Georgia roofing: permits, codes and approvals

Georgia's 2024 IRC with state amendments (Jan 1, 2026), optional high-wind roofing appendix, city re-roof permits, no state roofing license, the insurance-claim roofing contract law, and lien waiver and filing deadlines.

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1 · Product approvals

Product approvals

Georgia has no statewide roofing product approval system. Local inspectors rely on the IRC's labeling and installation requirements and on evaluation reports (ICC-ES, UL, FM) for products.

Code evaluation reports (ICC-ES, UL, IAPMO): 48 roofing reports

2 · Permit forms

City re-roof permits

No statewide re-roof permit rule. Each city or county enforces the state minimum codes and decides what roofing work needs a permit.

AtlantaAtlanta exempts only non-structural roof repairs (not shingle replacement or truss repairs) and only if no more than three shingle layers remain; a re-roof without structural changes can get an over-the-counter Express Lane permit.AugustaAugusta-Richmond County lists re-roofing among the work that needs a building permit, and requires a drip edge on new roofs and re-roofs.

3 · Code rules

Code rules

Statewide: the 2024 International Residential Code with Georgia amendments took effect January 1, 2026, as a mandatory state minimum code enforced locally. Official adoption page ↗

No Georgia changes to IRC Chapter 9 roofingGeorgia's 2026 IRC amendment packet makes no changes to the main roof-covering, underlayment, ice barrier or re-roofing sections, so the 2024 IRC text applies as written.Optional high-wind appendix (Appendix U)Where a city or county adopts Appendix U, it picks a minimum design wind speed (100-130 mph) and roofs need two-layer underlayment, 1-inch cap nails, 12-gauge shingle nails and at least six nails per strip shingle.Ring-shank sheathing nails under Appendix UIn jurisdictions that adopt Appendix U, roof sheathing gets 8d ring-shank nails at 4 inches on center at panel ends and gable framing and 6 inches in the field.

4 · Wind, fire and storm programs

Wind, fire and storm programs

No state FORTIFIED grant program. Georgia's FAIR plan offers FORTIFIED discounts, and a state law limits what roofers can do on insurance-paid jobs.

FORTIFIED discounts through the Georgia Underwriting AssociationIBHS lists the Georgia Underwriting Association Mitigation Program, which sets insurance discounts for FORTIFIED homes and how to qualify. No state grant program is listed.Roofers can't negotiate insurance claims (O.C.G.A. 10-1-393.12)On insurance-paid residential roof jobs, a roofing contractor may not represent or negotiate the owner's claim, or advertise that it will, unless licensed as a public adjuster.Post-storm consumer warningsThe Governor's Office of Consumer Protection reminds homeowners after storms that roofers aren't state-licensed and warns against contractors who want full payment upfront, cash only, no written contract, or offer to cover the deductible.

5 · License and insurance

License and insurance

Georgia has no state roofing license. Roofing is a specialty trade exempt from the residential/general contractor license when the work stays within that specialty; many cities and counties require a local business license.

Roofing is an exempt specialty tradeThe Secretary of State lists Flat Roofing, Sheet Metal Roofing, and Shingles and Shakes as specialty trades that don't need a residential or general contractor license when working within the specialty (O.C.G.A. 43-41-17).Residential/general license above $2,500Work outside a specialty (for example structural or general construction) over $2,500 in labor and materials needs the proper class of state residential or general contractor license.State confirms roofers aren't state-licensedGeorgia's consumer protection office states that roofers are not required to be licensed by the state, while general contractors, electricians, plumbers and HVAC contractors are.

6 · Lien and contract forms

Lien and contract rules

File the lien within 90 days of finishing work, use the statutory waiver forms, and follow the 5-day cancellation rule on insurance-paid residential roof contracts.

Claim of lien (O.C.G.A. 44-14-361.1)File in the superior court clerk's office of the property's county within 90 days after completing work; mail the owner a copy within 2 business days; start the lien suit within 365 days of filing and file notice of it within 30 days.Notice to contractor (O.C.G.A. 44-14-361.5)If a Notice of Commencement is filed, subs and suppliers not in privity with the contractor must send written notice to the contractor and owner within 30 days of the filing or of first furnishing, whichever is later.Statutory lien waivers (O.C.G.A. 44-14-366)Only the statutory interim and final waiver forms work, in 12-point type. A waiver takes effect on payment or 90 days after signing unless an affidavit of nonpayment is filed first; mail the owner a copy of that affidavit within 7 days.Insurance-paid roof contracts: 5-day cancellationThe owner may cancel until midnight of the 5th business day after the insurer says the claim isn't covered. The contract needs a bold notice and two Notice of Cancellation forms; no payment is due until that period ends, except emergency work.

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Public records, last checked Oct 23, 2026. Always verify on the official source before you permit.