InTucker Magazine

Builder’s Corner – May 2017

Building Permits and Why You Need Them

Summer is a great time for home improvement projects, and with the popularity of all the home fix-it shows and house flipping reality programs, the City of Tucker is experiencing a large number of permits for this type of work. The Building and Safety Department is reminding homeowners to understand rules regarding building permits before embarking on common remodeling projects.

A permit is generally required for remodeling projects that involve changes to the building’s existing footprint, wall configuration, electrical, plumbing or mechanical/HVAC systems. You are likely to need a permit for any project that goes beyond a simple repair or aesthetic upgrade such as:

• adding walls or taking down supporting walls
• adding a pool or a porch/deck
• replacing the roof, siding, windows, and decks
• backyard shed
• basement finish
• concrete sidewalks, driveways and slabs

There are two major reasons why a homeowner needs a permit on projects, the first is because when a permit is filed, city officials will inspect the work completed at different stages to ensure the work complies with current safety and health building codes. The second, and most significant reason, is it protects the homeowner’s investment they are making to improve the property.

The code states, “Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit.”

For questions, please contact the Building Permitting Department at 678-597-9040.