PERMIT REQUIREMENTS 

A building permit is required for any structure greater than 200 square feet in size and not on a permanent foundation. If less than 200 square feet, a permit may be required if on a permanent foundation or if connecting to electricity or water.  Building permit applications may now be submitted online.  Visit our Digital Submission page to begin the online permit process.  

Once an account is created and a permit application has been submitted, you will receive notifications via email, including notices of not approved and approval.  Community Development accepts credit card payments, online and in person.  The Department, however, cannot accept credit card payment for impact fees or water/sewer tap fees.  Those fees must be paid by cash or check.  If by check, you may either pay in person or mail to Community Development, 66 Captain Matthew Freeman Drive, Suite 111, Richmond Hill, GA 31324 or 51 N. Courthouse Street, Pembroke, GA 31321.    

2018 BUILDING CODES 

Bryan County adopted the following codes on January 1, 2020:

•        International Building Code, 2018 with Georgia Amendments
•        International Residential Code, 2018, with Georgia Amendments
•        International Fire Code, with revisions 2018
•        International Plumbing Code, 2018, with Georgia Amendments
•        International Mechanical Code, 2018 Georgia Amendments
•        International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 with Georgia Amendments
•        International Energy Conservation Code, 2015 with Georgia Amendments
•        International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2018 Edition with Georgia Amendments

Copies of the Georgia Amendments may be obtained from the Department of Community Affairs

To assist you with implementing the 2018 IRC, DCA has prepared a list of the Significant Changes from the 2012 to 2018 Codes.  For Bryan County, a significant change is the wind design criteria.  New residential construction in North Bryan County will need to meet the requirements for 130 mph and in South Bryan County, new residential construction will need to meet the requirements for 140 mph with special conditions.  

The Residential Energy Code Compliance Certificate has been updated.  This certificate will need to be posted on or near the electrical distribution panel or air handler and the building inspector will verify the posting prior to a CO being issued.

National Electrical Code - 2023 Edition

Georgia adopted the 2023 National Electrical Code, which takes effect January 1, 2025.  Updates to the NEC are automatically adopted by Bryan County upon adoption by the State.   Electrical permits or building permits with electrical submitted after December 31, 2024, will need to show compliance with the new code. 

Georgia Code Amendments 2025 

Georgia adopted amendments in 2024 to the following codes, with an effective date of January 1, 2025.

• International Building Code

Building permits submitted on or after January 1, 2025, will need to show compliance with these amendments.  You may access these amendments on DCA's website.  Bryan County encourages you to review these amendments prior to submitting for your building permit and/or starting construction.