# Roswell Only Takes Permit Applications Electronically — No Email, No Phone, No Walk-Ins for Most Projects
Roswell's Building Division drew a firm line on permit submissions: the Permitting & Licensing HUB is the intake point, and everything goes through it. No emailing PDFs to a coordinator. No stopping by the counter with a stack of paper. No phone call that turns into a manual entry. You create an account on the HUB, assemble your complete application package, upload, and submit.
This isn't a complaint — it's actually a faster process when your application is complete. The HUB lets you track review status, receive comments, and respond to corrections without playing phone tag. But it also means there's no gracious back-and-forth at a permit counter where a reviewer helps you fix a missing dimension on the spot. If your site plan is incomplete, you get a correction comment and restart the review cycle. Get it right on the first upload.
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What's Exempt — and What Still Requires a Permit
| Project | Permit Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Freestanding deck ≤ 30″ above grade | No | City-specific exemption |
| Attached deck (any height/size) | Yes | Always requires permit |
| At-grade patio slab < 120 sq ft | No | Georgia state exemption |
| Covered patio with solid roof | Yes | Roof structure triggers permit |
| Elevated patio/platform > 30″ above grade | Yes | Treated as a deck |
| Fence | Often no permit — verify with Building Division | Front yard fences may have different rules |
| Shed | Likely yes for most sizes — verify threshold | Check with Building Division |
| Pool | Yes | Full site plan with barrier details |
| Detached garage | Yes | Full site plan |
| Addition | Yes | Full site plan + two sets |
| Retaining wall | May require permit — verify height threshold | Contact Building Division |
The most important call to make before drawing: verify whether your specific fence or shed requires a permit. These categories have the most variation across Roswell's zoning districts.
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Who Runs Into This in Roswell
The contractor who mails or emails their plans. It doesn't work in Roswell. The HUB is the only intake point for permit applications. PDFs attached to an email to the Building Division will bounce back or go unanswered — the process is HUB only.
The homeowner on a large lot who doesn't know about the tree rules. Lots over 0.5 acres with trees over 14 inches DBH trigger Roswell's strict tree preservation requirements. These rules affect deck footing depth and location, foundation requirements near large trees, and grading plan approval. If your lot is over half an acre in Roswell, check for trees over 14″ DBH before finalizing where you're placing anything.
The deck installer who assumes no permit for a small freestanding deck. Correct — but only if the deck is truly freestanding (not attached to the house) and stays within 30 inches of grade. The moment it attaches to the house or goes over 30 inches, a permit is required. Many "freestanding" decks in Roswell turn out to be attached once the framing goes up.
The pool contractor doing a backyard pool install. Pool permits in Roswell go through the full review process. The site plan must show the pool location, equipment pad, barrier dimensions, and setbacks from all property lines. Roswell's tree preservation rules may also apply depending on lot size and tree positions.
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What a Roswell Site Plan Must Show
The city requires a site plan showing existing and proposed structures to determine setback compliance. For most deck permits, this is the minimum:
| Element | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Property lines | All boundaries with accurate dimensions |
| Existing structures | House footprint, driveway, outbuildings |
| Proposed structure | Footprint, dimensions, placement |
| Setbacks | Measured distance from proposed structure to all property lines |
| Deck structure details | For deck permits: structural notes, decking, and railing details |
| North arrow | Required |
| Scale | Stated in title block |
| Title block | Address, owner, preparer, date |
Plan set requirement: Residential projects require two (2) sets of plans. Both sets upload through the HUB.
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Roswell Setbacks
| Yard | Setback |
|---|---|
| Primary street front (principal buildings) | 10 ft minimum |
| Primary street front (accessory structures) | 40 ft minimum |
| Side street | 10 ft minimum |
| Side interior | 5 ft minimum |
| Rear | 35 ft (variance requests to reduce to 20 ft have been considered in some districts) |
These are Roswell's Unified Development Code baseline numbers — your specific district may vary. Rear setback variances at 20 feet have been granted in some cases; don't assume 20 ft is the standard. Always verify at the Building Division before drawing.
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Project-by-Project Requirements
| Project | What to Show | Guide |
|---|---|---|
| Attached deck | Property lines, deck footprint, height, ledger connection, setbacks; structural deck details | Always requires permit |
| Freestanding deck | Property lines, deck footprint, height above grade | No permit if ≤ 30″ above grade |
| Patio (covered) | Property lines, patio boundary, roof edge, setbacks | Permit required |
| Pool | Property lines, pool and equipment, setbacks, barrier dimensions | Permit required |
| Garage (detached) | Property lines, garage footprint, driveway, ROW, setbacks | Permit required |
| Addition | Existing + addition footprints, all setbacks; two plan sets | Permit required |
| Fence | Property lines, fence line, height, setbacks | Permit often not required — verify |
| Shed | Property lines, footprint, setbacks | Verify permit threshold with city |
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Tree Preservation Rules for Large Lots
If your Roswell lot is over 0.5 acres and has trees with a diameter breast height (DBH) over 14 inches, tree preservation rules apply. These affect:
- Deck footing placement — footings may need to be moved to protect root zones
- Foundation requirements for additions near specimen trees
- Grading plan approval — soil disturbance near protected trees requires documentation
- Any hardscape that changes drainage patterns around large trees
This rule doesn't apply to most standard Roswell subdivision lots, which are typically under 0.5 acres. But if you're in one of Roswell's estate-area neighborhoods with larger parcels, check your lot size before finalizing structure placement.
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How the Site Plan Creator Works for Roswell
- Enter your Roswell address. Fulton County parcel data loads — property lines, bearings, distances, and street context auto-generate.
- Confirm your parcel boundary. Cross-reference with your deed, particularly on older lots or lots adjacent to Chattahoochee River buffers.
- Place your proposed structure. Setback lines generate automatically from the property boundaries.
- Note deck structure details. For deck permits, the city requires structural details (decking, railing, ledger connection) — add notes to the plan or include as a separate detail sheet.
- Export two PDF copies. Both upload through the Roswell Permitting & Licensing HUB.
Customize the title block with your project description, preparer information, and date using the title sheet editor.
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Common Roswell Site Plan Errors
| Error | Result | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Emailing the application instead of using the HUB | Application not processed | Use only the Permitting & Licensing HUB |
| Rear setback drawn at 20 ft (variance number) instead of district standard | Fails setback review | Verify your district setback before drawing |
| Attached deck treated as freestanding for exemption | Stop-work order after inspection | If it attaches to the house, it always needs a permit |
| Tree rules ignored on large lot | Correction or failed inspection | Check lot size; if over 0.5 acres, assess 14″+ DBH trees |
| Only one plan set uploaded instead of two | Incomplete application | Upload two PDF sets per the HUB instructions |
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Where the Tool Fits — and Where It Doesn't
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Standard fence, deck, shed, or pool on a sub-0.5-acre lot | Site plan creator — Fulton parcel data auto-loads |
| Addition on a lot with complex grading near Chattahoochee buffers | Supplement with civil engineering documentation |
| Large lot with 14″+ DBH trees near proposed structure | Tree preservation assessment before finalizing placement |
| Prior correction letter or urgent resubmit | SitePlans.us done-for-you service |
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Comparison Table
| Method | Cost | Time | HUB-Ready PDF? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hand-drawn (scanned raster) | Free | Hours | May be flagged | Raster images can create review complications |
| Site plan creator | Free (first plan) | 8 – 15 min | Yes | Vector PDF; Fulton parcel data; two-set export |
| Done-for-you (SitePlans.us) | Contact for pricing | 1 – 2 business days | Yes | Human-reviewed, non-certified |
| Drafter | \$300 – \$600 | 1 – 2 weeks | Yes | Adds cost and calendar wait |
| Licensed surveyor | \$800 – \$2,500+ | 1 – 4 weeks | Yes | For boundary disputes only |
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What This Doesn't Replace
The site plan creator produces preliminary, conceptual drawings for residential projects where Roswell allows homeowner- or contractor-prepared plans. It is not a licensed land survey, a sealed engineering drawing, or a PE/PLS/architect-stamped document. Projects requiring structural engineering, tree preservation certification, or licensed boundary resolution must engage licensed professionals for those scopes. Final permit approval rests with the Roswell Building Division.
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Local Resources
- Roswell Building Division / Permitting & Licensing HUB — (770) 641-3727
- Fulton County GIS
- Georgia DCA — State Building Codes
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Nearby Cities in North Fulton
These adjacent jurisdictions each have their own permitting requirements:
State-level overview: Georgia permit site plan requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I email my Roswell building permit application?
No. The Roswell Building Division does not accept permit applications by email or phone. All applications must be submitted through the Roswell Permitting & Licensing HUB. Create an account on the portal, upload your documents, and submit online.
2. Does a freestanding deck require a permit in Roswell?
Freestanding decks not exceeding 30 inches above grade do not require a building permit. The moment a deck exceeds 30 inches above grade — or is attached to the house regardless of height — a permit is required. Verify your specific deck design against this threshold before starting.
3. Do I need a permit for an at-grade patio slab in Roswell?
At-grade patio slabs under 120 square feet are exempt. Covered patios with a solid roof structure require a permit. Elevated patios or platforms more than 30 inches above grade are treated as decks and require a permit.
4. Does Roswell require a permit for a fence?
Fences are not normally required to have a building permit in many Roswell situations — but this is district-dependent. Front yard fences may have different rules. Always confirm with the Building Division at (770) 641-3727 before installing.
5. What are the tree preservation rules for large lots?
On lots over 0.5 acres, trees exceeding 14 inches DBH are subject to Roswell's tree preservation rules. These rules affect structure placement (especially footings), grading near root zones, and drainage plan approval. If your lot is over half an acre, assess large trees before finalizing your design.
6. How many plan sets do I need for a Roswell permit?
Two (2) complete sets of plans are required for most residential projects. Both sets upload through the Permitting & Licensing HUB.
7. What setback applies to accessory structures in Roswell?
Accessory structures require a minimum 40-foot setback from the primary street front and 5-foot setback from interior side yards. Rear setback is typically 35 feet under the UDC baseline, though variance requests have been considered for reductions. Verify your specific district before drawing.
8. Can I submit my own site plan for a Roswell deck permit?
Yes. Homeowners can prepare and submit their own site plans. The plan must show existing and proposed structures, setbacks, and — for deck permits — structural details including decking, railing, and ledger connection details. All submissions go through the HUB.
9. How long does plan review take in Roswell?
Review timelines vary by project type and complexity. There is no published standard turnaround — check the HUB for current queue times after submission.
10. What if my Roswell property lines don't match Fulton County parcel data?
Cross-reference with Fulton County GIS. For older Roswell lots near the Chattahoochee River corridor or recently replatted parcels, boundary positions can differ from digital records. For meaningful discrepancies, commission a licensed boundary survey before submitting a permit application.
11. Does the site plan creator guarantee my Roswell permit will be approved?
No. The tool generates preliminary, conceptual drawings. Final permit approval is entirely at the discretion of the Roswell Building Division. Tree preservation rules, zoning overlays, and HOA requirements may affect your project independently of site plan accuracy.
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Submit Your Roswell Site Plan Through the HUB — Start With Your Address
All applications go through the Permitting & Licensing HUB, so your plan needs to be portal-ready before you log in. Enter your Roswell address, generate your Fulton County parcel geometry, place your project, and export your two PDFs. First plan is free.
Prior correction, complex site, or tight timeline?
SitePlans.us delivers a human-reviewed, permit-style plan — non-certified but prepared with Roswell's digital submission requirements in mind. One to two business days.