How to Apply for Residential Building Permits

The City of Savannah uses a website called eTRAC https://eTRAC.savannahga.gov for online permit tracking. For information on how to use this site to track your projects as they go through the permitting process, click here. There is a video tutorial and Quick Reference Guides available instructing users on how to create an eTRAC account as well as how to search for building permits that are available to the public without creating an account.  

A signed Application and a Complete Application Checklist must be submitted for all permit types. Click here for our Application & Checklists page. The Complete Application Checklists will show all the required supporting documentation and outside approvals needed for each permit type. If an applicant does not have all required supporting documentation and outside approvals, Development Services may accept incomplete applications, but the applicants will need to acknowledge that permits cannot be issued until all required information is submitted, reviewed and approved by the City. This acknowledgement is at the end of the Complete Application Checklist.

For a schedule of Plan Review and Permit Fees (payable to the City of Savannah) - click here for the Building Permit and Plan Review Fees document.

Click here for a link to the Building Permit Process Flow Chart. This flow chart contains contact names and numbers of each person at each step of the process.

Other information that may be helpful in preparing your Building Permit Submittal:

Homeowner’s Permit

A homeowner may get a permit to perform construction on his/her own residence if the homeowner:

  • Lives in the residence (the owner cannot self-perform for rental properties);
  • Has not applied for a permit at another address within two years;
  • Accepts inherent responsibilities for the work authorized by the approved permit;
  • Agrees to hire properly licensed contractors (licensed in the state of Georgia) for any work that is not performed by the owner;
  • Performs work in accordance with all applicable codes and strictly adhere to the inspection schedule; and
  • Submits a signed and notarized Homeowner’s Affidavit along with a copy of the applicant's driver's license. (Click here)

If your home is located within a 100-year floodplain, and there is substantial damage to your home, contact the City’s Floodplain Administrator at 912-651-6510, ext. 1895 or email to determine if you must bring your home into compliance with the City’s Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.

If your home is located within the Landmark Historic District, the Victorian District, Mid-City or Cuyler-Brownsville Phase I, please contact the Historic Preservation Office at 912-651-1457 to determine if special requirements apply.

Please be aware of scams and/or fraudulent contractors who may demand payment for services that they have not completed for you. You have the right to negotiate an agreement whereby work either begins after an initial deposit is made or after the work is completed in full.