# McDonough Issues Same-Day Deck Permits — But You Still Need Two Complete Plan Sets and a Real Site Plan
Henry County's seat and one of I-75's fastest-growing cities south of Atlanta, McDonough runs a well-organized permit operation. The same-day window for simple residential deck permits is real — walk in with complete paperwork and a straightforward project and you can leave with a permit in hand.
What makes that same-day window work: complete paperwork. Two full sets of building plans, a site plan that shows property lines, setbacks, and the location of every existing and proposed structure on the lot. Show up without the site plan and you'll be back tomorrow.
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Two Complete Plan Sets — Here's What That Means
McDonough requires two complete sets of building plans for most work. This isn't two copies of just the site plan — it's two copies of the entire package:
| Set Contents | Details |
|---|---|
| Site plan | Property lines, existing structures, proposed project, setbacks, easements, north arrow, scale |
| Building elevations | Showing compliance with city height standards |
| Floor plans | Layout of the proposed structure |
| Truss drawings | Required for framed roof structures |
| Energy documents | As required |
| Trade permit info | Electrical, plumbing, mechanical if applicable |
One set stays in city records. The other goes to the job site and must be available at all inspections.
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What a McDonough Site Plan Must Show
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Property lines | Accurate lot boundaries with dimensions |
| Existing structures | All buildings and structures on the lot |
| Proposed project | Footprint, dimensions, use, location |
| Setbacks | Measured distances from all structures to all property lines |
| Easements | Utility, drainage, and access easements |
| Building elevations | Attached to the package, showing height compliance |
| Site grading | Limited to areas defined on the approved plan |
| North arrow | Required |
| Scale | Stated on the drawing |
| Title block | Property address, owner name, date |
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The RCD District: Know Before You Apply
If your property is in McDonough's Residential Condominium (RCD) District, your process has an extra step before the building permit:
- Prepare a preliminary site plan
- Submit it to the planning commission at least 10 days before their regular meeting
- Receive planning commission approval
- Then proceed with the standard building permit application
If you don't know your district, call the Building Inspection Division at (770) 954-2121 before you draw anything.
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McDonough Setbacks
Setbacks vary by zoning district. Typical residential:
| Yard | Typical Range |
|---|---|
| Front yard | Varies by district |
| Side yard | Varies by district |
| Rear yard | Varies by district |
| Accessory structures | Verify with city |
Contact the Building Inspection Division to confirm your specific zoning district setbacks before placing any structure on your plan.
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Project-by-Project Requirements
| Project | Key Requirement | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Deck | Site plan required; same-day permit for simple residential decks | Permit required |
| Shed | Site plan required; all accessory structures need permit | Permit required |
| Pool | Site plan required — show pool location, barriers, setbacks | Permit required |
| Fence | Site plan may be required; verify with city | Verify |
| Garage | Site plan required — footprint, driveway, setbacks | Permit required |
| Patio | Site plan may be required for exterior improvements | Verify |
| Addition | Site plan required — existing and proposed footprints | Permit required |
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Land Disturbance Permits
If your project involves disturbing land beyond the immediate building footprint — grading, drainage work, site clearing — a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) may be required. LDP applications require a site plan prepared by a licensed engineer or surveyor rather than a homeowner-prepared drawing.
If you're only adding a structure to an already-developed lot with minimal grade change, an LDP is typically not required for the residential building permit. Confirm with the city for your specific scope.
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Owner-Builder Permits
McDonough allows property owners to act as their own general contractor on their own property under Georgia's owner-builder provisions. You'll need to submit an affidavit with your permit application acknowledging owner-builder responsibility. All licensed trade work (electrical, plumbing, HVAC) still requires licensed trade contractors and separate trade permits.
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Submitting to McDonough
McDonough accepts permit applications through the city's online portal — you don't need to visit the Building Inspection Division at 136 Keys Ferry Street for most applications. The office is on the 3rd floor if you prefer in-person assistance.
Permit fees: \$75 minimum per trade permit; \$300 for one- and two-family new residential construction. Revised plan review: 25% of original plan review fee, minimum \$75.
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How the Site Plan Creator Works for McDonough
- Enter your McDonough address. Henry County parcel data loads — lot geometry, lot dimensions, and parcel area pull automatically.
- Place your proposed structure. Setback lines generate from the lot boundaries. Verify all setback distances are labeled.
- Add existing structures. Show every existing building on the lot — house, detached garage, sheds, anything with a footprint.
- Add easements. Check your Henry County plat or deed for utility and drainage easements and show their locations.
- Export two copies. Print two complete sets — one for city records, one for the job site.
See how to edit your title sheet to finalize address, owner, and project notes before export.
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What This Doesn't Replace
The site plan creator generates preliminary, conceptual drawings for residential permit applications where McDonough allows homeowner-prepared plans. It is not a licensed boundary survey, a certified engineering drawing, or an LDP-compliant site plan. If your project requires a Land Disturbance Permit, engage a licensed engineer or surveyor for that plan. If your property is in the RCD District, planning commission approval is required before a permit can be issued regardless of the plan quality. Final permit approval is at the sole discretion of the McDonough Building Inspection Division.
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Local Resources
- City of McDonough Building Inspection Division — (770) 954-2121; 136 Keys Ferry Street, 3rd Floor
- Henry County GIS
- Georgia DCA Building Codes
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Nearby Cities
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really get a deck permit the same day in McDonough?
Yes — for simple residential decks, same-day permit issuance is available. The key is showing up with complete paperwork: two sets of plans including a proper site plan with property lines, setbacks, and deck footprint clearly shown.
2. What are two complete sets of building plans?
Two physically identical copies of your entire permit application package — site plan, floor plans, building elevations, truss drawings, energy documents, and trade information. One set goes into city records; the other stays on the job site for inspectors to reference.
3. Do I need a licensed surveyor for a McDonough residential permit?
Not for standard residential building permits where the site plan shows compliance with setbacks. A licensed engineer or surveyor is required specifically for Land Disturbance Permit applications.
4. What is the RCD District and how do I know if I'm in it?
The Residential Condominium (RCD) District is a specific zoning district in McDonough requiring preliminary planning commission approval before a building permit can be applied for. Call the Building Inspection Division at (770) 954-2121 with your address to confirm your zoning district.
5. Can homeowners pull their own permits in McDonough?
Yes — Georgia's owner-builder provision allows property owners to act as their own GC on their primary residence with a proper affidavit. Licensed trade work still requires licensed contractors and separate trade permits.
6. What does the site plan need to show for a shed permit?
All accessory structures require a permit and site plan showing the shed footprint, all property lines with dimensions, setback distances from the shed to all property lines, and any easements.
7. How long does plan review take for more complex projects?
Simple residential deck permits can be same-day. More complex projects — additions, garages, new construction — may take up to four weeks. Submit a complete application to avoid adding time for corrections.
8. What happens if my property is in a flood zone in McDonough?
Flood zone properties may require additional documentation and elevation compliance. Contact the Building Inspection Division and confirm floodplain requirements before submitting.
9. Does the site plan creator work with Henry County parcel data?
Yes — enter your McDonough address and the tool pulls Henry County parcel geometry as the base for your site plan drawing.
10. Where do I submit my McDonough permit application?
Through the city's online portal. For in-person assistance, the Building Inspection Division is at 136 Keys Ferry Street, 3rd Floor, McDonough, GA 30253.
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Start Your McDonough Site Plan
Two sets. Setbacks labeled. Existing and proposed structures on the drawing. Enter your address, pull Henry County parcel data, place your project, and export two copies. First plan is free.
Start My McDonough Site Plan →
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