Building Permits

NOTICE - Impact Resistant/Protected Glazing Interpretation

As of January 2, 2019 the City of Savannah Development Services Department changed its interpretation regarding the definition of ‘Wind-Borne Debris Region’ as referenced in Chapter 2 of the currently adopted 2012 International Building Code (IBC) to no longer be considered within 1 mile of the coastal mean high water line potentially exempting projects from the impact glazing requirement of IBC 1609.1.2. Permit applications received after this date requiring a structural review will no longer be asked to submit an engineering judgment specifically on this subject. It still remains possible for projects to be in the wind borne debris region per part 2 of the definition so it is important for the structural engineer and architect of record to implement this change accordingly in the overall structural design and in the plan review data on the construction documents. This change also applies to one and two story buildings classified as Group R-3 or R-4 occupancies, particularly one and two family dwellings and townhomes. Permits currently under review or previously issued permits under construction may be revised to implement this change by submitting a formal written request to the Building Official.

Water and Sewer Approval Form

The City of Savannah has a new Water and Sewer Approval Form. All commercial renovations need to have this form completed prior to issuance of the Building Permit.

Note: In order to expedite the application review time, Development Services will not accept Commercial Building Renovation applications without the completed form. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have this form completed by the Water and Sewer Planning and Engineering Department. Once they have approved and signed this document, submit this signed document to Development Services. Contact Water and Sewer Planning and Engineering at 912-651-6573 for more information.

Helpful Building Permit Links and Resources