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1. What are the codes and design criteria for the City of Rome and Floyd County?

• 2018 International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Plumbing, 2015 Energy Code, and 2020 National Electrical Code
• Fire Prevention: Fire Codes
• City/County codes, except for fire sprinkler requirements, mirror Georgia State Minimum Standard Codes listed on the Georgia Department of Community Affairs website
• Codes include Georgia amendments made by the state and amendments supersede the codes
• Deck Guidelines (PDF)
• Frost depth minimum of 12 inches
• Ground snow load of 8 pounds per square foot
• Seismic Design Category C
• Soil bearing capacity of minimum 1500 pounds per square foot
• Wind speed management up to 115 miles per hour

2. Why are building inspections necessary?

Local codes require a permit be issued when work is to be performed on a structure. The inspections that follow the issuance of the permit may uncover unsatisfactory work, faulty materials or violations of the code that could result in unsafe and hazardous conditions for you, your family, your employees or the general public.

3. What are permits and why do I need one?

Permits are the way the City of Rome regulates construction. There are several different types of permits, based on the type of construction:

• Building Permit: New construction, additions, alterations, remodels, tenant improvements, gazebos, patio covers, decks, house moves, most retaining walls, fences over 7 feet high (for fences over 6 feet see Planning and Zoning for zoning requirements), or repairs to either residential or non-residential structures.
• Demolition Permit: The complete demolition of an existing structure.
• Electrical Permit: New installations, additions, extensions, alterations, changes, and fire and accident repairs of any electrical wiring and electrical equipment associated with a structure or project.
• Mechanical Permit: New installations; alterations; repair; replacement; remodel; and/or removal of duct work, heating, venting, or air conditioning equipment (HVAC) and gas piping.
• Plumbing Permit: New installation, removal, alteration, repair, or replacement of any plumbing, gas, or drainage piping work, or any fixture or water heater or treating equipment in a building or premise.
• Re-roof Permit: Re-roofing requires the replacement of any dry rot or fungus damaged wood and the replacement with new minimum Class A or B, 25 year roofing, flashing and ventilation of enclosed spaces.

4. When don't I need a permit?

Most projects will require permits of some kind, building permits and/or other development permits. This is necessary to ensure that all buildings meet minimum standards which protect its occupants and neighbors in everyday living and in the case of emergencies or natural disasters. Some minor projects are allowed without obtaining building permits. However, depending upon the project, other permits (development permits, encroachment permits, special activities permits, etc.) may be required. In either case, the construction of such projects should be in conformance with all applicable codes. Some of the projects which do not require a building permit are:

• Retaining walls or planter boxes which are no more than 4 feet in height (measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall) and do not support another structure, fence, or take on additional loads.
• Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep.
• Single story residential detached buildings used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, etc., as long as the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet and does not have plumbing or electricity.

Minor Improvements Typically Not Needing a Permit

• Building or installing movable counters, cases or partitions
• Building uncovered concrete patios
• Installing carpeting or resilient floor covering
• Installing draperies or blinds
• Interior or exterior painting

5. How and where do I get a permit?

Permits are issued by the Building Inspection Department located at 607 Broad Street. The Inspection Department is open Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm. You can contact the customer service team by calling 706-236-4481. On some simple jobs, a permit can be obtained during the first visit. However, in most circumstances, more time will be needed to review the plans in detail prior to issuing any permits.

A minimum of one complete set of plans are required to obtain permits for most residential projects. Two or more sets are needed for Commercial projects or projects which require other permits. Staff at the Customer Service Center can assist you with the requirements for your specific project. In general, however, a complete set includes but is not necessarily limited to:

• Cross Sections: Clearly indicating ceiling heights, wall construction, and R-value of any insulation to be used.
• Energy Calculations: Any time conditioned (heated or cooled) space is added to a building you are required to show compliance with the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code by submitting energy calculations.
• Exterior Elevations: Clearly showing how the exterior of the building will look upon completion. Doors, windows, exterior material, etc. should be shown.
• Floor Framing: Clearly indicating the size and methods of assembly of all floor framing members. Floor joists, girders and sub floor size along with foundation connections should be shown on this plan.
• Floor Plan: Detailing the location of walls, supports, size and location of doors, windows, electrical outlets, heaters, plumbing fixtures, smoke detectors, and the square footage of the project. Again, as with the plot plan, what is existing and what is proposed to be built should be clearly noted.
• Foundation Plan: indicating the type, size and location of new foundations or footings.
• Roof Framing: Clearly indicating the size and methods of assembly of roof rafters and ceiling joists, or truss layout. Typically, roof slope and roofing materials are called out on this plan.
• Site Plan: Showing the position of the proposed project in relation to existing buildings, property lines, right-of-way, and any easements.
• Statement of special inspections is needed for commercial plans.
• Structural Calculations: Structural calculations may be required if your project is of large size, unusual shape and/or more than two stories in height. These calculations allow the Building Division to verify that structural elements are adequately sized and connected. A lateral analysis is generally required on large projects to determine the capacity of the building to resist lateral motion caused by earthquakes or wind. This portion of the project must be prepared by a licensed engineer.