Development

The development function of the department is performed through issuance of building permits and certificates of occupancy, administering the contractor registration program, review and issuance of sign permits, and review of soil and erosion control measures. If you have any questions please call 706-556-0043 to speak with department staff.

Do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for most modifications to property, including fences and accessory buildings. For a listing of changes that do not require a permit please select the 'Do You Need A Building Permit? document below. A permit is required before beginning work. If work is started before acquiring a permit, it will be treated as a code violation.  All work, including work which does not require a permit, is required to comply with all development regulations for materials, placement, and setbacks. Please note that some subdivisions have development standards in place as well, which are available from your realtor, developer, or builder. A building permit application is available to download below. For more information on fee schedule, please look to the menu on the left. For more information on the commercial building permit process and to view the fee schedule, please click here. Please note that if your property is in the historic districts, there may be additional review by the Historic Preservation Commission. For more information on that process, please click here.  Completed building permit applications shall be submitted to buildingpermits@harlemga.org. 

What requirements do you have for contractors?

All general contractors, subcontractors, landscapers, sprinkler installers, roofers, and pool installers are required to register with the City of Harlem on an annual basis. A building permit will not be issued until this information is up to date.  Please see the table below for requirements.

The state license must be from the state of Georgia for general contractors. Plumbers, electricians, and mechanical contractors may use a license from their state. Business licenses may be from any issuing authority. The surety bond must be made payable to the City of Harlem. All of these requirements must be met before issuance of a building permit. Please select "Contractor Registration Form' below for a regular (general, electrical, plumbing, HVAC) contractor registration form. Please select 'Specialty Contractor Registration Form' below for a specialty (roofer, sprinkler installation, landscaper, and pool installer) contractor registration form.  Completed Contractor registration forms and backup shall be submitted to buildingpermits@harlemga.org.

What do I need to put up a sign?

Sign regulations are determined by the underlying zoning classification on the parcel and a sign permit is usually required. To find out what your property is zoned as, please click here. For a listing of general sign regulations and sign types, please click here. For sign regulations by zoning classification, please click on the corresponding zoning classification for your property – residential, B-1, B-2, B-3, P-1, I-1, PUD, and Planned Centers.  Please note that if your property is in the historic districts, there are additional design guidelines.

What inspections are provided by the city?

The city, via the Community Development and Public Works departments, provides inspections for soil and erosion controls, building inspections and plan review. 

For further questions please contact Pam Nickles at 706-556-0043 or pnickles@harlemga.org.