Building Permits

When is a Building Permit Needed?
In general, building permits are required to construct, enlarge, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure. Building permits are required for structural and mechanical (HVAC, plumbing, and electrical) modifications. Certain work may be exempt from obtaining a permit. For example: cosmetic changes and residential roof shingle replacement. The City of Dacula will only issue permits within the City limits.

The City advises residents to consult with their HOA prior to any exterior modifications. The City does not enforce HOA covenants.

Note: Some projects require other reviews and approvals before you may apply for building permits. If you are unsure whether your project requires additional approvals, please contact the Planning and Development Department.

Who May Submit a Building Permit Application?
The property owner (or his/her authorized agent) or a licensed contractor may apply for a building permit.

What is the Cost of the Permit?
Please contact Planning & Development for fee information or, refer to the City of Dacula Schedule of Fees. Some fee calculations require using the latest International Code Council Building Valuation Data.

Which Applications and Forms Do I Need?
Building Permit Application – The building permit application is required for structural and mechanical work including:

New building (commercial and residential)
Addition
Interior Alternation / Interior Finish
Accessory Structure
Deck
Swimming Pool
Fence
HVAC Only
Electrical Only
Plumbing Only
Demolition

Supplementary documents may be required as part of the permit process. The second page of the building permit application details the required documents, if applicable.

Note: New structures, additions, and new commercial tenants will receive a certificate of occupancy after the project has passed final inspection. A certificate of completion is available upon request if a certificate of occupancy is not issued and the project has passed final inspection.

Subcontractor Affidavit – A subcontractor will need to fill out a subcontractor affidavit to perform work on a previously permitted project. Subcontractors must submit a completed application, state license, business license/occupational tax certificate, photo identification and fees if applicable. Subcontractor affidavits are required for both residential and commercial projects.

Compliance Inspection Request – Persons may apply for a certificate of occupancy by requesting a compliance inspection if no mechanical nor structural work is being performed. A certificate of occupancy is required for new businesses, commercial tenants, and/or change in use prior to obtaining an occupational tax certificate. See guidelines below.

How Do I Apply?
You can apply for a permit through the online portal located at the bottom of this page, through email (daculacityhall@daculaga.gov) , or in-person at Dacula City Hall. A member of the Planning and Development staff will contact you after the permit application has been received.

Inspections
All building permit inspections are conducted by the City’s 3rd party inspector, Precision Planning, Inc.

To schedule inspections, please call 770-338-8000. A 24-hour notice is required before the Inspector can perform a construction inspection.

Footing Inspection – Made after all trenches are excavated, forms erected and all steel (if required) in place. Building setbacks will be verified at this time.
Monolithic Slabs – Plumbing, electrical and heating inspections shall be signed off first; gravel (if specified) and vapor barrier shall be installed before footing inspection is signed off.
Basement Foundation Walls – Call building inspector for information regarding inspections.
Basement Slabs – Plumbing shall be signed of first; gravel, vapor barrier and interior footings (where required) shall be installed before slab inspection is signed off.
Garage/Carport Slab – When on fill, a design by a PE is required with reinforcing noted. Floor must be slope to vehicle entrance.
Heating Rough Inspection – Boot stackheads in; furnace vents roughed in; thermostat wire in place; pre-fab fireplaces and decorative appliances set; concealed gas lines installed and pressure tested.
Plumbing Rough Inspection – Waste lines and vent installed; waste line braced and strapped every 5 feet; water test on waste lines; water piping installed; water piping strapped every 5 feet.
Electrical Rough Inspection – Electrical panel set in place; all wiring installed and terminated in approved boxes or fittings; service cable installed and meter can set; all splices and taps made up and all write fastened or stapled according to code.
Framing Inspection – Made after heating, plumbing and electrical rough inspections are complete and signed off; all framing complete; fireblocking and bracing in place; roof complete; pre-fab fireplace must be set, vented through roof and capped; bath fans vented. Insulation to be installed after framing inspection is signed off. Call building inspector for further information.
Firewall Inspection – Done at the time of framing inspection. Four-hour fire-wall must be inspected by approved third party engineer.
Residential Final Building Inspection – Made after electrical, plumbing, and heating rough inspection have been signed off; framing inspection has been signed off; all affidavits are on file; all holds, if any, have been released; interior and exterior is complete including driveway. All zoning conditions must be met prior to issuance of Certificate of Occupancy.
Swimming Pool Inspection – Site inspection, basket inspection, foundation, electrical, HVAC (if gas line is included) and plumbing inspections required prior to final inspection. Final inspection of Certificate of Occupancy should be called in after all other inspections have been approved.

Certificate of Occupancy Issuance Guidelines

If applicable, a Gwinnett Fire Marshal Certificate of Occupancy must be obtained before contacting the City's 3rd party building inspector to schedule an inspection for a City Certificate of Occupancy.
The Owner/Applicant is responsible for contacting the building inspector to schedule all building inspections required prior to Certificate of Occupancy issuance.
Certificates of Occupancy will not be issued same day, no exceptions.
Turnaround time for Certificate of Occupancy issuance is 7-10 business days. Please plan accordingly.
The structure authorized by the permit shall not be occupied or used until the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued.
Certificates of Occupancy shall not be issued until all inspections are passed and all fees are paid.
The City will reach out via email, either directly or through the iWorQ portal, to advise when Certificates of Occupancy are processed and are available for payment, if applicable. The City accepts cash, check, and credit/debit cards. There is a 5% third-party service fee for credit/debit card transactions.