Planning a project in Conyers and not sure who signs off your permit? You are not alone. Starting with the wrong office can slow your remodel, addition, or new build. In this guide, you will learn how to confirm whether the City of Conyers or Rockdale County approves your plans, which permits you may need, and how to avoid common hiccups. Let’s dive in.
Quick answer: city or county?
If your property sits inside the City of Conyers corporate limits, the City’s Planning & Inspection Services issues building, trade, and development permits. If your property is outside city limits in unincorporated Rockdale County, the County’s Planning & Development handles permits.
How to confirm your jurisdiction
The fastest way is to look up your parcel and address, then verify if it is inside the city limits or in unincorporated Rockdale. You can use the county assessor lookup to confirm parcel details and location boundaries. If you are still unsure, contact City Planning & Inspection to verify and point you to the right forms and fees.
- Check parcels and boundaries with the Rockdale County assessor lookup: Rockdale County tax assessor search
- City permits, forms, and contacts: City of Conyers Planning & Inspection Services
What each office handles
City of Conyers permits
For in-city projects, the City issues building permits for new construction, renovations, and additions. Trade permits cover electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work. The City also issues development permits for grading and utilities, sign permits, and a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior work in designated historic areas.
Rockdale County permits
For unincorporated properties, Rockdale County Planning & Development issues building permits, reviews land use, and coordinates development and land-disturbance permits. Plan review often includes stormwater, fire, water and sewer, and environmental health when needed. Start here for county process and contacts: Rockdale County permits.
State and regional overlays
State minimum building codes apply to all projects and are enforced locally during plan review and inspections. You may also need erosion and sediment control best practices or statewide NPDES coverage for larger land-disturbing work, and GDOT approvals if your driveway or work touches a state route. Septic systems are permitted through Environmental Health if public sewer is not available.
- State building codes: Georgia DCA state minimum codes
- Erosion and NPDES basics: GaSWCC erosion and sediment control
- Driveways on state routes: GDOT access/encroachment guidance
- Septic and Environmental Health: Rockdale County health services
Common projects in Conyers
- Small interior renovation, kitchen or bath update, deck, or roof: If the address is inside city limits, the City issues the permit and any needed trade permits. If it is in unincorporated Rockdale, the County issues them.
- New home or major addition: Plan review will check against state codes. Larger site work typically needs a development or land-disturbance permit with erosion control plans and may require an NPDES notice of intent.
- Driveways on state routes: If your driveway connects to I‑20, US‑278, or SR‑20/138, expect a GDOT access or encroachment permit in addition to local approvals.
- Historic properties in Conyers: Exterior changes in designated historic districts usually require a Certificate of Appropriateness before you can pull building permits.
- Septic systems: Environmental Health permits onsite sewage systems and inspects them when public sewer is not available.
Steps to get approved
- Confirm jurisdiction by parcel and address so you know which office to contact.
- Ask early questions about zoning, setbacks, utilities, septic feasibility, and whether GDOT or state erosion rules apply.
- Submit the application, plans, contractor license info, and any required documents like erosion plans, septic approvals, GDOT letters, or a Certificate of Appropriateness.
- Allow time for plan review and interagency coordination for stormwater, fire, water and sewer, and Environmental Health if needed.
- After approval and fee payment, schedule inspections as work progresses and secure a final Certificate of Occupancy when complete.
Fees, timing, and who pulls permits
Fees and timelines vary by scope. Simple permits may take days to weeks, while major projects can take several weeks due to plan review and coordination. Ask the permitting office for current turnaround times and fee schedules.
Licensed contractors typically pull building and trade permits for the work they perform. Some owner-performed projects may qualify for owner permits, but rules differ. Confirm with the City or County before you start.
Avoid common pitfalls
- Starting work without permits can trigger stop-work orders, fines, and delays in closings or move-ins. Always secure approvals before demolition or construction.
- Projects that touch city limits or state rights-of-way can involve multiple agencies, which adds time. Build in extra lead time if GDOT or EPD needs to review your plans.
- Historic district properties in Conyers require a Certificate of Appropriateness for exterior changes. Factor this step into your schedule and disclosures if you plan to sell.
- Confirm utility service early. If your property needs new water or sewer taps, contact the local provider to discuss service and capacity. For Rockdale Water Resources questions, start with this overview: Rockdale Water Resources.
Fast-start checklist
- Verify whether the address is inside the City of Conyers or in unincorporated Rockdale County.
- Ask the correct office which permits you need for your scope and who should pull them.
- Confirm utilities, sewer or septic feasibility, and whether your driveway touches a state route.
- If the home is in a historic district, plan for a Certificate of Appropriateness.
- Gather plans and supporting documents for a complete, first-pass submittal to save time.
Need a local guide?
If you are planning a renovation before listing or you want to buy a home that needs work, we can help you think through permits, timelines, and resale impact. Our team knows how local approvals affect value, schedules, and negotiations. Reach out to LBBM Brokers for clear next steps and owner-led support.
FAQs
How do I check if my address is inside Conyers?
- Use the Rockdale County tax assessor search to review parcel details, then confirm with City Planning & Inspection if you need help verifying city limits.
Who approves a kitchen remodel in Conyers?
- If the home is inside city limits, the City of Conyers issues the building and trade permits; if it is in unincorporated Rockdale, the County issues them via Planning & Development.
When is a land-disturbance permit required?
- Larger grading or site work typically needs a development or land-disturbance permit, with stormwater and erosion controls reviewed by the City or County based on your location.
Who approves a driveway on a state route?
- Driveways or work connecting to state routes like I‑20, US‑278, or SR‑20/138 usually require a GDOT access or encroachment permit in addition to local approvals.
How are septic systems handled in Rockdale County?
- Environmental Health reviews and permits onsite sewage systems when public sewer is not available, and early coordination helps confirm feasibility and plan requirements.
