Roswell homeowners planning a deck, kitchen remodel, or basement finish must file every building permit application through the city's online Permitting and Licensing HUB. A technical issue posted July 10, has knocked Fire and Planning & Zoning checklists offline, forcing some applicants to call the city before they can submit.
The City of Roswell launched the HUB on Monday, Oct. 13, 2025, replacing its former paper-and-in-person process. The portal, built on Tyler Technologies' Energov/Munis platform, lets applicants submit documents, pay fees, track review status, schedule inspections, and receive permits electronically. The city no longer accepts applications by email, paper, or walk-up, according to the Community Development Department's permitting page.
What needs a permit
The city's Building Division enforces Georgia's state building, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical codes. According to the city's official FAQ, any work that constructs, enlarges, alters, repairs, moves, or demolishes a structure — or installs, alters, or replaces any regulated electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system — requires a permit before work begins.
Common projects that trigger a permit include deck construction or replacement, water heater swaps, residential swimming pools, structural additions, and any change of building occupancy.
What doesn't need one: painting, floor coverings, wallpaper, and other routine maintenance. Fences generally don't require a building permit, though the city advises confirming height and setback rules with Planning and Zoning.
Who can pull a permit
Under Roswell's rules, a permit cannot be issued to a property owner who is neither a licensed contractor nor the occupant of the home being altered. Homeowners doing their own work on the house they live in can apply directly by listing themselves as both owner and contractor and uploading an Owner/General Contractor Affidavit, according to the city's FAQ page.
Licensed contractors are required under Georgia law to obtain permits before starting work. The city recommends property owners verify whether a permit is needed before allowing any contractor to begin.
Plan review timeline
The Community Development Department aims to complete plan reviews within 10 business days. Roswell Pulse, a local media outlet, reported in a permitting guide published Wednesday, July 15, 2026, that the department was averaging 6.4 calendar days, citing city data. The reporting period was not specified.
That timeline depends on submitting a complete application. Incomplete submissions are the most common cause of delay.
Current tech issue
The city posted an alert on Thursday, July 10, 2026, stating that Fire and Planning & Zoning checklists are temporarily unavailable due to technical issues. Applicants who need those checklists should contact Resident and Business Services at (770) 641-3727 or [email protected] to request copies directly.
After the permit
Once a project passes final inspection, the city issues either a Certificate of Completion or a Certificate of Occupancy depending on scope. Permits, job cards, and stamped approved plans must remain on the job site in a weather-tight permit box until that certificate is issued.
If a contractor changes mid-project, the city must be notified using a Change of Contractor/Permit Holder Form so liability transfers to the new permit holder.
Residents and contractors can access the HUB at roswellgov.com/HUBDashboard. The Community Development Department, at 38 Hill St., Suite G-30, is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
