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1. Do I need to get a permit to put up a fence in my backyard?

A permit is only required by Hall County if the yard fence will be over 7' high. The most important thing is to be sure that the fence is on your property and not your neighbor's! We recommend that you consult a surveyor if there is any question about your property line before installing a yard fence.

2. Do I need a permit to re-roof my house?

If you are stripping off old shingles to replace with new shingles or metal no permit is required. However, if you replace decking or need to make structural changes, you will be required to get a permit. Please always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the installation of new shingles.

3. Do I need a permit for a retaining wall?

You do not need a permit for a retaining wall that is under 4' tall. However, if the wall is over 4', you will need to first get approval from Hall County Planning & Zoning and Environmental Health. You must also provide an Engineer's letter for the wall when applying for the permit.

4. Is it okay to put a storage building on my property without a permit?

In Hall County, if the building is smaller than 144 square feet, it does not require a permit and can be 5' from the rear and side property lines. Storage buildings over 144 square feet must be permitted and must adhere to the set back requirements for your lot. If you plan to run electricity to a storage building, you will need to get a separate permit for that.

5. What if I want to put in a second driveway? Do I need to get a permit for that?

Yes. The first driveway on a property does not need a permit, but a secondary driveway does. The Building Inspections Department does not issue driveway permits. Instead, you must get approval from Hall County Planning & Zoning and the Hall County Engineering Department.

6. Where is the Building Inspections Department?

For your convenience, all Hall County Development Services departments (Environmental Health, Planning and Zoning, Building Inspections, Engineering/Public Works and Business License) are located on the 3rd floor of the Hall County Government Center at the corner of Browns Bridge and McEver Road.

7. How do I know where to apply for a building permit?

If the property is in unincorporated Hall County, you will need to come see us. However, if the property is within the city limits of Braselton, Buford, Clermont, Flowery Branch, Gainesville, Gillsville, Lula or Oakwood, they each have their own permitting departments. If you are unsure whether your property is within city limits, feel free to call us at 770-297-2650.

8. How can I get a copy of the building permit or Certificate of Occupancy for my house?

Hall County Building Inspections Department can retrieve permits in office if the permit is less than 10 years old. However, if you are not the original applicant or contractor that started the permit and/or you would like to have documentation or a copy of the permit you will be required to file an open records request. You may contact the Open Records Custodian by emailing orr_planning@hallcounty.org.