Start here
Quick, low-risk steps
- Find your parcel PIN and use the Chatham County jurisdiction list to identify the exact municipality or unincorporated authority.
- Separate shingle-only removal and replacement from decking, structural, flashing, ventilation, or roof-configuration changes in your written scope.
- For a City of Savannah parcel, use SAGIS and the historic applications page to check whether exterior historic review applies before relying on the permit-exemption list.
- Ask the identified authority to confirm the current permit and review path for that written scope, and record the answer in your contract closeout checklist.
Confirm your jurisdiction first
A Savannah mailing address does not prove City of Savannah jurisdiction. Chatham County lists the City of Savannah, unincorporated Chatham County, and six other municipalities as separate jurisdictions. The county directs residents to use the first digit of the parcel PIN to identify the municipality. Confirm your jurisdiction before applying any City or County rule.
- Use the parcel PIN from your tax record or deed.
- Match the first digit to the jurisdiction list on the Chatham County page.
- If you are in unincorporated Chatham County, use the County's roofing permit application, not City guidance.
Sources for this section: Chatham County Department of Engineering
How to confirm your jurisdiction
Follow these steps to identify the authority that governs your roof project.
- Find your parcel PINLook on your property tax bill, deed, or the Chatham County tax assessor's website.
- Use the Chatham County jurisdiction listOpen the county's official page and match the first digit of your PIN to the listed municipality or unincorporated county.
- Record the authorityWrite down the exact name of the municipality or unincorporated authority. This determines which permit and review rules apply.
Sources for this section: Chatham County Department of Engineering
Classify your roof scope
The City of Savannah's published exemption list names replacement of roof shingles only. That is narrower than a conclusion that every roof replacement is permit-exempt. If your project includes decking, structural work, flashing, ventilation, or roof-configuration changes, the exemption may not apply. You must separate the required scope from optional upgrades in your written bid request.
- Shingle-only: removal and replacement of the shingle layer, assuming the deck and structure are unchanged.
- Broader work: any change to decking, rafters, flashing, vents, or the roof shape.
- Ask every bidder to state the measured area and assumptions so you can compare scopes directly.
Sources for this section: City of Savannah Development Services
Savannah jurisdiction and roof-change matrix
Match your parcel's authority against the roof-change columns to see which review path may apply. Use the result to form one precise question for the correct permitting office.
| Authority | Shingle-only | Decking or structural | Material change in historic district |
|---|---|---|---|
| City of Savannah | May be exempt per City list; confirm with Development Services | Likely requires a building permit; confirm with Development Services | May require Certificate of Appropriateness; check with Planning and Urban Design |
| Unincorporated Chatham County | Use County roofing permit application; confirm with Building Safety | Use County building permit process; confirm with Building Safety | Check with County for any historic review requirements |
| Other Chatham County municipality | Check that municipality's rules; do not assume City or County rules apply | Check that municipality's rules; do not assume City or County rules apply | Check that municipality's historic review; do not assume City or County rules apply |
Sources for this section: City of Savannah Development Services, Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services, City of Savannah Planning and Urban Design
Check historic review for City parcels
The City of Savannah identifies multiple local historic districts where certain material exterior changes may require a Certificate of Appropriateness. The same document that lists shingle-only replacement as permit-exempt also says exterior work in historic districts requires Historic Review Board approval. Therefore, you must check whether your parcel is in a historic district and whether the proposed material is a material exterior change before ordering roofing.
- Use SAGIS to locate your parcel and display zoning.
- Visit the City's historic applications page to see the district list and the Certificate of Appropriateness application.
- If you are in a historic district, ask the Historic Preservation staff whether your proposed roofing material requires approval.
Sources for this section: City of Savannah Planning and Urban Design, City of Savannah
Official resources
Use these official resources to confirm jurisdiction, check historic review, and understand the permit path.
Chatham County jurisdiction list
Identify the municipality or unincorporated authority for your parcel using the PIN.
Open the page and match the first digit of your PIN.City of Savannah no-permit list
See the shingle-only exemption and the historic-district warning.
Read the list and note the exact wording.City of Savannah historic applications
Find the historic district list and Certificate of Appropriateness application.
Check if your parcel is in a district and review the application requirements.City of Savannah zoning map instructions
Use SAGIS to locate your parcel and display zoning.
Follow the instructions to search by address, PIN, or owner.Chatham County roofing permit application
Apply for a roofing permit if you are in unincorporated Chatham County.
Download the form and follow the submission instructions.City of Savannah residential permit workflow
Understand the eTRAC application process when a building permit is required.
Review the checklist and supporting documents required.Sources for this section: Chatham County Department of Engineering, City of Savannah Development Services, City of Savannah Planning and Urban Design, City of Savannah, Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services, City of Savannah Development Services
Pre-bid written scope checklist
Use this checklist to ensure every bidder prices the same scope and you can compare apples to apples.
- Roof measurement and pitch, stated in square feet and slope.
- Tear-off and disposal method, including any fees.
- Decking allowance: how much plywood or OSB replacement is included, and the per-sheet price for additional.
- Underlayment and leak barrier: type and coverage areas.
- Flashing: which penetrations are included and what material.
- Vents and ventilation: what is included and any upgrades.
- Material system: brand, line, and color of shingles or other roofing.
- Permit and inspection: who pulls the permit and who pays fees.
- Site protection and cleanup: what is protected and what is removed.
- Warranty and change-order terms: what is covered and how changes are priced.
Sources for this section: City of Savannah Development Services
Example: How to use the matrix
Scenario: A homeowner in the Savannah metro receives a bid for a 'roof replacement' that includes new decking and a ridge vent. The property is in unincorporated Chatham County.
- First, the homeowner confirms jurisdiction using the parcel PIN and the Chatham County list: unincorporated Chatham County.
- Second, the scope is not shingle-only because it includes decking and a ridge vent, so the City's exemption list does not apply.
- Third, the homeowner contacts Chatham County Building Safety and asks whether the written scope requires a permit and which inspections apply.
- Fourth, the homeowner asks the bidder to separate the shingle replacement from the decking and vent work in the written scope so they can compare bids fairly.
Limit: This example is illustrative. The actual permit requirement depends on the exact scope and the authority's current rules. Confirm with the identified authority.
Sources for this section: Chatham County Department of Engineering, Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services, City of Savannah Development Services
Understand the current permit workflow
When a residential building permit is required, the City of Savannah uses eTRAC. You must submit a signed application plus the complete checklist and supporting outside approvals before issuance. The City's residential permit page is the current entry point for that workflow. For unincorporated Chatham County, use the County's separate roofing permit application. Do not substitute City guidance for County rules.
- City of Savannah: eTRAC, signed application, full checklist, outside approvals.
- Unincorporated Chatham County: separate roofing permit application.
- Other municipalities: check their own rules.
Sources for this section: City of Savannah Development Services, Chatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services
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
- Flood Facts for Unincorporated Chatham County ResidentsChatham County Department of Engineering
Official list of the separate jurisdictions in Chatham County and instructions for using the parcel PIN to identify a municipality.
- Residential Projects That Do Not Need a PermitCity of Savannah Development Services
City list identifying shingle-only replacement as permit-exempt while flagging historic-district exterior approval.
- Applications and FormsCity of Savannah Planning and Urban Design
Historic-district list and Certificate of Appropriateness application entry point for material exterior changes.
- Zoning MapCity of Savannah
Official instructions for using SAGIS to locate a parcel by address, PIN, or owner and display zoning.
- Building Permit ApplicationsChatham County Building Safety and Regulatory Services
Unincorporated-county permit forms, including a roofing permit application, and current submission instructions.
- How to Apply for Residential Building PermitsCity of Savannah Development Services
Current eTRAC workflow, application and checklist requirements, outside approvals, and historic-contact warning.
- Current State Minimum Codes for ConstructionGeorgia Department of Community Affairs
Current Georgia minimum construction-code editions and Georgia amendments.
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.