Building Department

Residential: Permit Process

All applications for lots outside of a platted subdivision will require a recorded plat.  In order to have a plat recorded, please contact Environmenal Compliance and Plan Review at (770) 288-6312. This must be completed prior to submitting for a Residential Land Disturbance Permit or a Residential Building Permit. Once the plat has been approved, the applicant shall take the plat to the Tax Assessors’ Office to obtain an address and a tax identification number and then present the plat at the Courthouse to have it recorded.  An original copy of the recorded plat shall then be presented to the Building Department to obtain a Residential Land Disturbance Permit.

For new residential construction, you will need a Residential Land Disturbance Permit (RLD) Site plan showing proposed house location. For corner lots, indicate direction the house will face and where driveway enters.

The LDP must be applied for, an inspection made on the property and all requirements met prior to an application being made for a Building Permit.

You will need the following completed documents to obtain a Residential Building Permit:

• The LDP required above, passed and signed by the site inspector.
• Residential Building Permit Application
• Water meter receipt from Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority OR a well permit obtained from Henry County Health Department, as applicable.
• Sewer tap receipt from Henry County Water and Sewerage Authority or an Approval Letter from Henry County Health Department for the septic system, if applicable..
• Completed Construction Waste Burial Tracking Sheet
• Contractor’s Current State License
• Company and Qualifying Agent or Individual
• Type of License MUST match the named individual’s relationship to Contracting Company
• Completed Tree Protection Affidavit
• Legible and precise house plans that include the following information:

1. Elevations (include a detailed list of building materials)
2. Foundation (i.e., basement, slab, or crawl space)
3. Floor plan with labeled rooms

• House plans shall have the square footage for the following items:

4. First floor
5. Second floor
6. Basement (labeled as finished or unfinished)
7. Bonus room
8. Garage (whether attached or detached)
9. Covered porches and decks

• If any portion of the property lies within the flood plain as shown on the plat, a site plan must be provided showing the foundation to be 3 feet above the numbers indicated on the Henry County Stormwater Flood Plain Maps. The forms listed below must be completed by a licensed surveyor or engineer (original signature and seal).
• A FEMA Flood Plain Letter when any type of natural water exists on the property.   
• Henry County Flood Plain Letter when any type of natural water exists on the property.  
• Separate Plumbing, HVAC and Electrical permits are required. In order to avoid delays If you, as the home owner, wish to obtain all mechanical permits, we recommend that you send a separate check if they’re being submitted at the same time as the building permit.

Bring this completed information to The Henry County Building Department at 140 Henry Parkway, McDonough, GA, 30253. Once your permit has been approved, you will be contacted to come and pay for and sign the permit. Typical turn around time is less than two business days.

While the work is underway to lay the grade and foundation, the trade contractors can be contacted to obtain their respective mechanical permits. They will need their State Contractor’s card and a copy of their business license for the current year. You will also need a survey letter indicating the exact location of the foundation footprint (form boards) in relation to all property lines and easements. This letter will be required before the first inspection can be made.

Call the Automated Inspection Request (AIR) line at 678-583-3654 and follow prompts for all required inspections.

After all inspections are completed and approved, a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. To obtain a Certificate of Occupancy you will need to bring the following information to the Henry County Building Department:

• The signed permit card
• The termite treatment letter
• If on a septic system, an approval letter from the Henry County Health Department is required.