Forsyth County Building Permit Steps for Homeowners and Small Businesses
Planning construction in Cumming, Coal Mountain or Suwanee? New residential permits must be filed through the county portal and the packet (Revised 1/1/2025) lists a detailed checklist you cannot skip.
If you are planning construction, a renovation, an addition, commercial improvements, or many types of inspections inside Cumming, Coal Mountain, Suwanee or other parts of Forsyth County, you will very likely need a permit from the Forsyth County Department of Building and Licensing. Use this step‑by‑step guide to gather the exact forms, site details and approvals the county packet requires so your application does not stall or trigger enforcement.
1. Determine whether your project needs a permit
Start by matching your work to the county’s examples: new construction, additions, renovations, commercial improvements and many covered inspection types all typically require a permit. Projects in Cumming, Coal Mountain and Suwanee are explicitly within scope; when in doubt, treat the project as permitable and contact the department at (770) 781-2114 for confirmation.
2. Get the right packet and where to go for it
For new homes use the “NEW RESIDENTIAL DWELLING PERMIT PACKET” from the Forsyth County Department of Building and Licensing; the packet is identified as Revised 1/1/2025 and the department’s office is at 110 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Cumming, Georgia 30040. “Applications for new residential dwellings must be submitted electronically through the Customer Service Portal.” Call (770) 781-2114 if you need a paper copy or clarification of packet contents.
- Plat: “Plat: Copy of an approved, recorded plat.”
- Floor plans: “Floor Plan: Provide one page for each floor, including basement. Label all rooms.”
- Environmental health: “Environmental Health Approval: Required if on septic. Provide septic permit. Obtain from Environmental Health (770)781-6909.”
- Sewer/water proof of purchase or well affidavit: if not on septic provide proof of sewer purchase; for water provide proof of water meter purchase or a Well Affidavit (available upon request from Permit Technician).
- Lot Grading Plan (LGP): “Lot Grading Plan (LGP): If applicable. Must be approved and stamped by Engineering Dept.”
- Temporary toilet: “Temporary Toilet: Required if not toilet facilities on site. Obtain from Environmental Health: (770)781-6909. Include permit with application documents.”
3. Prepare the required site and plan documents (bring every item on the checklist)
The county packet requires a comprehensive document set; missing items delay review. Required items include:
Also include parcel and site details: parcel number (b), location and names of all abutting streets and rights of way (c), minimum required front/side/rear setback lines with dimensions (d), zoning conditions/variances/overlays (e), outlines and square footage for all existing and proposed structures and projections including whether decks/porches/patios will be covered or uncovered (f), outlines of driveways/walkways/pools/retaining walls (g), and roof overhang outlines with dimensions (h). Each of these items is called out explicitly in the packet and must be shown on submitted plans.
4. Complete required administrative and contractor documents
“Please complete the entire application package, including: • Permit Details Form • Required Contractor Documents: Forms/Affidavits must be signed and Notarized (where required).” The packet also warns: “Do not provide copies of Driver's License.” Make sure contractor affidavits are signed and notarized where the packet requires it and assemble a single upload of all forms to avoid piecemeal re-submittals.
5. How to submit the application
Follow the packet’s electronic submission requirement: “Applications for new residential dwellings must be submitted electronically through the Customer Service Portal.” The Customer Service Portal is the county’s required channel for new residential permits; if you cannot locate the portal or need help uploading large plan files, call Building and Licensing at (770) 781-2114 to confirm the correct submission path and file format expectations before you upload.
6. Schedule inspections and follow the cover‑up rule of thumb
After permit issuance you must call in for periodic inspections; many municipalities use the same practical guidance: “If you are going to cover it up, it most likely needs to be inspected.” Examples include inspections prior to pouring concrete or installing drywall. If you are uncertain which inspections are required for footing, foundation, framing, electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, contact the Building Department at (770) 781-2114 before concealing any elements.
7. Commercial and facility permits: air‑quality and equipment inventories
Commercial projects that trigger air permits must follow a separate process. For Forsyth County air-quality applications use Form A1 and A2: “One Form A1 is to be completed for each permit application.” Form A1 gathers facility name as registered with the Secretary of State, site address, mailing address and “FACILITY LATITUDE AND LONGITUDE – … Please report latitude and longitude in decimal degrees, [...]” (use mapping tools or the county’s geo‑data explorer to determine coordinates). Form A2 (Notification/Change Form) is required for administrative amendments, renewals and other changes. The air‑quality packet also requires detailed equipment lists: list equipment being added, equipment being deleted (including control devices), and equipment being replaced, using consistent ID numbers. Note the air‑quality guidance is dated 6/26/2012; verify current A1/A2 forms and requirements with the county air‑quality office before preparing filings.
8. Understand enforcement, reporting and permit reopening triggers
Permit compliance carries legal consequences. “The permittee shall comply with all terms, conditions, requirements, limitations and restrictions set forth in this permit. Noncompliance with any permit condition is grounds for enforcement action; for permit termination, revocation and reissuance, or modification; or for denial of a permit renewal application.” If corrective work is required “Notify this Office immediately when corrective measures have been accomplished; and Submit, if requested, to this Office within 15 days after the request, a written report as described in Sec. 3D-0535(f)(3).” The county also specifies that “This permit shall be reopened and revised in accordance with Sec. 3Q-0517 prior to its expiration date, for any of the following reasons: Additional applicable requirements become applicable to the facility with remaining permit term of three or more years. Additional requirements, including excess emissions requirements, become applicable to this source under Title IV of the Clean Air Act. Excess emissions offset plans for this source shall become part of this permit upon approval by the U.S. EPA.” Commercial applicants should consult the county code or legal counsel before finalizing filings that touch regulated air emissions.
9. Final checklist, contacts and verification items before you submit
Before you press submit, confirm the packet items and verify a few administrative points: confirm the Customer Service Portal link with Building and Licensing; confirm Environmental Health processes for septic and temporary toilet permits at (770) 781-6909; confirm whether the Well Affidavit is available online or must be requested from a Permit Technician; and ensure Lot Grading Plans are stamped by the Engineering Dept. The Building and Licensing office address is 110 E. Main Street, Suite 100, Cumming, GA, and the main phone is (770) 781-2114. Remember the packet revision: Revised 1/1/2025.
Final point Treat the packet’s checklist as a compliance roadmap: gather the recorded plat, single‑page floor plans for each level, health approvals, a stamped Lot Grading Plan when required, and notarized contractor affidavits before uploading through the county portal. Verifying the portal address and current air‑quality forms with county staff will cut weeks off permit cycles and reduce the risk of enforcement or permit revocation under the county code.
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