With a low cost of living and an ideal location on the East Coast, Augusta, Georgia attracts companies and organizations from all over the country. Manufacturing, cyber security, and healthcare are just a few of the industries that make up Augusta’s vibrant business scene. For businesses looking to expand in Augusta, however, navigating the building permitting process for commercial projects can be a challenge. To help get you started, we put together this guide to walk you through the steps you’ll need to take to get your Augusta, GA building permits.

Key Players in Augusta

In Augusta, GA the primary agencies you’ll be interacting with are the Planning and Development Department (PDD) and the Fire Marshal’s Office. The PDD handles most things that relate to commercial construction projects anywhere in their jurisdiction, including planning, zoning, inspections, code enforcement, and, of course, permit application review and issuance. Permit applications are specifically handled by the Construction Division of the Augusta PDD.

What is the Process for Getting Augusta, GA Building Permits?

Step 1: Gather Application Materials

The first step to getting Augusta, GA building permits is to gather the materials and information you’ll need to complete the application. According to the Augusta PDD official website, items that are often required for new commercial construction projects include 3 sets of drawings and an approved site plan.

Your project may also require additional approvals from different departments if you’re working in either of the following areas:

  • Historic District – requires approval from the Historic Preservation Commission
  • Flood Plain – requires additional approval from Planning and Zoning

An important thing to note about Augusta, GA building permit applications is that while some are available to download online, Augusta still requires hard copies of construction plans to be submitted to the Building Permit Office in person for most commercial construction projects. You’ll also need to have separate submittals for any fire alarm or fire sprinkler systems.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

When you have the application completed for your Augusta, GA building permits, it’s time to submit. Again, you’ll have to submit hard copies of your construction plans in person for the majority of commercial construction projects. In order to complete your submittal, you’ll also need a few specific pieces of information, including the job cost estimate, job site address, contractor contact information, and the names of your subcontractors.

Application fees are not required upon submission. When your application has been approved, you or your contractor will receive an email with a link and instructions for you to pay the fee online.

Step 3: Navigating the Permit Review Process

The next step is one of the most important and the need for follow-up cannot be overstated. Once your application is accepted, your project will be assigned to a reviewer in the Construction Division of the PDD.

On average, the initial review time for commercial projects in Augusta takes 2-3 weeks. However, keep in mind that this does not mean your permits will be issued in that time frame. When it comes to applying for building permits, almost every project will come back with comments that you’ll need to address.

The expertise of permitting expediters is invaluable during every stage of the application process. But, the guidance offered by experts like those at Scout Services will help you move through this stage more efficiently. We can help you understand the context of the comments and facilitate meetings with reviewers to get them resolved as quickly as possible.

Step 4: Resubmissions as Needed

After you and your permit expediter have addressed all comments, you can resubmit your application for a second review. The timing for these follow-up reviews can vary drastically depending on the number and severity of the comments. Again, an experienced permit expediter will be able to help you account for this in your project timeline so that everything stays on track.

Step 5: Approval

After all comments have been addressed and all reviews have been completed to the city’s satisfaction, you’ll be approved for your Augusta, GA building permits. The applicant and contractor will receive a phone call notifying them that the permits are available to be picked up.

Be sure the person doing the pick-up has a company check or credit card on hand to pay the required fees.

FAQs

Q: Which building codes apply in Augusta?

The City of Augusta currently adheres to the 2018 version of the IBC codes as well as several amendments from the state of Georgia. There is also a long list of additional requirements which can be found on their website. It’s important to remember that these codes and regulations change frequently. A permit expediter with the right knowledge and resources can help ensure that you’re always up to date with the most recent requirements.

Q: What are the requirements for a new commercial project in Augusta?

Augusta requires all plans for a new commercial project to be sealed by an architect or engineer. You’ll also need three hard copies of these plans to be stamped with an architect’s seal before you submit. To find out more, you can contact the Augusta Planning and Development Department directly or you can consult with your permit expediters, who will be able to supply you with the information you need upfront.

Q: Are there any special inspections required?

Certain commercial projects in Augusta will require special inspections along with a signed Contractor’s Statement of Responsibility. A skilled permitting expediter will be able to help you navigate this to minimize delays.

Partner with Scout Services for Your Augusta Building Permits

At Scout Services, we simplify the commercial permitting process in Augusta and in other municipalities across the United States. We’re a national leader in permit expediting with a reputation for in-depth local knowledge and excellent customer service. Whether you’re working on a single renovation or a massive multi-site project, we have the industry experience and the expertise to help you navigate any permit review system in the country.

Our portfolio of clients includes some of the biggest names in retail, hospitality, telecommunications, and more.

Do you have a project coming up in Augusta? Reach out to our team today to get started.

Disclaimer: While we aim to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information possible, the local regulations and standards that govern the permitting process are constantly evolving. Reach out to us about your next project and we’ll connect you with one of our permitting experts.