residential property?

One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds not exceeding 120 square feet do not require a permit. Although a permit is not required for these small structures, proper set-backs from property lines and easements are a requirement.

29. Is a permit required for solar panels?

Yes.

• Residential solar panel installation requires two sets of plans to include the mounting, and electrical. The department also requires a structural evaluation report from an engineer indicating the roof support capacity, and the loads of the proposed solar panels and equipment.
• Commercial solar panel installation requires three sets of plans prepared by a licensed engineer to include the mounting, and electrical. The department also requires a structural evaluation report from an engineer indicating the roof support capacity, and the loads of the proposed solar panels and equipment.

30. Is a drip edge required when installing a new roof, or re-roofing a building?

Yes.  Click here for memorandum containing code references.