Renovating your Johns Creek home should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Yet a missed permit or slow plan review can stall your contractor and add costs. You want clear steps, realistic timelines, and local rules in plain English so your project stays on track. This guide walks you through permits in Johns Creek, common pitfalls, and simple ways to avoid delays. Let’s dive in.
What needs a permit
Most structural or system changes need approval. Use the city’s checklist first to confirm your specific scope.
- Additions, room conversions, decks and porches, sunrooms, detached garages, stick-built sheds 120 square feet or larger, in-ground pools or spas, and retaining walls 48 inches or higher typically require permits. See the city’s “Do I Need a Permit?” guidance for details and exceptions. Review the permit checklist on Johns Creek’s website.
- Projects that may or may not need permits include roof replacement with structural work, window or door changes that alter size or structure, driveway footprint changes, and certain fences that involve masonry piers or affect rights-of-way or stream buffers.
- Minor, in-kind replacements at the same size and location may not need a permit, but the Building Official makes the final call. Always confirm before you start.
Map your permitting path
Getting a few things right up front saves days later.
Pre-check zoning and HOA rules
- Verify setbacks, easements, stream buffers, and whether the Chattahoochee River Corridor rules apply within 2,000 feet of the river. See Johns Creek planning and zoning FAQs.
- If you have an HOA, get architectural approval before you apply. The city does not enforce private covenants, but missing HOA approval can delay your start date.
Confirm your contractor
- Make sure your contractor’s Georgia license is active and properly registered in the city’s online system. The city recommends your licensed contractor pull the permit. Owners can act as homeowner-contractors, but that comes with extra responsibility and a notarized affidavit. Read the city’s homeowner and contractor FAQs. You can also verify state licensing through the Georgia Secretary of State.
Prepare a complete package
- Use the city’s applications and submittal checklists so your plans are accepted the first time. Include a clear site plan, code-compliant drawings, product specifications, and any required environmental or corridor documents. Download the city’s applications, forms, and checklists.
Submit and track in the CSS Portal
Johns Creek manages permits and inspections through its online Customer Self-Service (CSS) portal.
- Contractors must register their licenses before applying. Fees must be paid before plan review starts. Plan for at least 5 business days per review cycle, and longer if corrections are needed. Follow the city’s CSS portal guide.
- Post the issued permit on-site before work begins. Trade permits are issued after the related building permit.
Inspections without stress
- Schedule inspections through CSS. Requests made by 4:00 p.m. are typically set for the next business day. Keep the issued permit and approved plans on-site, have your contractor or superintendent present, and do not cover work before inspection. Reinspection fees must be paid before re-scheduling. See how to manage permits and inspections in CSS.
Keep your permit active
- Work must show progress. If no inspection passes or work stops for 180 days, the permit can be considered abandoned. Request extensions before expiration and be ready to explain the delay. Review permit timing and rules in the portal guide.
Watch local constraints
A few local factors can add steps or time. Plan for them early.
- Chattahoochee River Corridor. Properties within 2,000 feet of the river have added limits on clearing and impervious surfaces and may need corridor verification. This can add review time. Check planning and zoning FAQs.
- Tree protection. Specimen trees and protected areas may require approval and mitigation. Add tree protection to your site plan.
- Land disturbance. If you are grading, clearing, or impacting buffers, you may need a Land Disturbance Permit or related documents before your building permit can be issued.
Stay code current
Georgia enforces State Minimum Standard Codes with Georgia Amendments. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs posts adoption notices and effective dates, such as updates taking effect on January 1, 2025. Before you submit, confirm which codes and amendments apply to your project. Check the current state minimum codes at Georgia DCA.
Avoid these common delays
- Incomplete submittals. Use the city’s checklists and correct file formats so your application is accepted on the first try.
- Licensing or registration issues. Confirm state licensing and CSS registration before applying.
- Multiple correction cycles. Submit clear, code-compliant drawings and provide a point-by-point response to reviewer comments in resubmittals.
- Inspection misses. Request by 4:00 p.m., keep plans on-site, and avoid covering work early.
- Land disturbance or corridor approvals. Secure these prerequisites before your building permit.
- Unpaid invoices. Pay plan review, permit, and reinspection fees promptly in CSS.
- Lapsed permits. Track activity and request extensions before the 180-day mark.
Quick homeowner checklist
- Confirm you need a permit using the city’s guidance.
- Verify contractor licensing and have the contractor pull the permit.
- Gather a complete site plan, drawings, specs, and any corridor or environmental documents.
- Get HOA approval, if required.
- Submit via CSS and pay invoices so review can begin.
- Plan for at least 5 business days per review cycle.
- Schedule inspections by 4:00 p.m., keep plans on-site, and pay reinspection fees quickly.
- Monitor progress so your permit does not go inactive at 180 days.
Why this matters for resale
Unpermitted work can lead to stop work orders, fines, or required removal if it does not meet code. It can also raise questions for insurers, lenders, and buyers, which can slow a closing or hurt buyer confidence. Keep a clean paper trail with approved plans, passed inspections, and final approvals like Certificates of Occupancy or Completion. For enforcement and risk details, see the city’s building FAQs.
If you are planning renovations before listing or right after you buy, we can help you think through timelines and resale impact. Reach out to Strong Tower Realty Inc for local guidance that keeps your project and your long-term goals aligned.
FAQs
Do I need a permit to build a deck in Johns Creek?
- Most decks require a permit. Check the city’s guidance for your design and any structural details.
How long does plan review usually take in Johns Creek?
- Allow at least 5 business days per review cycle and build in time for possible corrections.
Who should pull my renovation permit in Johns Creek?
- The city recommends that your licensed contractor pull the permit. Homeowners can apply but take on added responsibility and paperwork.
How are inspections scheduled for home projects in Johns Creek?
- Request inspections in the city’s portal by 4:00 p.m. for next-business-day scheduling. Keep the permit and approved plans on-site and avoid covering work early.
What happens if my permit goes inactive in Johns Creek?
- If no work or passed inspection occurs for 180 days, the permit can be considered abandoned. Request an extension before it expires.
What are the risks of starting work without a permit in Johns Creek?
- You risk stop work orders, fines, and potential removal of unapproved work. It can also complicate insurance claims and closings.
