# Dallas GA Requires a Site Plan That Shows Parking, Landscaping, and Elevations — Not Just Property Lines
Most residential permit drawings focus on three things: property lines, setbacks, and the proposed footprint. Dallas's Community Development Department adds three more: parking layout, landscaping, and building elevations. This makes the Dallas site plan requirement closer to a commercial-style site plan than the typical residential sketch most cities accept for a deck or garage permit.
Understanding why helps you get it right the first time. Dallas reviews projects with full site character in mind — not just whether a structure clears the setback lines. Add the required layers to your drawing before you submit to avoid an immediate correction letter.
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What a Dallas Site Plan Must Show
| Element | Dallas Requirement |
|---|---|
| Property lines | All boundaries clearly drawn and dimensioned |
| Existing structures | All buildings, sheds, accessory structures on the lot |
| Proposed project | Footprint, dimensions, use, location |
| Parking layout | Parking spaces location and count |
| Landscaping | Existing and proposed landscaping areas |
| Floor plans | Building floor plan at appropriate scale |
| Building elevations | All four elevations or as applicable to the project |
| Utilities | Utility connections and drainage patterns |
| Scale | Drawn to accurate scale; stated in title block |
| Title block | Address, owner name, date, preparer |
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Dallas Submission Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Hard copies | 2 required — one for city records, one stays on site |
| Digital submission | Available for review prior to final approval |
| Portal | Tyler EnerGov Customer Self Service (CSS) |
| Alternative submission | Email to melgaydi@dallas-ga.gov |
| Minimum permit fee | \$100 |
| Valuation-based fee | \$5 per \$1,000 of construction value (up to \$500,000) |
| Building codes | 2024 IBC, IRC, IPC, IMC, IFGC, ISPSC, 2023 NEC — all with Georgia amendments |
| Code effective date | January 1, 2026 |
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Dallas Setbacks (Verify With City)
| Yard | Typical Requirement |
|---|---|
| Front yard | Varies by zoning district |
| Interior side yard | 25 feet minimum (verify — may be district-specific) |
| Corner lot side (street-facing) | 25 feet |
| Rear yard | Varies by zoning district |
Contact the Community Development Department at (770) 443-8110 to confirm the exact setback requirements for your zoning district before drawing.
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Who Can Pull a Dallas Permit
Property owners may act as their own general contractor for work on a single-family residence they own and occupy. This follows Georgia's owner-builder provision under state law.
Licensed contractors must submit: a valid Georgia state contractor license, city business license, and photo ID with their permit application.
Contractor records need to be on file with the city before a permit can be issued.
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Project-by-Project Requirements
| Project | What Your Site Plan Needs | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | Lot lines, deck footprint + height, setbacks, parking, landscaping, elevations | Permit required |
| Shed | Lot lines, shed footprint, setbacks, site notes | Permit required |
| Pool | Lot lines, pool location, setbacks, barriers, parking, drainage | Permit required |
| Garage | Lot lines, garage footprint, driveway, parking count, setbacks, elevations | Permit required |
| Fence | Lot lines, fence line, height | Verify with city |
| Addition | Existing + new footprint, setbacks, parking, landscaping, elevations | Permit required |
| Driveway | Lot lines, driveway location, curb cut if applicable | Right-of-way work requires permit |
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Submitting Through EnerGov
Dallas uses the Tyler EnerGov CSS portal for online permit submissions:
- Create or log into your EnerGov account at the Dallas portal
- Start a new permit application — select your project type
- Upload the site plan PDF, floor plans, elevations, and any supplemental documents
- Pay the applicable permit fee online
- Print or save the two required hard copies for job site and city submission if required beyond digital review
Track your review status and respond to correction requests through the EnerGov portal. For project-specific questions before submitting, call Community Development at (770) 443-8110 or email the application team.
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Building Parking and Landscaping Into Your Site Plan
Parking: For most single-family residential projects, the parking requirement is straightforward — show the driveway, garage spaces, and any off-street parking. Label each space and show total count. For additions or projects that change the site layout, Dallas expects to see that parking access and count are maintained.
Landscaping: You don't need a detailed landscape architecture plan for a standard residential permit — but show existing trees, lawn areas, and any proposed landscaping changes relative to the project. For a deck or garage, note what happens to the landscaping in the area being developed.
Building elevations: Attach the exterior elevation drawings showing all sides of the proposed structure. For decks, a simple elevation showing height above grade is typically sufficient. For full additions or garages, all four elevations.
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Building Your Dallas Site Plan
- Enter your Dallas address. Paulding County parcel data loads — lot boundaries and dimensions pull from county records.
- Place your project. Setback lines generate from the boundaries. Verify all setback distances are labeled.
- Add parking notation. Label driveway and parking spaces on the drawing.
- Note landscaping areas. Identify existing lawn/landscaping areas relative to the project footprint.
- Attach elevations. Prepare or attach elevation drawings for the proposed structure.
- Print two hard copies. One for city records, one for the job site.
See how to edit your title sheet to add owner name, project notes, and date before export.
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What This Doesn't Replace
The site plan creator generates preliminary, conceptual drawings for residential permit applications where Dallas allows homeowner-prepared plans. It is not a licensed land survey, a certified engineering document, or a formal landscape architecture plan. Building elevations and floor plans must be prepared separately and attached to the site plan package. Final permit approval is at the sole discretion of the City of Dallas Community Development Department.
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Local Resources
- City of Dallas Community Development — (770) 443-8110; 320 E Foster Ave, Dallas, GA 30132
- Tyler EnerGov CSS Portal — online permit submissions
- Paulding County GIS
- Georgia DCA Building Codes
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Nearby Cities
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Does every residential permit in Dallas require parking shown on the site plan?
Yes — Dallas's site plan requirements list parking as a required element. For residential projects, this typically means showing driveway and garage spaces with their location and count labeled on the drawing.
2. Why does Dallas require landscaping on a residential site plan?
Dallas reviews projects for site character and zoning compliance, not just setback clearances. Showing existing and proposed landscaping areas relative to the project helps the reviewer confirm that the lot's character is maintained and that site drainage areas aren't being eliminated.
3. Do I need architectural floor plans for a residential deck permit?
Dallas lists floor plans as a required site plan element. For a deck, this typically means showing the deck layout and dimensions at a floor plan scale — not the entire house floor plan. Contact Community Development to confirm the level of detail required for your specific project.
4. How many copies of plans do I need?
Two hard copies: one for city records and one to remain on the job site for inspections. Digital submission through EnerGov is available for review prior to final approval.
5. Can I submit my Dallas permit application online?
Yes — through the Tyler EnerGov Customer Self Service (CSS) portal. You can also email the application package to melgaydi@dallas-ga.gov. The EnerGov portal is the preferred method for tracking review status.
6. Can a homeowner pull their own permit in Dallas?
Yes — property owners may act as their own general contractor on a single-family residence they own and occupy, per Georgia's owner-builder law. Licensed trade work still requires licensed contractors and separate trade permits.
7. What is the minimum permit fee in Dallas?
\$100 minimum. Valuation-based fees apply at \$5 per \$1,000 of construction value up to \$500,000. Contact Community Development for the current full fee schedule.
8. Which building codes does Dallas enforce?
Dallas enforces the 2024 International Building Code (IBC), 2024 IRC, 2024 IPC, 2024 IMC, 2024 IFGC, 2024 ISPSC, and 2023 NEC — all with Georgia Department of Community Affairs amendments. Effective January 1, 2026.
9. How long does permit review take in Dallas?
Simple permits are typically issued within a few business days. Georgia state law allows up to 30 business days for review. Submit a complete application on the first pass to avoid restarting the clock.
10. How do I verify my property is within Dallas city limits?
Check the Paulding County GIS portal to confirm your parcel's jurisdiction. Dallas's Community Development Department instructs applicants to verify jurisdiction before submitting — the city cannot issue permits for properties outside city limits.
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Start Your Dallas Site Plan
Two hard copies. Parking labeled. Landscaping noted. Property lines from Paulding County parcel data. Enter your address, build the site plan, attach your elevations, and submit through EnerGov. First plan is free.
Need a human-reviewed drawing before your EnerGov submission?
SitePlans.us delivers a reviewed, non-certified permit-style plan in one to two business days.