Who can pull a basement permit in Johns Creek?
Johns Creek issues building permits to professional contractors who register their credentials on the city's Customer Self-Service (CSS) Portal. Every application, plan set, fee and inspection request runs through that portal.
Georgia law lets a homeowner act as general contractor in specific cases, with proof of ownership. The city stresses that a homeowner-contractor is personally responsible for all work under the permit. Anyone hired for licensed work such as electrical or plumbing still needs a state license.
When your contractor holds the permit, the fees and inspections sit under their license. Ask for the permit number so you can match it to the permit card posted on site.
What happens if I don't pull a permit to finish my basement in Johns Creek?
Working without a required permit violates City of Johns Creek regulations and can bring Stop Work Orders and significant fines. The city can also order unauthorized construction torn out if it fails code.
Permits must be in hand before any work begins. A basement finished without one puts the whole investment at risk. Framing, wiring and plumbing may all need to be exposed again. Buyers and their inspectors may also ask for the permit history when you sell.
How do inspections work on a Johns Creek basement?
Your general contractor requests every inspection on the CSS Portal. Requests made by 4:00 p.m. on a business day are scheduled for the next business day. On multi-trade jobs the general contractor books combined rough and final inspections, and subcontractors never book their own.
Work must stay uncovered until each inspection passes. A failed inspection carries a re-inspection fee that must be paid before the next visit. Issued permits are valid for 180 days and stay active while work continues. A permit becomes invalid if no inspection passes in 180 days.
How are Johns Creek permit fees set?
Johns Creek bases building permit fees on the value of the project, using its adopted fee schedule. After you apply, the invoice arrives by email and gets paid on the CSS Portal.
For permits that need plan review, all fees must be paid before the plans go out for review. An application that is not issued within 180 days counts as abandoned. The city enforces Georgia's state minimum codes with Georgia amendments.
Sources: City of Johns Creek, Building FAQs (September 2026)
