Administrative overview · FIPS 13051
Chatham County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services
For a project in or near Chatham County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
912-201-4300
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
1117 Eisenhower Drive, Suite D, Savannah, GA 31406
Operating hours
Applications accepted Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-3:30 PM; applications cannot be accepted by fax or email.
Review expectation
Ask the agency for its current review estimate
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Chatham County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 912-201-4300.
How long might review take?
A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.
How are inspections scheduled?
Use the EnerGov Building Permit Search for public permit status. The county’s inspection-requirements document states that the owner is responsible for ensuring all required inspections are made; contact Building Safety & Regulatory Services at 912-201-4300 for scheduling instructions.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
The department applies Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes effective in 2026: 2024 International Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Fire, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes; 2015 International Energy Conservation Code; and 2023 National Electrical Code, with applicable Georgia amendments. A permit is required for most major structural changes. The county specifically lists permits for additions, alterations, occupancy changes, basement/attic conversions, partitions, structural pools, fences, canopies, awnings, retaining walls over 18 inches, excavations and permanent elevation changes, demolitions, re-roofing, antennas, exterior stairs/ramps, most signage, storage tanks, parking lots, and electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work unless waived by the Director of Inspections.