Apply for an ADU Permit in Savannah

Housing and Building Standards Georgia 3 Minutes Read ยท published February 21, 2026 Flag of Georgia

Savannah, Georgia homeowners who want to add an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) should follow local permitting, zoning, and building rules before starting work. This guide summarizes how the City of Savannah handles ADU applications, the departments involved, typical permit and inspection steps, and where the municipal code and building-permit guidance are published. For legal requirements and exact code text consult the official municipal code and the City of Savannah Building Services pages listed below. Municipal code[1]

What is an ADU in Savannah

An accessory dwelling unit is a secondary housing unit on the same lot as a primary dwelling; local rules determine whether ADUs are allowed in a given zoning district, size limits, owner-occupancy requirements, parking, and frontage setbacks. Where the municipal code or zoning map are silent, applicants must consult Planning or request a formal determination from Development Services.

Permitting overview

Most ADU projects require a zoning review and a building permit. Typical municipal steps include a zoning verification, submission of construction drawings, plan review, permit issuance, and inspections during and after construction. Building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical trades may need separate permits and licensed contractors. For filing, plan-review checklists, and application intake, contact City of Savannah Building Services. Building Services[2]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement of ADU, zoning, and building violations in Savannah is carried out by the City departments identified in the municipal code and by Development Services or Code Compliance. The official code pages should be consulted for civil penalties and enforcement processes; specific dollar amounts and escalation steps are not specified on the cited municipal code overview page and must be confirmed with the cited sources.[1]

  • Fines: not specified on the cited page; see the municipal code and enforcement sections for any per-day or per-offence amounts.[1]
  • Escalation: first notice, follow-up orders, and civil citations may apply; specific escalation timelines are not specified on the cited page.
  • Non-monetary sanctions: stop-work orders, mandatory compliance orders, required removal or remediation, and referral to municipal court or administrative hearings.
  • Enforcer and complaints: Code Compliance and Development/Building Services handle inspections and complaints; use the City contact pages in Resources to report violations.
  • Appeals: appeals and variances typically follow procedures in the city code (zoning variances, Board of Appeals, or municipal court); specific time limits for appeal filings are not specified on the cited page.
Always confirm penalty amounts and appeal deadlines with the official code or Development Services before relying on them.

Applications & Forms

  • Building permit application: see Building Services for required application, plan checklist, and submittal method; a specific ADU application form is not published on the cited page. Building Services[2]
  • Zoning verification: may require site plan and property deed; check Planning/Development for zoning confirmation requirements.
  • Fees: permit and plan-review fees vary by scope; exact fee schedule for ADUs is not specified on the cited Building Services overview page.
  • Deadlines: post-permit inspection timelines are set by Building Services; time to complete reviews depends on plan complexity and workload.
Submit complete plans and a site survey to reduce review delays.

How-To

  1. Confirm zoning: request a zoning verification from Planning or review the municipal code to see if ADUs are allowed.
  2. Prepare plans: hire licensed design or construction professionals to prepare construction drawings, site plan, and energy/compliance documents.
  3. Submit applications: file the building-permit application and any trade permits with Building Services and include required supporting documents.
  4. Pay fees: pay plan-review and permit fees as invoiced by Building Services.
  5. Schedule inspections: obtain required inspections during construction and final inspection to secure certificate of occupancy or final approval.
  6. Appeal or variance: if denied, follow the appeals or variance procedures in the municipal code or contact Development Services for next steps.

FAQ

Do I need a permit to build an ADU in Savannah?
Yes; a building permit and any required trade permits are generally required, and zoning verification is needed to confirm ADU eligibility.
How long does plan review take?
Review times vary by workload and project complexity; the Building Services page provides current plan-review timelines or contact information for updates.
Can I rent an ADU short-term?
Short-term rental rules are governed by separate city regulations; check zoning and licensing rules before offering short-term rentals.

Key Takeaways

  • Confirm zoning and setbacks before design to avoid redesign delays.
  • Submit complete construction plans and required documents to speed approval.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Savannah Code of Ordinances - Municode
  2. [2] City of Savannah Building Services

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