Rehab/Permits in the Greater Atlanta Area

[Kamaria M. Johnson]

I have my first flip under contract, but I have not yet purchased the property. I've been hearing it is taking up to three months in Atlanta to get permits. Are people actually waiting 3 months to begin rehabs or are you applying for the permits and starting the work ahead of time? I don't see letting a property sit for 3 months before work starts. Someone in a nearby county said she had to get a permit to put in a new water heater, ridiculous!

[Rick Baggenstoss]

@J Scott Atlanta has done a lot to streamline their permitting.  In the last 5 years, they hired a new Head of Development, reconfigured permitting office, introduced an "Express Process" for easy stuff, and raised the threshold for when permits are required.  They're a little more customer friendly except for Zoning. 

@Kamaria M. Johnson  I can usually walk out with a permit for an interior rehab (move a few walls, new cabinets, new tiles, new flooring, new bathroom(s), paint interior and exterior).  You have to be able to draw your plans and specify how you're going to frame.  

If you do exterior work, it's usually not a big deal to reside, new roof, new front/rear doors.  Historic district? You can multiple the complexity factor by three.

Trouble comes when you have to dig because of the impact on trees and lot coverage.  Additions, driveways, and decks can be challenging.  You need a site plan (survey can be hand drawn).  

I always pull an interior alterations permit first so I can get started on the day I close.  If need be, I'll add another permit(s) for the rest.