Hi BP,

My business partner and I are having a real heck of a time getting a permit approved from the City of Atlanta to start work on a flip.  Would anyone with experience getting a permit from the city be open to a quick chat so that we can better understand exactly what we need?

Thank you!

@Nick DeMarco have you tried an expeditor? Shoot me a DM if you want to chat. 

I would try the expeditor too.  I mean they may cost a bit.  But so is holding cost :)

@Nick DeMarco what kind of flip are you trying to get a permit for? One that is paint, cabinets, and mostly cosmetic or one that involves additions? I've never seen an expeditor used on a residential flip (paint, cabinets, flooring, move a couple walls). If you are trying to do an addition or renovation involving structural walls, you will need an Architect anyway. The Architect will draw your plans that the city requires and should be able to help you some with the permit process. I'm not sure how COVID is in your area, but (speaking as a former code enforcement officer) I have always advised people to go to the Building Department in person if they are having trouble getting a hold of the inspectors. Call and ask when their office hours are and then show up during those hours. During these COVID times, they may require an appointment, so I'd call and ask. Either way, investors/builders/the general public would always get more info out of the department if they just showed up in person and asked. 

@Nick DeMarco -  They do make it difficult to get permits for flips.  They're worried about bad players doing bad work.  I'd argue they've made it so difficult lately, that they're shooting themselves in the foot.  There are a lot more unpermitted properties, so workmanship is degrading.  I don't recommend skipping the permit. 

The questions and suggestions above are good.  What are you doing?  General repair OR Interior alterations are the easiest permit to get.  You can't change the footprint with these.   If it's your first time getting permits, you MUST hire an expeditor or an architect.  You'll never get it done on your own with Covid. 

Good luck! 

@Nick DeMarco

In the state of Georgia you can only pull permits on your own residence. It makes no difference if you own it. You have to sign an affidavit stating it is or will be your residence for two years following the work. Lying on the form is a felony.

If you want to pull permits you have to be a state Licensed General Contractor. Trades such as electric, plumbing, HVAC will then pull their permits under the GC’s permit. That’s how it’s set up in GA.

@Nick DeMarco

I work in site development and we do many projects in the City of Atlanta. Obtaining a permit can be such a onerous task, we even hire an expeditor to coordinate. If you'd like, PM me and I can share our expeditor's contact info.

@Nick DeMarco  Give me a shout anytime. I help get permits quickly.