STEPHENS COUNTY BUILDING DEPARTMENT
802 E. Doyle Street, Toccoa, GA 30577
706-898-5750
scpermits@stephenscountyga.gov
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-5:00 PM Closed 12:00 PM-1:00 PM for lunch.
Contractor Registration Requirements
Contractors performing permitted work in Stephens County must be registered and approved through the Stephens County permitting portal prior to permit issuance.
Depending on the type and scope of work contractors may be required to provide:
• Current government-issued photo identification
• Current Georgia contractor or applicable trade license
• Current Certificate of Liability Insurance
• Current GSWCC Level IA Certification (“Blue Card”), when applicable
All required licenses, insurance, and certifications must remain current.
Expired or invalid documentation may prevent permit issuance until the contractor’s registration is updated.
Register or Update Your Contractor Profile
Georgia Secretary of State License Verification
GSWCC Education & Certification Information
Policy Updates
Contractor Information
Subcontractors
Electrical, plumbing, HVAC/Conditioned Air, and other licensed subcontractors must be registered and approved through the Stephens County permitting portal when applicable.
A Residential Subcontractor Affidavit is required to identify the licensed trade contractor responsible for work on a specific residential project.
Residential Subcontractor Affidavit
Owner-Builders / Homeowners
Georgia law provides certain exemptions allowing qualifying property owners to act as their own contractor.
Applicable homeowner affidavits must be completed when required.
Any licensed electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or other trade contractor hired by an owner-builder must still meet applicable State licensing and County contractor registration requirements.
Before Applying for a Building Permit
Before submitting a residential or manufactured-home building permit application, applicants should verify applicable prerequisites, including:
• Soil and septic approval through Stephens County Environmental Health, when applicable
• A valid 911 address for the property
• Applicable zoning and setback requirements
• Contractor registration, when a contractor will perform the work
If the property does not yet have a 911 address:
Request a 911 Address
Need to apply for a permit, manage a project, or access permit information?
Stephens County Online Permitting Portal
PERMIT APPLICATIONS & FORMS
Permit Fees
Stephens County Building Permit Fee Schedule
Residential Building
Residential Building Permit Application
Residential Driveway Guidelines
Accessory Structures
Accessory Structure Permit Application
Commercial Building
Commercial Building Permit Application
Commercial Driveway Guidelines
Manufactured & Modular Homes
Manufactured & Modular Home Application
Manufactured Home Information Guide
Manufactured & Modular Inspection Guidelines
Trade Permits
Electrical / Plumbing / Mechanical (HVAC) Trade Permit Application
Swimming Pools
Swimming Pool Permit Application
Campers / Travel Trailers
Camper Permit Application
Change of Occupancy
Change of Occupancy Application
Signs
Sign Permit Application
Towers / Personal Wireless Service Facilities
Personal Wireless Service Facility (PWSF) Application
THIRD-PARTY INSPECTIONS
Stephens County allows approved third-party inspectors to perform certain inspections on permitted construction projects.
Only inspectors approved by the Stephens County Building Department may participate in the program.
Stephens County retains final authority over permits, inspections, and Certificates of Occupancy or Completion.
Third-Party Inspection Program Packet / Application
INSPECTIONS & PERMIT INFORMATION
All construction requiring a permit must receive the applicable permit before construction begins.
Required inspections must be completed and approved at the appropriate stages of construction.
Additional inspections or documentation may be required depending on the project.
Stephens County Code of Ordinances
City of Martin Code of Ordinances <COMING SOON
Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes / International Code Council