Mall of Georgia Tenant Improvement Permits: What You Need to Know
What permits do you need for Mall of Georgia? Tenant improvements at Mall of Georgia require permits from either the City of Buford or Gwinnett County, depending on your space location. You need a Landlord Letter of Authorization from Simon Property Group, architectural plans meeting their design standards, and jurisdiction confirmation before submitting.
About Mall of Georgia
Mall of Georgia is a super-regional shopping center in Buford, Georgia, owned and operated by Simon Property Group. It is the largest mall in Georgia. Despite its Buford address, some portions may fall under Gwinnett County jurisdiction.
The TI Permit Process at Mall of Georgia
Tenant improvement projects at Mall of Georgia follow a specific approval sequence. Here is the step-by-step process.
- Landlord Letter of Authorization from Simon Property Group. Simon’s tenant coordination team must review and approve your construction drawings before you can apply for a permit. They will also verify exact jurisdiction for each tenant space.
- Architectural plans meeting Simon’s design standards. Your architect must produce plans that comply with Simon Property Group’s tenant design criteria. These criteria cover storefront design, signage, demising walls, and utility connections. The TC team reviews for compliance before signing off.
- Submit to Buford or Gwinnett County building department for plan review. Simon’s TC team verifies exact jurisdiction for each tenant space. Submit your application to the correct jurisdiction. Do not guess. Submitting to the wrong jurisdiction will cause rejection and delay.
- Address city or county comments and corrections. The plan checker will review your drawings and issue correction comments. Your architect or engineer must respond to each comment and resubmit for backcheck. This process typically takes 1 to 3 rounds.
- Permit issuance and construction start. Once all disciplines approve the plans, the jurisdiction issues the permit. Post the permit at your job site and begin construction. You will need to pass inspections at each milestone before final certificate of occupancy.
Jurisdiction Requirements
Critical Jurisdiction Note
Mall of Georgia is the largest mall in Georgia. Despite its Buford address, some portions may fall under Gwinnett County jurisdiction. Simon’s TC team verifies exact jurisdiction for each tenant space.
The jurisdictional split at Mall of Georgia is not obvious from a map. The property boundaries and municipal limits do not align cleanly. You cannot determine jurisdiction by looking at the address or the lease.
Simon Property Group’s tenant coordination team maintains detailed records of which spaces fall under city or county jurisdiction. Always verify before preparing permit applications.
See the full permit guide for Buford, GA for more details on local permitting processes and timelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
What permits do I need for a tenant improvement at Mall of Georgia?
You need a building permit from either the City of Buford or Gwinnett County (depending on your space location) plus separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection permits depending on your scope of work. Simon Property Group must provide a Landlord Letter of Authorization and confirm jurisdiction before you submit.
How long does the TI permit process take at Mall of Georgia?
Plan review timelines vary by jurisdiction. Buford typically runs 15 to 25 business days for the first round. Gwinnett County runs similar timelines. Add 7 to 12 business days for backcheck after corrections. Total time from submission to permit issuance is usually 5 to 8 weeks, assuming complete drawings and correct jurisdiction.
Do I need landlord approval before applying for a permit?
Yes. Simon Property Group must review and approve your construction plans before you submit to the jurisdiction. The building department requires a signed Landlord Letter of Authorization as part of the application package. Simon also verifies which jurisdiction has authority over your space. Plan on 1 to 3 weeks for landlord review and approval.
What is a Landlord Letter of Authorization?
A Landlord Letter of Authorization is a signed document from the property owner (Simon Property Group) that authorizes your contractor to perform construction work at the mall. The building department requires this letter before accepting a tenant permit application. Without it, your application will be rejected at intake.
How can Permit Place help with permits at Mall of Georgia?
Permit Place expedites TI permits at Mall of Georgia by managing the landlord coordination process, confirming jurisdiction before submission, preparing complete applications for the correct authority, tracking plan review status, and responding to corrections within 24 to 48 hours. We handle permits for Simon malls nationwide and know their TC team’s requirements.
Need TI Permits at Mall of Georgia?
Permit Place has expedited hundreds of tenant improvement permits for Simon Property Group malls nationwide. We handle everything from landlord coordination to certificate of occupancy so your buildout stays on schedule.