Frequently Asked Questions
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In limited circumstances, a property owner may act as their own contractor for work on a single-family residence they own and occupy, provided:
- The work complies with all applicable codes
- Required permits are obtained
- All inspections are passed
- Must be used as their primary residence for a minimum of 24 months
Owner-performed work is not permitted for:
- Commercial properties
- Rental properties
- Work requiring state-licensed trades
All permits for:
- Security and alarm systems
- Fire alarm panels and connections
- Low-voltage wiring associated with life-safety or monitoring systems
are handled by the Paulding County Fire Marshal’s Office.
In Dallas, GA, simple permit applications are typically issued within a few business days after submission. The state law (O.C.G.A. § 8‑2‑26) allows up to 30 business days for a local government to issue a permit or notify an applicant of issues, but in most cases, permits are issued much sooner.
Note: If your project requires a detailed plan review (for example, for new construction or complex renovations), that review may take longer before the permit can be finalized.
Two (2) hard copies of plans are required for approval.
- One copy is signed and kept by the City for its records.
- One copy is signed and must be kept on the job site for inspections.
Plans may also be submitted digitally for review prior to approval.
Permit fees in Dallas, GA, are based on the total valuation of the project, which is determined using the ICC (International Code Council) Data Valuation Table. Typical building permit fees start at a minimum of $100 and increase incrementally based on project valuation, with graduated costs per $1,000 of valuation for larger projects.
You can view the full fee schedule online:
Note: The ICC Data Valuation Table provides standard construction costs per square foot for different building types and methods. The city uses this table to ensure fees are fair and consistent across all projects.
The City of Dallas enforces minimum building, housing, and safety codes, but does not provide legal advice on landlord-tenant disputes.
For guidance on tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, the City refers residents to the Georgia Tenant-Landlord Handbook, published by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Key Points
- Tenants have the right to safe, sanitary, and habitable housing.
- The City can enforce building and life-safety codes, but cannot resolve rent disputes, leases, or evictions.
- The handbook explains lease agreements, security deposits, notice requirements, and other tenant protections.
Where to Find the Handbook
The handbook is available online:
Georgia Tenant-Landlord Handbook – DCA
The City of Dallas, Georgia enforces the minimum state building codes adopted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). These codes establish minimum safety, structural, and habitability standards for construction in Georgia.
Current DCA‑Adopted Codes (Effective January 1, 2026)
- International Building Code (IBC), 2024 Edition – Commercial construction
- International Residential Code (IRC), 2024 Edition – One- and two-family dwellings
- International Plumbing Code (IPC), 2024 Edition
- International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2024 Edition
- International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2024 Edition
- International Swimming Pool & Spa Code, 2024 Edition
- National Electrical Code (NEC), 2023 Edition
- International Fire Code (IFC), 2024 Edition
- International Energy Conservation Code (IECC), Georgia Amendments Applied
These codes include Georgia-specific amendments adopted by the DCA and are the minimum standards required for all construction projects in Dallas, GA.
Construction or installation work completed without required permits is considered unpermitted work and is a violation of City ordinances and adopted building codes.
If Unpermitted Work Is Discovered:
The City of Dallas may require one or more of the following actions:
- Stop-work order issued until permits are obtained
- Submission of a permit application after the fact
- Payment of applicable permit and penalty fees
- Inspection of completed work, which may require:
- Removal of walls, ceilings, or coverings to allow inspection
- Testing of systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Corrections or reconstruction to bring work into code compliance
- Revocation of approval if work cannot be made compliant
Unpermitted work must be approved by the City before the space may be occupied or used.
Unpermitted work may also affect:
- Property sales or refinancing
- Insurance coverage
- Liability for property owners
Most permits require inspections at key stages to ensure work complies with building codes. Required inspections depend on the type of project:
Residential Projects
- Underground plumbing*
- Underground electric*
- Footing/Slab preparation*
- Wall steel (for basement)
- T-pole
- Sheathing with nail pattern
- House wrap / moisture barrier
- Framing & MEP rough inspection
- Gas pressure test
- Insulation
- Temporary to permanent power
- Final building inspection / Certificate of Occupancy
Commercial Projects
- Underground plumbing
- Underground electric
- Footing/Slab preparation
- T-pole
- Nail pattern inspection
- Moisture barrier
- Framing & MEP rough inspections
- Gas pressure test
- Insulation
- Temporary to permanent power
- Ceiling cover-up
- Fire wall inspection
- Wall cover
- Final building inspection / Certificate of Occupancy
*Setback and location should be verified during inspection.
Inspections must be passed before covering work or moving to the next phase. Scheduling inspections is the responsibility of the permit holder.
To obtain a permit from the City of Dallas, Georgia, certain information and documentation must be submitted with your application. Requirements may vary depending on the type and scope of the project.
The City provides two checklists to help applicants determine the specific documents required for their project type:
Residential Permit Checklist – for single-family homes, additions, renovations, accessory structures, and other residential work.
Commercial / Industrial / Multifamily Permit Checklist – for commercial buildings, tenant build-outs, industrial projects, and multifamily developments.
Applicants should review the appropriate checklist before submitting a permit application to ensure all required materials are included.
In general, most permit applications require the following:
- A completed permit application for the specific permit type
- The project address and property owner information
- A clear description of the proposed work, including square footage and estimated construction cost
- Plans or drawings, when applicable, drawn to scale
- Contractor information, including:
- Georgia State Contractor License
- Business License
- A valid photo ID of the applicant
- A completed State Authorization Form (if applicable)
- Payment of applicable permit fees
- Any additional documents requested by the Building Official or their designee
For full documentation requirements, please refer to the Residential or Commercial / Industrial / Multifamily Permit Checklist that applies to your project. These can be found under forms and applications for a building permit.
According to Section R105.2 of the 2024 International Residential Code, the following types of work generally do not require a building permit:
- Small detached structures: One-story sheds, playhouses, or similar buildings up to 200 sq. ft..
- Fences: Fences 7 feet or less in height.
- Retaining walls: Walls 4 feet or less in height, unless they support additional loads.
- Water tanks: Tanks up to 5,000 gallons directly on the ground, with a height-to-width ratio not exceeding 2:1.
- Flatwork: Sidewalks, driveways, patios, and similar surfaces.
- Minor finish work: Painting, wallpapering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar non-structural finishes.
- Shallow pools: Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep.
- Playground equipment: Swings and other play structures accessory to a single-family dwelling.
- Window awnings: Awnings supported by an exterior wall that project 54 inches or less and do not need extra support.
Note: Even if a project is exempt from a permit, it must still meet all applicable building codes. Work involving electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas systems may still require a separate permit. Always check with the City of Dallas Community Development Department before starting your project.
All permits expire six months after the last required inspection that has been passed, or six months after the date of issue if no required inspections have been approved.
The building official may issue a six-month extension of any permit, for due cause, if requested in writing by the permit holder prior to such a permit expiring. The extension of any permit may require the payment of a fee.
Permits may be applied for online using the City’s Customer Service Portal (CSS Portal). Walk-ins are welcome.
The property owner is ultimately responsible for ensuring that:
- Required permits are obtained
- Properly licensed contractors are used where required
Contact Information
Community Development
320 E Foster Ave
Dallas, GA 30132
Closed Daily for Lunch 12PM-1PM
Department Services
Phone: (770) 443-8110 x 1203
