Application Documents & Plans

Sal Gaeta

Chief Building Official

678-512-3250 11360 Lakefield Drive
Johns Creek, GA 30097

Required Documents

Building permits require specific types of documents to be submitted during application. Additional documents may be required during or at the end of construction.

Submitted documents are evaluated by plan reviewers for code compliance. They are reviewed by one or more disciplines, depending on the project: Building, Land Development, Planning & Zoning, and Fire
Marshal divisions.

On our website, a guide called Building Permit Submittal Requirements lists document requirements for each type of permit. Generally, these documents fall into the following categories: Application Documents, Drawings, Specifications, and Related Documents.

Application Documents

An application form is no longer used to apply for a permit; all information is entered on the CSS Portal.

Related documents may be required, such as:
Authorized Permit Agent Affidavit and photo ID
Homeowner-Builder Affidavit, photo ID, and Proof of Ownership
Engineer’s Certification for Retaining Wall
Property Owner’s Certification for Retaining Wall
Copy of Variance or Land Use Petition granted
Photos of existing conditions
Other miscellaneous documents supporting the application

Note: Contractors register their credentials in the CSS Portal under Contractor Registration. The registration is valid until the related licenses expire.

Architectural Drawings

Architectural plans show the layout and aesthetics of a proposed project. They include details regarding:

Floor plans – existing and proposed layouts
Scope of demolition, for alterations
Life safety and occupancy information
Elevations
Sections and details
Material schedules

MEP Plans:

Mechanical plans show the mechanical layout and equipment that will be installed. These plans show:

Heating and cooling, water heater
Ventilation systems
Kitchen equipment
Smoke control/evacuation systems
Duct layouts
Manual J and Manual S Calculations

Electrical plans show electrical components that will be installed for a project. These plans show:

Electrical fixtures
Lights, switches, and outlets
Electrical service panel
Transformers and switch gears

Plumbing plans provide water, waste, and gas piping plans. They show the following layouts and information:

Riser diagrams
Plumbing floor plans and fixtures, water heater
Hydraulic calculations
Water, waste, grease, fire sprinkler, and greywater systems

Structural Plans

Structural plans provide information about the overall engineering of a building. They include the following information for plan reviewers to evaluate:

Connections and anchorage
Beams, spans, columns, footings, and slabs/foundations
Floor, ceiling, roof, and wall components
Sealed truss layouts and calculations
Structural calculations (support documents for the drawings)

Site Plans

Submit all site plans combined into one PDF file. Follow the File Format & Naming Requirements. Site plans are specific to the exterior of the lot and show the following information:

Conditions, structures, and impervious surfaces – existing and proposed
Property lines, setbacks, and right-of-way
Grading and land disturbance areas
Water retention and drainage
Easements, stream buffers, and flood plain information, if applicable
Erosion control and tree protection measures
Impervious surface calculations
Landscaping and trees

See Site Plan Requirements for detailed guidance.

Specifications

Some permits require supplemental specifications, such as:

Engineering calculations (sealed by registered engineer)
Manual J & S calculations
Cell tower and solar panel equipment specifications
Manufacturer’s specifications and/or installation requirements, when required