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CSS
Fee Schedule
Monthly Reports
FAQ
About
Open Records Request
Customer Self Service Portal (CSS)
The Department ofBuilding and Licensing(formerly Building and Economic Development)accepts online, digital plan submission and inspection requests. We use the Forsyth County Customer Self Service (CSS) portal for plan and permit applications, inspections requests, status tracking, information gathering and fee payment.
Local Amendments to Plumbing Code Effective January 1, 2024
Forsyth County Department of Building and Licensing has adopted a local amendment to the following state minimum standard codes:
2018 International Plumbing Code Sections 202, 604.3, 1304, and Appendix E
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Residential Combination Inspections Beginning in 2023
All residential building permits issued January 1, 2023 and later will require Combination Rough Inspections and Combination Final Inspections. For these permits, individual trade inspections will no longer be available, and all trades must be ready at the time of inspection to avoid a failed inspection. For additional information, please click below.
Common Questions
Policies and Procedures for the Inspection Process
We have updated our guides forPolicies and Procedurestohelpyou through the inspection process. The guidesinclude definitions ofthe different types of inspections, the typical inspections to expectbased on your permit type, common violations that our inspectors come acrossand more.There is aguide for Commercial Inspections and a guide for Residential Inspections. Click below to download.
Commercial Inspections Policies and Procedures
Residential Inspections Policies and Procedures
Fee Schedule
Fee Schedule
Download
Building Information Resources
The following should assist you in navigating various informative documents, downloads and websites:
- Georgia Department of Community Affairs(DCA)–Forsyth County enforces building codes as adopted and amended by the DCA.DCA's website provides information including a list of current codes and amendments.
- Licensing Board/Office of Secretary of State(SOS)–In 2008 Contractor licensing became law in Georgia. At the SOS website you can find licensing requirements and verify a contractor’s license status. You will also find a list of specialty occupations that are exempt from state licensing.
- Governor's Office of Consumer Services–Here you can find information regarding consumer rights as well as Georgia’s Right to Repair Act.
- Elevation Certificate Form– is used to provide elevation information necessary to ensure compliance with community floodplain management ordinances, to determine the proper insurance premium rate.
- Lead Paint– Here you will find useful information on working around and the removal of lead paint.
- Asbestos-Here you will find useful information on working around and the removal of asbestos.
- State Fire Marshal’s Office- Here you can view the rules and regulations of the State Fire Marshal including the Georgia Accessibility Standards and rules for Manufactured Housing.
- Safety Tips for Homeowners– Here you can get tips on smoke detectors, wiring, and general maintenance in the home.
- Residential Definitions– Here you can find a link to Chapter 2 in the IRC 2012 where many different general construction terms are defined.
Frequently Asked Questions
Commercial Plan Review
Q: How do I submit plans?
A: Submit plans through the CSS Portal
Q: What all is required to obtain a commercialbuilding permit?
A: Requirements do vary per project. Most of the timea set of building plans are required to be submitted for review and priorapproval is needed from the review team before a permit is obtained.
Permitting
Q: Do I need a permit?
A:Refer to “Do I Need a Permit?” page.
Q: What type of permit do I need?
A: Refer to information found on the “Permitting Division” page.
Q: Do I need a general contractor, or may I conductthe work myself?
A: Refer to the Homeowner Affidavit.
Q: How much will my permit cost?
A: Refer to our fee schedule PDF.
Q: Can I change the general contractor after I havebeen issued a permit?
A: Yes. You will need to submit a notarized affidavitand state business license of the new general contractor to the PermittingDivision.
Q: Who can I contact with Permitting questions?
A:Refer to the Key Contacts for Permitting Division.
Inspections
Q: How do I schedule an inspection?
A: Inspection requests should be submitted using theCustomer Self Service Portal. You may also submit requests via email to inspectionschedules@forsythco.com
Q: Do I need to be present for my inspection?
A: If the home is occupied and the inspector needs tocome inside to conduct the inspection, someone will need to be present at thetime of inspection.
Q: How do I contact my inspector?
A: Refer to the Key Contacts on the Inspections page.
Q: Where can I find the list of approved 3rdParty Inspectors?
A:Refer to the Third Party Inspection documents.
CSS Portal
Q: How do I create a CSS Account?
A: See the CSS User's Guide.
Q: How do I apply for a Permit or Plan within CSS?
A: See theHow to Apply for and Manage a License, Permit or Plan Guide.
About Building & Economic Development
Our mission is to effectively administer and enforce mandatory construction codes, thereby ensuring the integrity of both residential and commercial buildings. With a sharp focus on efficiency and continuous improvement, we strive to enhance the prosperity of Forsyth County's citizens and business community through a strong commitment to customer service and shepherding projects to the finish line.
Contact
Jake Hill
Director
Phone:(770) 781-2114
Fax:(770) 781-2193
Location
Building & Licensing
110 East Main Street
Suite 100
Cumming, GA 30040
Office Hours: 8:30am to 5:00pm Monday - Friday
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PRIVACY STATEMENT
