Savannah building permits for home repair? (Rome: Home Depot, buying, new construction)

[fthrud]

I'm considering buying a fixer upper in Savannah as a 2nd home near some family. Not a flip, I'm going to live there 6-10 weeks a year. The City of Savannah Codes and Guideline website is pretty vague about building permit requirements. Clearly new construction, electrical service, HVAC replacement and other major work requires permits, and I'd hire a licensed contractor for those. However, there's no guidance regarding 'skilled homeowner upgrades.' I could replace drywall and paneling. I would install new plumbing fixtures. I might run a little Romex to change the light or receptacle placement. Nothing major, typical Home Depot warrior stuff.

My question is, how stringent are the local codes on these types of things? Odds are that nobody knows or tracks what happens inside my walls, but I don't want to deliberately run afoul of some regulations and incur a penalty. If I have a truck loaded with material backed up to the door, is some city inspector on the prowl likely to poke his head in the door? I'm not looking to put something over, just want to tend to my own property with minimal bureaucracy. Any experience with this? Any links to specific guidelines, limits or thresholds that govern permit requirements?

Thanks.

[ellie]

They're often very helpful if you call and ask. Building Permits: (912) 651-6530

[pink caddy]

Originally Posted by fthrud

I'm considering buying a fixer upper in Savannah as a 2nd home near some family. Not a flip, I'm going to live there 6-10 weeks a year. The City of Savannah Codes and Guideline website is pretty vague about building permit requirements. Clearly new construction, electrical service, HVAC replacement and other major work requires permits, and I'd hire a licensed contractor for those. However, there's no guidance regarding 'skilled homeowner upgrades.' I could replace drywall and paneling. I would install new plumbing fixtures. I might run a little Romex to change the light or receptacle placement. Nothing major, typical Home Depot warrior stuff.

My question is, how stringent are the local codes on these types of things? Odds are that nobody knows or tracks what happens inside my walls, but I don't want to deliberately run afoul of some regulations and incur a penalty. If I have a truck loaded with material backed up to the door, is some city inspector on the prowl likely to poke his head in the door? I'm not looking to put something over, just want to tend to my own property with minimal bureaucracy. Any experience with this? Any links to specific guidelines, limits or thresholds that govern permit requirements?

Thanks.

A dumpster out front or a pick up truck loaded with material or trash will have an inspector there in a heartbeat. That's not to say you can't do your own work as a homeowner. The regs are a bit vague you just need to keep reading the nuances. Or as Ellie said contact the B. department. Better yet go there (on Abercorn).

If you really screw up and work without a permit that was necessary you will get a "red tag" on the house. That's a stop work order. Can cost as much as 2500 bux!

Make certain what you're doing is what you are entitled to do.

The city just luvs to collect money.