Building Inspection Services Division

The City of Gainesville has operated a Building Inspection Services Division since 1957. Today, Building Inspection Services operates under a unified code system that is applicable regardless of which jurisdiction construction occurs. The primary mission of Building Inspection Services is to protect the health, safety and welfare of the people by ensuring a safe building environment. Building Inspection Services enforces the International Building Codes as prescribed by the International Code Council, mandated by and amended by the State of Georgia.

All work to any structure, including new construction, additions, or alterations to an existing structure, shall be approved and permitted by the Building Inspection Services Division before construction begins. View the required applications/forms.

Erosion & Sedimentation

Inspection Services also enforces erosion and sedimentation controls in the City. Any grading, clearing, grubbing or installation of driveways on any property shall be required to obtain a land disturbance permit. All work projects within the local historic districts shall require a permit.

Building Code Changes in 2021

The City of Gainesville operates under the following codes as of Jan. 1, 2021:

• 2015 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2018 International Building Code
• 2018 International Fire Code
• 2018 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2018 International Mechanical Code
• 2018 International Plumbing Code
• 2018 International Property Maintenance Code
• 2018 International Residential Code
• 2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code
• 2018 Life Safety Code (NFPA 101)
• 2020 National Electric Code

The above codes have Georgia amendments, which can be found at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website.

Plans submitted or permits purchased after December 31, 2020 must comply with the requirements of the codes in effect as of January 1, 2021. The Energy Code Compliance Certificate has been updated and can be found in applications/forms.