Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Search the property in Atlanta Property Information and record the parcel, zoning, and overlay results.
- Write a one-sentence scope: limited repair, full replacement, or structural work.
- Check the City's permitting page and its exemption link for your scope.
- Ask the City about your parcel and scope, and record the answer and date.
- Compare written bids using a detailed scope checklist.
Confirm Your Property's Jurisdiction
This guide applies to property administered by the City of Atlanta. Use the City's Atlanta Property Information viewer to search the address or parcel and record the zoning and overlay information before asking which review path applies.
The viewer also shows zoning and overlay information, which affects whether additional reviews apply. Record the parcel number, zoning district, and any overlay designations before contacting the City.
0Sources for this section: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning GIS
Research Permit Requirements by Scope
The City's permitting guidance says approval depends on the work scope and zoning district. Use these steps to determine your path.
- Define your scopeWrite a one-sentence description: limited shingle repair, full covering replacement, decking replacement allowance, or structural/truss work.
- Check the City's exemption textOrdinance 17-O-1307 distinguishes qualifying non-structural re-roofing repairs from broader replacement work and excludes truss repairs from the exemption.
- Ask the CityUse the City's permitting page and its current exemption link, then contact the City to confirm the route for your parcel and scope.
- Record the answerNote the permit or case number, required inspections, and closeout documents in your contract file.
Sources for this section: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning, City of Atlanta
Permit Path by Scope
This table summarizes the likely path based on the City's guidance. Always confirm with the City for your specific parcel.
| Scope | Likely Path |
|---|---|
| Limited repair (non-structural) | May be exempt under Ordinance 17-O-1307; verify with City |
| Full covering replacement | The City lists roofs among commonly permitted projects; ask which route applies to this scope |
| Structural or truss work | Not exempt under Ordinance 17-O-1307; confirm with City |
Sources for this section: City of Atlanta, City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
Official resources
Use these official resources to research your property and permitting requirements.
Atlanta Property Information
Search the address or parcel and record its zoning and overlay information.
Open the viewer and search your address.City of Atlanta Permitting Services
Get started with zoning, development, and permitting; find the current exemption link.
Visit the page and review the common steps to getting a permit.Georgia Secretary of State Contractor FAQ
Understand Georgia general-contractor licensing and the specialty-trade exception.
Read the FAQ to verify license categories.Sources for this section: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning GIS, City of Atlanta Department of City Planning, Georgia Secretary of State
Permit-and-Inspection Evidence Checklist
Keep these items with your contract file to document the approval and inspection process.
- Parcel number and zoning district from Atlanta Property Information
- One-sentence scope description
- Permit or case number, if issued
- Required inspection list and dates
- Closeout documents or certificates
- Any design review or Certificate of Appropriateness approvals
Sources for this section: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning GIS, City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
Example: Researching a Full Replacement
Scenario: A homeowner with an Atlanta mailing address plans a full roof replacement and wants to know if a permit is needed.
- The homeowner searches the address in Atlanta Property Information and records the available parcel, zoning, and overlay information.
- They write a scope: 'Full replacement of asphalt shingle roof covering, including decking replacement allowance.'
- They check the City's permitting page and exemption link, then ask which route applies to the documented full-replacement scope.
- They contact the City to confirm the permit requirement and any inspections.
- They record the permit number and inspection schedule in their contract file.
Limit: This example is illustrative. The actual permit requirement depends on the specific parcel and scope, and only the City can confirm it.
Sources for this section: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning GIS, City of Atlanta Department of City Planning, City of Atlanta
Atlanta Parcel-and-Scope Permit Question Builder
Use this worksheet to record the information you need to ask the City about your specific roof project. Fill in each field based on your research, then use the question template to contact the City.
- Parcel number from Atlanta Property Information
- Zoning district from Atlanta Property Information
- Overlay designations (if any) from Atlanta Property Information
- One-sentence scope description (e.g., 'Full replacement of asphalt shingle roof covering, including decking replacement allowance')
- Exact question to ask the City: 'For parcel [parcel number] in zoning district [zoning] with overlay [overlay], does my scope [scope] require a permit, and if so, what reviews and inspections apply?'
- Official answer from the City
- Date of the official answer
Sources for this section: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning GIS, City of Atlanta Department of City Planning
Historic Districts and Overlays
If your property is in a historic district or special zoning area, the City may require a Certificate of Appropriateness or another review before you submit a building permit application. Use Atlanta Property Information to check for overlay designations, then confirm the review path with the City.
0Sources for this section: City of Atlanta Department of City Planning, City of Atlanta Department of City Planning GIS
Current Georgia Residential Code
Georgia's current mandatory residential-code baseline is the 2024 International Residential Code with Georgia amendments effective in 2026. This sets the minimum standards for your replacement, but local administration and amendments may apply. Confirm the applicable code edition with the City or your building official.
0Sources for this section: Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Contractor Licensing Verification
The Georgia Secretary of State's contractor FAQ notes that residential and commercial general-contractor services are licensed, but also flags an exception for work that qualifies as a specialty trade. A homeowner should verify the applicable license category rather than accept a generic license claim. Ask the contractor for their license number and category, and check with the state if needed.
0Sources for this section: Georgia Secretary of State
Take this with you
Evidence and scope checklist
- Roof measurement and pitch
- Tear-off and disposal
- Decking allowance
- Underlayment and leak barrier
- Flashing
- Vents and ventilation
- Material system
- Permit and inspection
- Site protection and cleanup
- Warranty and change-order terms
Evidence
Sources used for this guide
Research checked August 1, 2026
- Getting started with Zoning, Development, and Permitting ServicesCity of Atlanta Department of City Planning
City permitting entry point, commonly permitted project categories, exemptions link, and extra-review warning for historic districts and overlays.
- Ordinance 17-O-1307: work exempt from permitCity of Atlanta
Text of the repair-work and non-structural re-roofing exemptions referenced by the City's current permitting page.
- Atlanta Property InformationCity of Atlanta Department of City Planning GIS
Official parcel lookup for address, parcel, zoning, overlay, neighborhood, and related property information.
- Current State Minimum Codes for ConstructionGeorgia Department of Community Affairs
Current Georgia minimum construction-code editions and Georgia amendments.
- Residential and Commercial General Contractors FAQGeorgia Secretary of State
Official explanation of Georgia general-contractor licensing and the specialty-trade caveat.
Optional next step
Need an on-site professional?
Use the guide and worksheet first so you can describe the situation and compare the full scope. A referral is optional; you can also contact a licensed local provider directly.
We have not enabled a provider route for this site. Use the checklist to contact and verify local providers yourself; urgent hazards should go to the appropriate emergency or public service.