Dunwoody, GA Building Permits: Review Times, Process and Costs
Dunwoody, GA building permit timeline: Initial plan review takes approximately 10 days. Expedited review is available.
Building permit review in Dunwoody, GA takes approximately 10 days for initial plan review. The city does offer expedited review for qualifying projects. Below you will find specific review timelines broken down by permit type, project size, and review stage.
Dunwoody Plan Review Timeline
For Dunwoody, GA, here is the relevant information found regarding plan review timing:
- Time to review first submittal (for single-family residential projects): The city’s review process may take up to 10 business days.
- Time to review subsequent submittals: No specific time frame for review of subsequent or resubmitted plans is indicated on the official city or building department pages.
- Other time-related details:
- The issuance of a building permit can vary from the same day for simple residential interior renovations to up to eight weeks for complicated commercial structures.
- For inspections, requests made before 4:00 p.m. are conducted on the next business day; requests after 4:00 p.m. are done on the day following the next business day.
- There is no expedited review process beyond the standard timelines.
No information was found regarding standard timelines for resubmitted plans for commercial or complex projects.
Last verified: June 2025 | Source: Dunwoody Building Department
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What Building Permits Do You Need in Dunwoody?
Dunwoody requires permits for most construction activity. The type of permit depends on your project scope.
Commercial Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review with the longest timeline
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: plan review for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Change of use: required when converting building use (for example, retail to restaurant)
- Shell and core: separate from tenant improvement permits
Residential Permits
- New home construction: full plan review including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Additions and remodels: required when modifying structure or adding square footage
- Decks, pools, fences: separate permits with typically faster review
Trade Permits
Individual trade permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and fire sprinkler work.
How the Dunwoody Permit Review Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your permit application through the Dunwoody building department. Applications are reviewed for completeness before being assigned to a plan reviewer.
Step 2: Plan Review
The city reviews your submitted plans for building code compliance, structural integrity, fire safety, energy code, and ADA accessibility. Commercial projects are reviewed by multiple departments at the same time.
Step 3: Corrections and Resubmittal
If the city issues correction comments, you will need to revise your plans and resubmit. Each correction cycle adds another review period. Most commercial projects go through 2 to 3 correction cycles.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Once all review departments approve your plans, the building permit is issued. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Expedited Review
Dunwoody offers expedited plan review for qualifying projects. This can cut the standard timeline. Let Permit Place manage the expedited process for you
Note: These timelines reflect general review periods. Large or complex projects may take longer. Request a quote from Permit Place for a project-specific estimate, or get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Dunwoody Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Dunwoody vary based on project type and valuation.
Commercial
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Residential
- Small projects (decks, pools, fences): $50 to $300
- Home additions and remodels: $200 to $2,000+
- New home construction: $1,000 to $10,000+ (based on valuation)
For a detailed permit cost breakdown specific to your project, get a free due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Dunwoody building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Dunwoody Building Department
Dunwoody Building Department
Frequently Asked Questions About Dunwoody Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Dunwoody?
Plan review in Dunwoody, GA takes approximately 10 days for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will need additional review cycles, each adding time to the total. Most commercial projects go through at least two review cycles before approval.
What is the difference between residential and commercial permit review in Dunwoody?
Commercial projects in Dunwoody require review by multiple departments (building, fire, public works, and sometimes health), which adds time. Residential projects typically involve fewer review disciplines and can be processed faster. Tenant improvements fall between the two depending on scope.
Does Dunwoody offer expedited permit review?
Yes, Dunwoody offers expedited plan review for qualifying projects. This can reduce the standard review timeline. Permit Place can manage the expedited process on your behalf to make sure your application qualifies.
Do I need a permit for a tenant improvement in Dunwoody?
Yes. Most interior buildouts in Dunwoody that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require a building permit. Simple cosmetic changes (paint, flooring, non-structural work) typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Dunwoody?
Permit fees in Dunwoody are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial projects typically pay $500 to $25,000+ in total permit and plan review fees. The exact cost depends on project scope, square footage, and any additional trade permits required.
Can a permit expediter help with my Dunwoody project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Dunwoody and 600+ other jurisdictions. We handle everything from application preparation through plan review, corrections, and permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete applications that reduce correction cycles.
What building permits do I need in Dunwoody, GA?
Most construction in Dunwoody requires a building permit. This includes new construction, tenant improvements, change of use, additions, and major renovations. Separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are also typically required. For a project-specific permit requirements report, use PermitNow.io.
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