FAQs

Building Inspections

• I've purchased my land, how do I get started building my new home?
  1. Obtain a soil evaluation test (also known as a perc test) for the proposed building site.
  2. Apply for a septic tank permit from the Banks County Environmental Health Department.
  3. Establish a driveway and place a construction box on-site.
  4. Get a copy of your land plat. If there are other homes on the tract, acquire a new plat surveyed off of the home site. (Check with Planning Office concerning these rules.)
  5. Draw in the new residence on the plat showing septic tank, well, easements, driveway, and existing buildings.
  6. Create a .pdf copy of your house plan to email or make an 8.5" X 11" copy of your plan.
  7. Complete a residential building permit application. Submit application packet to Planning Department.
  8. Install erosion and sediment measures before construction begins.

  Application packets submitted to the Planning Office must include application, land plat, house plans, and septic permit. During the review process, we will request your new 911 address. Once your build has been approved and a 911 address is established, we will contact you to make payment and issue permits.

• When do I get a 911 address?

  When you apply for a building permit, we will work with 911 to obtain your new address. Addresses are not issued for vacant lots in Banks County.

• Am I ready for an inspection?

  There are several inspections that must take place before you're issued a Certificate of Occupancy. This checklist will guide you through what is expected for your residential inspections. Call to schedule your inspections at least 24 hours in advance. If you place a request before 4 pm, we will make every attempt to schedule your inspection next-day. If you are not ready for your requested inspection, if yu fail the same inspection twice, or if the inspector cannot access your build site you may be charged a $50 reinspection fee.

• Can I act as my own General Contractor/Sub-Contractor?

  Yes. A homeowner may request a "homeowner" permit by providing a signed affidavit.

• Do I need a permit to build a swimming pool?

  Yes. Once a permit is issued, inspections are needed for plumbing pressure and electrical bonding. Also, a final inspection of the pool, fence, and locking gate will be required. Download the Swimming Pool Permit Application.

• How should I post my address?

  To allow for prompt and accurate emergency response, your new address should be posted within 30 days. The number must be posted in a conspicuous place that can be easily seen in daylight and at night from the road. Numbers should be at least 3 inches high in reflective material. The number must be posted on both sides of the mailbox or on a sign at the road if there is no mailbox. Failure to post can result in a $25/day fine.

• What are the residential property setbacks?

  A dwelling or structure must be at least 70 feet from the center of any roadway. The structure must be at least 30 feet from any surrounding property lines.

• What if I have questions that aren't answered here?

  Check the Banks County Code, send an email, or contact the office at 706-677-4272.