Some counties welcome barndominiums, but metro and suburban areas may restrict them.
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) adopts and enforces State Minimum Standard Codes statewide. All counties must enforce these codes. Local jurisdictions may adopt more restrictive standards.
Primary Code
Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes
Code Version
2018 IBC / 2018 IRC with GA amendments
Adoption Level
Statewide
Statewide Enforcement
Yes
Plan review is required statewide. Urban counties have more thorough review processes. Rural counties are faster but still require permits.
Residential
Required
Commercial
Required
Agricultural
Not Required
Size threshold: structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt.
Farm buildings used exclusively for agricultural purposes may be exempt from building permit requirements in some Georgia counties. Specific exemptions determined at the county level.
Accessory structures under 200 sq ft may be exempt in some jurisdictions.
Coastal counties (Chatham, Glynn, Camden) have higher wind load requirements up to 140 mph. Interior Georgia has moderate wind loads. Minimal snow loads statewide.
Wind Load
95–140 mph
moderate zone
Snow Load
0–10 psf
Seismic
A–B
Category
Flood
FEMA Regulated
Energy Code
IECC with GA amendments
Version
2015 IECC with GA amendments
Georgia enforces energy codes statewide through the DCA.
License Type
General Contractor license (state or local)
Georgia requires general contractors to be licensed at the state level for most construction work. Low-voltage and specialty licenses also required.
Front
25–40 ft
Side
10–15 ft
Rear
15–30 ft
Setbacks vary by county and zone. Metro Atlanta counties tend to have stricter setback requirements.
Red clay soils in north Georgia require attention to drainage and foundation design. Sandy soils in south Georgia and coastal areas.
Permits required statewide. Rural counties process faster.
Farm buildings may be exempt in some counties. Check with county building department.
Challenging near metro Atlanta. More accepted in rural south Georgia. Zoning classification as residential required.
Full permits required. Must meet residential code for attached garages.
Full IBC compliance through DCA standards. ADA and fire code compliance required.
HOA restrictions are prevalent in suburban developments throughout metro Atlanta and coastal areas. Metal building homes are frequently prohibited. Focus on rural south Georgia counties.
Flood zones along the Chattahoochee, Savannah, and other major rivers. Coastal flood zones in Chatham and Glynn counties.
Key counties with specific permit information for Georgia.
Strict code enforcement. Thorough plan review. Metal buildings face aesthetic scrutiny.
Typical fees: $500 – $4,000
Full code enforcement. Active building department.
Typical fees: $500 – $3,500
Coastal wind load requirements. Full code enforcement.
Typical fees: $400 – $3,500
Rural south Georgia. More flexible. Good for barndominiums.
Typical fees: $200 – $1,500
Ag Exemption AvailableRural county. Streamlined process. Agricultural exemptions available.
Typical fees: $200 – $1,500
Ag Exemption AvailableVerify the information above directly from these official sources. Regulations change — always confirm with your local building department before starting construction.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Building codes, permit requirements, and zoning regulations change frequently. Always verify current requirements with your local building department, planning office, or a licensed professional before starting construction. Homestead Steel Structures & Design is not a legal authority on building codes or zoning regulations. Last updated February 2026.
