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Permitting

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1. Why do I need a building permit?

The building permit review process and subsequent inspections protect you, your family, friends, and future owners against the potential hazards of unsafe construction. It also protects your investment, as many insurers do not pay claims on construction performed without the benefit of a building permit, the required inspections, and certificate of occupancy. Additionally, many lenders will not recognize non-permitted square footage or upgrades, thereby reducing the appraised value of your home.

2. How do I apply for a building permit?

Applications shall be submitted to the City of Savannah Development Services, 5515 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31405. The application shall be completed in full and shall be accompanied by the required Plan Review fee and two copies of the construction plans, if needed, stamped "released for construction".
How to Apply for Building Permits

3. What is the status of my building permit application?

To check the status of your building permit application, log into the City's online permit tracking system, eTRAC. View the eTRAC Resources & Forms for information on how to use eTRAC. If you have any questions on how to use eTRAC, please call (912)651-6510. eTRAC electronic Tracking,Review & Approval Center

4. How long is my building permit valid?

Your permit is valid for six months from the date of its last activity. In other words, if a period of more than six months lapses after your last inspection (or from the date of issuance if you have not yet received any inspections) then your job is considered suspended or abandoned, and your permit will be revoked due to inactivity. Tracking of the six months is through our eTRAC system.

5. What fees do I need to pay for a building permit?

For projects which include the submittal of construction plans, a plan review fee is required at the time of the submittal of the application and plans. This fee is based upon the estimated total cost for the construction.

A permit fee is also charged for all permits. The all-inclusive building permit fee for building additions, renovations and new construction will be determined by the cost of construction. If a project only includes a single trade, you may pay a fee for a trade permit. If two or more trades are involved, an all-inclusive building permit may be requested. The cost for either is based on the cost of construction.

The Plan Review Fee is paid at the time of application, and the Permit Fee is paid at the time the permit is issued.

See the document “Building Permit & Plan Review Fees” for the actual fees. Building Permit & Plan Review Fees

6. What is the plan review fee?

The plan review fee is a non-refundable charge for reviewing plans that is submitted with a building permit application. The fee is based on the estimated total cost of the construction. Building Permit & Plan Review Fees

7. What if my construction encroaches onto city right-of-way?

If your construction, such as driveways and scaffolding, encroaches on city right of way, you must obtain a ‘Right-of-Way Work Permit.’ You are responsible for any damage caused to the right-of-way, which includes streets, lanes, curbing, sidewalks, trees, greenspaces and medians. You may also phone the Traffic Engineering Department at (912) 651-6600 weekdays between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM to have an application faxed or mailed to you. If convenient, you may visit Traffic Engineering at 100 West Gwinnett Street, near the intersection with Stiles Avenue. Right-of-Way Work Permit

8. Who do I contact if my construction or demolition involves site development or land disturbance?

Commercial construction and demolition typically requires a Site Development Permit. Contact Development Services at (912) 651-6510 for more information. Single-family and two-family construction typically is exempt from the site permitting requirements. However, all of the requirements for controlling erosion and sediment are the same. Site Development Permit Information

9. How long does it take to get a building permit once I submit my plans and application?

There is no single answer to this question. Various plans go through the process following different tracks. As a rule, we expect that residential permits (new construction and additions/remodels) are typically approved in two weeks. Commercial and multi-family (three or more units) may take more than 30 days. The potential factors that can create delays are numerous. The most common one is failure to submit the required plans for a Site Development Permit. Obtaining a site permit may take anywhere from 30 days to 6 months or longer. This depends heavily on the unique issues on your site, the quality of the submitted plans and the responsiveness of your consultant to requests for additional information or revisions.

10. What is the plan review process for a building permit?

See the Building Permit Process Flow Chart. After a complete submittal of the required documents is received, plans are circulated to the various plan reviewers. When a reviewer is satisfied the plans meet the required code the plans are forwarded to the next reviewer. Depending upon the nature of your specific project, the specific plan reviewers may change. If the design professionals have addressed all of the requirements, the plans will progress smoothly through the system. If any one or more of the plan reviewers discover that additional information is needed or revisions to the plans are necessary to meet the current requirements, the plans will be placed on hold until all of the concerns are addressed. Once all of the required plan reviewers have approved the plans, a permit specialist will prepare the building permit and notify the contact that the permit is ready to be picked up and the amount of the building permit fee that must be paid.
Building Permit Process Flow Chart

11. When can I pick up my permit?

Once your application has completed the review process, a Permit Specialist will call you, or your contractor, to let you know it is ready for pick-up. You will also be notified of any outstanding permit fees at that time. Permits may be picked up between 8:15 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday at 5515 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31405. Please remember that fees must be paid with a check or money order only, made payable to the City of Savannah. For commercial building permits, a Georgia licensed contractor is required to pick up the permit.

12. What Building Codes are being enforced?

See the below document City of Savannah Construction & Life Safety Codes. City of Sav. Construction & Life Safety Codes

13. Can I receive an extension on my permit?

In some cases, you may be able to receive a 90 day extension on a permit that has been revoked or gone over six months without any activity; however this is not common, and is done only on a limited case by case basis. Extension requests must be submitted in writing. In order to receive an extension, you must make an appointment with the Building Inspector to review the scope of your work and the permit activity. The Building Inspector will consider, among other things, the amount of lapsed time, availability of plans, and any code changes that may have occurred during the time period. He or she may even find it necessary to send a group of trade specialists to your jobsite in order to obtain more information.

14. What is the price of an electrical permit?

Permit fees are based on the total cost of the construction. If a project only includes a single trade, you may pay a fee for a trade permit. If two or more trades are involved, an all-inclusive building permit may be requested.

Please note that if the electrical permit is part of an all-inclusive building permit, then the fees are paid at the time that the building permit is issued.

See the document “Building Permit & Plan Review Fees”. Building Permit & Plan Review Fees

15. When will my power be released to Georgia Power?

Once you have completed an electrical final, your inspector will notify the Electrical Principal who is responsible for sending the necessary paperwork to Georgia Power via fax. This is usually done within one business day after you pass your final inspection. If your structure is in the Special Flood Hazard Area (SFHA), the 100 year floodplain, you may need to submit a "Finish Construction" Elevation Certificate or other documentation prior to the power release. Ask your Building or Electrical Inspector, or contact the City's Floodplain Administrator, Tom McDonald, at (912) 651-6530 if you are unsure the structure is in the SFHA.

16. How long does it take to process my electrical permit application?

If your permit is part of an all-inclusive building permit, then it should be issued within 24 hours from the time you submit the ‘Electrical Permit Application’ that came with the building permit. If you would like to discuss the review process on a stand-alone electrical permit, please contact the Principal Electrical Inspector by dialing 912-651-6530, then pressing option two.

17. When is a mechanical permit required?

When you install, alter, remove, convert or replace a mechanical system.

18. What is the price for a mechanical permit?

Permit fees are based on the total cost of the construction. If a project only includes a single trade, you may pay a fee for a trade permit. If two or more trades are involved, an all-inclusive building permit may be requested.

Please note that if the mechanical permit is part of an all-inclusive building permit, then the fees are paid at the time that the building permit is issued.

See the document “Building Permit & Plan Review Fees”. Building Permit & Plan Review Fees

19. How do I apply for a permit?

Permits can be obtained at our office at 5515 Abercorn Street during business hours (7:30-5:00 M-F). Permit applications can also be downloaded from the City of Savannah website at www.savannahga.gov. Mechanical permits can only be issued to Georgia licensed mechanical contractors or to a bono fide homeowners that perform their own work. Homeowners must fill out a notarized affidavit which states they will perform the work and will live in the house.

20. What is required before a permit is issued?

New construction or change outs where the equipment and ductwork are replaced are required to have a total house heat load calculation, signed permit, signed affidavit and the permitting fee.

21. Can I pay cash for my permit?

No, we only accept checks and money orders at this time.

22. What documentation is required for a mechanical contractor?

We need a copy of your State of Georgia mechanical contractor’s license and a business license from a jurisdiction in Georgia.

23. What mechanical code does the City enforce?

See the below document "City of Savannah Construction & Life Safety Codes" for the mechanical code enforced.
City of Sav. Construction & Life Safety Codes

24. What is the price of a plumbing permit application?

Permit fees are based on the total cost of the construction. If a project only includes a single trade, you may pay a fee for a trade permit. If two or more trades are involved, an all-inclusive building permit may be requested.

Please note that if the plumbing permit is part of an all-inclusive building permit, then the fees are paid at the time that the building permit is issued.

See the document “Building Permit & Plan Review Fees”. Building Permit & Plan Review Fees

25. What plumbing code does the City of Savannah enforce?

See the below document "City of Savannah Construction & Life Safety Codes" for the plumbing code enforced. City of Sav. Construction & Life Safety Codes

26. Can I fax in an application?

If your trade application is part of an all-inclusive building permit, you may fax in your application. It must be complete and faxed in from your business location so that we can verify that it’s coming from a license holder.

27. What is the process for getting a site plan approved?

Site plans can be submitted either electronically or on paper to Development Services. Once submitted, the plans will be reviewed by all City departments and the Metropolitan Planning Commission. Departments are allowed ten business days to review plans. This review process continues until all of the departments have accepted the plans. Once all departments have accepted the site plans, 3 sets of plans are required for the City Engineer's approval and final permitting.

Refer to www.savannahga.gov under Development, Site Development Permits for more information. See below process flow chart. Site Development Permit Process Flow Chart

28. How long does it take to get a site permit once I submit my plans and application?

Obtaining a Site Development Permit typically takes between 60 and 90 days following receipt of a complete application submittal. This depends heavily on the unique issues on your site, the quality of the submitted plans and the responsiveness of your consultant to requests for additional information or revisions.

29. What other permits or approvals do I need for my site development permit?

While all projects are different the three most common overlooked permits or approvals you may need are the Georgia Coastal Soil & Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) approval (formerly called NRCS approval), Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) approval, and an encroachment permit.

Refer to www.savannahga.gov under Development, Site Development Permits for more information.

30. What fees do I need to pay for a site permit?

Visit the document “Development Services Fees” and view “Site Development Fees” on page 2 of the document.

The city collects two development fees for a Site Development Permit: 1) The Site Plan Review Fee, and 2) the Erosion Control Fee. These fees can be paid either by check, or through the City’s online permit tracking system, eTRAC, once a permit application has been received and the fees have been invoiced through eTRAC. The Site Plan Review fee is payable at the beginning of the review process. The Erosion Control Fee is payable after the City Engineer’s approval of the plans and before the preconstruction meeting can be scheduled. Additional fees may be charged by certain departments (water and sewer, traffic engineering, park and tree, etc...) during the development process. Development Services Fees

31. What is the status of my site development permit application?

You can check the status of your site development permit application through the City's online permit tracking system, eTRAC. You must be registered with the site and listed as a contact for the permit.
See "eTRAC Quick Reference Guide – Site Development Permits" for assistance. eTRAC Guide – Site Development Permits

32. How/when do I get a land disturbance permit?

The land disturbance permit from the City is part of the site development permit. If the land disturbance from your project is one acre or greater, you must also obtain a Land Disturbing Activity Permit from the Georgia Coastal Soil & Water Conservation Commission (GSWCC) before your site development permit will be issued.

Once the site plans for a project are approved by the City Engineer, a Preconstruction meeting (“Precon”) is scheduled by the consultant/engineer. The land disturbance permit is issued by the site inspector at the Precon.

33. How do I get a Certificate of Occupancy?

The City will process the Certificate of Occupancy (CO) within two business days following submittal of all required documents, receipt of all approvals, and completion of all required inspections.

For a list of items to be completed before a CO can be issued, view the “Commercial Building Project Closeout Checklist”. Commercial Building Project Closeout Checklist

34. What kind of bonds does the City require?

The four basic types of bonds are:

1. Completion Bond – Needed to ensure completion of any punchlist items remaining from the site work final inspection as well as acceptance of as-built drawings. This bond is for commercial projects only and has a 12 month, automatically renewing term.
2. Utility Warranty Bond – Needed to provide a 14-month warranty for all new publicly maintained infrastructure, as well as work within the public right-of-way. Bond must be provided in the amount of 10% of the total cost of the publicly maintained improvements, and has a 14 month, automatically renewing term.
3. Landscape Warranty Bond – Needed to ensure required landscaping and trees are maintained during the 2 year warranty period. This bond has a 24 month, automatically renewing term (26 months is recommended to avoid potential renewal fees).
4. Construction Bond – Needed prior to the recording of a subdivision plat when the new subdivision requires additional infrastructure to serve new lots.

Visit the Project Closeout Requirements web page, “Bonding Requirements” on www.savannahga.gov, for more information. Project Closeout- Bonding Requirements

35. What form can I use for bonds?

Bonds may be provided in one of the following formats:

1. Cash/check
2. Surety Bond
3. Letter of Credit

Visit the Project Closeout Requirements web page, “Bonding Requirements” on www.savannahga.gov, for guides for bonds and letters of credit to ensure
proper language. Guides for Bonds and Letters of Credit

36. How/when do I get my bonds back?

Each type of bond requires completion of specific requirements prior to return.

1. Completion Bond – Will be returned upon acceptance of as-built documents and completion of any punchlist items.
2. Utility Warranty Bond – Will be returned upon successful completion of the 1 year Utility Warranty Inspection.
3. Landscape Warranty Bond – Will be returned upon successful completion of 2 year Landscape Warranty Inspection
4. Construction Bond – The bond is reduced to 50% of the total value of the infrastructure, upon provisional acceptance. The remaining 50% is released upon final acceptance of infrastructure.

Contact Development Services at (912)651-6510 for more information.

37. How close can I build to the property line?

That depends. Please call City of Savannah Zoning office at (912) 651-6530 and speak to a zoning inspector to determine the zoning district for your property and its respective setbacks.

38. What are the required building setbacks for my property?

Required building setbacks can be influenced by any of several requirements. Call City of Savannah Zoning office at (912)651-6530 and speak to a zoning inspector.

39. What do I do when my project is finished?

Once all final inspections have been satisfactorily completed, there may be other items required before a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) can be issued, such as Site Acceptance, payment of Water and Sewer Fees, etc. For a list of items to be completed before a CO can be issued, view the Commercial Building Project Closeout Checklist. The City will process the CO within two business days following submittal of all required documents, receipt of all approvals, and completion of all required inspections. Commercial Building Project Closeout Checklist

40. Can I be my own contractor for a construction project on my own home?

Yes. The homeowner can be their own contractor if they live in the residence and have not applied for a permit at another address within two years. For duplexes, the owner can be the contractor for their own unit, but needs a Georgia licensed contractor for the other habitable space. The owner must provide a Homeowner’s Affidavit at the time of picking up the permit. For more detailed information visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s web site at sos.ga.gov or the O.C.G.A. § 43-41-2 FAQ page.

41. Who is required to pick up the building permit on commercial projects?

For commercial projects, a Georgia licensed contractor is required to pick up the permit. The scope of the project, the structure’s type of construction, and the cost of the project will determine if a Residential-Light Commercial Contractor or a General Contractor is required. For more detailed information visit the Georgia Secretary of State’s website at sos.ga.gov or the O.C.G.A. § 43-41-2 FAQ page.