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Codes, exemptions & field inspections

Build to the adopted code. Verify every exception.

This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.

Regulatory framework

The code baseline for Gwinnett County.

Effective January 1, 2026: 2024 International Building Code with 2026 Georgia amendments; 2023 National Electrical Code with 2026 amendments; 2024 International Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes with 2026 amendments (plus Gwinnett amendments to the Plumbing Code); 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with 2020, 2022, and 2023 amendments; 2018 International Existing Building Code with 2021 amendments; 2015 Gwinnett County Construction Code; 2024 NFPA 101 and International Fire Code; current adopted NFPA standards; applicable state fire law and 2010 ADA Standards.

Inspection lane

Schedule inspections online through the Gwinnett ZIP Portal using the permit case number, or use the 24-hour inspection-request line at 678-518-6277. The fee schedule lists no charge for the first follow-up inspection, $50 for the second, and $100 for the third and each subsequent follow-up. Eligible remote inspections must be submitted through the County's Remote Inspection Web App; email photo submissions are no longer accepted.

Minor-work playbook

Understand what may be exempt—and what is not.

No permit is required for replacing a switch, fan, light fixture, or similar item without altering the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system; cosmetic painting, flooring, cabinets, vinyl siding, and similar finish work; storage buildings of 120 square feet or less; concrete driveways, sidewalks, and basketball slabs that do not exceed 35% front-yard coverage; or fences eight feet or lower. Brick columns and front-yard fences require consultation with Planning and Development, and zoning requirements still apply.

Field rule

A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.

Inspection pipeline

Keep the work visible at every release point.

  1. 1

    Request with lead time

    Schedule inspections online through the Gwinnett ZIP Portal using the permit case number, or use the 24-hour inspection-request line at 678-518-6277. The fee schedule lists no charge for the first follow-up inspection, $50 for the second, and $100 for the third and each subsequent follow-up. Eligible remote inspections must be submitted through the County's Remote Inspection Web App; email photo submissions are no longer accepted.

  2. 2

    Preserve access

    Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.

  3. 3

    Close the record

    Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.

Contractor verification

Verify the builder before the contract is signed.

Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.

Verify contractor ↗

Planning reference

Keep the parcel rules beside the building plans.

A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.

Open planning reference ↗

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.

Agency websiteOpen official source ↗Permit portalOpen official source ↗Application instructionsOpen official source ↗Fee scheduleOpen official source ↗Planning or zoning referenceOpen official source ↗Contractor license lookupOpen official source ↗

Project questions

Frequently asked questions for Gwinnett County

Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?

Gwinnett County Department of Planning and Development, Building Division 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 678-518-6020; 24-hour inspection requests: 678-518-6277.

How long might review take?

N/A; the County does not publish a dependable general building-plan review completion time. Its permit-report page's five-to-seven-business-day period concerns processing and uploading weekly issued-permit reports, not application review.

How are inspections scheduled?

Schedule inspections online through the Gwinnett ZIP Portal using the permit case number, or use the 24-hour inspection-request line at 678-518-6277. The fee schedule lists no charge for the first follow-up inspection, $50 for the second, and $100 for the third and each subsequent follow-up. Eligible remote inspections must be submitted through the County's Remote Inspection Web App; email photo submissions are no longer accepted.

Which codes and exemptions should I review?

Effective January 1, 2026: 2024 International Building Code with 2026 Georgia amendments; 2023 National Electrical Code with 2026 amendments; 2024 International Fuel Gas, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes with 2026 amendments (plus Gwinnett amendments to the Plumbing Code); 2015 International Energy Conservation Code with 2020, 2022, and 2023 amendments; 2018 International Existing Building Code with 2021 amendments; 2015 Gwinnett County Construction Code; 2024 NFPA 101 and International Fire Code; current adopted NFPA standards; applicable state fire law and 2010 ADA Standards. No permit is required for replacing a switch, fan, light fixture, or similar item without altering the mechanical, electrical, or plumbing system; cosmetic painting, flooring, cabinets, vinyl siding, and similar finish work; storage buildings of 120 square feet or less; concrete driveways, sidewalks, and basketball slabs that do not exceed 35% front-yard coverage; or fences eight feet or lower. Brick columns and front-yard fences require consultation with Planning and Development, and zoning requirements still apply.

Field sequencing matters

The inspector needs to see the work at the right moment.

Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.

When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.

Closeout file

Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.