Building Plan Review

The Building Plan Review Section of the Department of Planning and Development is responsible for the review and authorization to permit the construction of commercial buildings, commercial structures, and commercial interior projects located in unincorporated Gwinnett County. Please refer to the How to determine if a building or lot is located in unincorporated Gwinnett County Guide. Commercial buildings include all buildings or structures other than one and two family dwellings or townhomes. Commercial structures include site retaining walls, cell tower installations, racking systems, and signage foundations.

• Building Elevation Design Guidelines (PDF)
• Communication Tower Guidelines (PDF)
• Detention Pond Wall Guidelines (PDF)
• Electrical Reconnection Guidelines (PDF)
• Modular Building Guidelines (PDF)
• Plan Review Process Guidelines (PDF)
• Plan Submittal Requirements for Commercial & Multi-family Buildings (PDF)
• Residential Townhouse Code Compliance Checklist (PDF)
• Racking Shelving Conveyor Guidelines (PDF)
• Restaurant Permit Guidelines (PDF)
• Retaining Wall Guidelines (PDF)
• Tenant Change Permit Guidelines (PDF)

The International Building Code with Georgia amendments currently in effect for the state of Georgia requires special inspections during construction of buildings, structures, and building/structure additions, and renovation of existing structural systems and components. Special inspections are typically required for projects that require the practice of professional engineering or architecture as defined by the applicable state law governing the professional registration and certification of engineers or architects except for construction of minor scope or pertinent to one- and two-family residences. This Special Inspections Program establishes the provisions for inspecting components of construction in which strength, safety, and construction practices have a critical impact on the integrity of a building or structure as determined by the Building Code, engineer- and/or architect-of-record, and/or the Building Official or his/her designees including building inspectors and plan review staff.

• Special Inspection Procedure (PDF)
• Special Inspector Authorization Application (PDF)
• Special Inspections Form Confirmation Notice (Construction Submittal) (PDF)
• Contractor's Statement of Responsibility Form (Construction Submittal) (PDF)
• Special Inspections Form Final Report (Construction Submittal) (PDF)
• List of Accepted Special Inspection Agents (PDF)
• Special Inspection Program (PDF)
• Special Inspector Qualifications (PDF)
• Special Inspections Seismic Resistance Form (Plan Review Submittal) (PDF)
• Special Inspections Services Schedule (Plan Review Submittal) (PDF)
• Special Inspections Statement Form (Plan Review Submittal) (PDF)

• Construction & Fire Codes (PDF)
• Georgia State Amendments to the Minimum Standard Codes (Georgia Department of Community Affairs)

• Centerville/Georgia Highway 124 Overlay District Regulations and Map (PDF)
• Civic Center Overlay District Regulations and Map (PDF)
• Georgia Highway 124/324/Hamilton Mill Road Overlay District Regulations and Map (PDF)
• Grayson/Georgia Highway 20 Overlay District Regulations and Map (PDF)
• Mall of Georgia Overlay District Regulations and Map (PDF)

• Department of Planning and Development Documents & Regulations