Cherokee County · Georgia

Cherokee County GA Building Permits

Cherokee County requires a permit for all sheds — no size exemption. Here's what that means in practice, plus full rules for decks, fences, and pools in Canton, Ball Ground, and unincorporated Cherokee County.

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Cherokee County, Georgia — one of the Atlanta metro's fastest-growing counties — has one of the stricter sets of residential permit requirements in the state. The most important thing to know: all storage sheds require a building permit in Cherokee County, regardless of size. There is no square footage exemption. A 6×8 pre-built shed from a big-box store and a 20×30 custom-built workshop both require a permit.

No size exemption in Cherokee County: Unlike most Georgia counties that exempt sheds under 120–200 sq ft, Cherokee County requires a permit for every shed. If you've bought a pre-built shed and the vendor didn't mention permits — you still need one.

Permit Thresholds — Cherokee County

Storage Shed
All sizes
No exemption. Every shed requires a permit.
Deck
All decks
Attached decks always require a permit. Freestanding decks over 30 in. high also require one.
Fence
Over 6 ft
Standard 6-ft fences don't require a permit. Over 6 ft requires a variance.
Swimming Pool
All pools
All pools require building + electrical permits and a barrier inspection.

How to Apply for a Permit in Cherokee County

Cherokee County's Development Services Center handles all residential building permits. Applications can be submitted in person or through the online portal at cherokeecountyga.gov/dsc. The office is located at 1130 Bluffs Parkway, Canton, GA 30114. Phone: (678) 493-6000.

For a shed permit, you'll need a site plan showing your property lines, the existing house footprint, and the proposed shed location with setback dimensions marked. The typical fee for a small shed permit is $75–$150, calculated based on project value. Review takes 5–7 business days for straightforward residential accessory structures.

Setback Requirements

  • Rear yard: 5 feet from rear property line
  • Side yard: 5 feet from side property line
  • Front yard: Not permitted in front yard setback area
  • From primary structure: Minimum 6 feet

Cherokee County Cities Have Separate Rules

If you live in Canton, Ball Ground, Holly Springs, or Waleska, your permits are issued by the city — not the county. Contact your city's building department for permit requirements. The county's Development Services office covers unincorporated Cherokee County only.

Disclaimer: PermitLocal provides general information only. Always verify with Cherokee County Development Services at (678) 493-6000 before starting any project.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Yes. Cherokee County has no size exemption for accessory structures. An 8×8 shed (64 sq ft) requires a building permit, just like a 20×30 workshop. The permit fee for a small shed is typically on the lower end ($75–$100), but the permit is required regardless of size. This is one of the strictest rules in the Atlanta metro area.
  • Pre-built sheds follow the same rules as site-built sheds in Cherokee County. The fact that the structure was assembled off-site doesn't change the permit requirement. After the shed is placed, contact the county to schedule a final inspection verifying setbacks and anchoring.
  • Cherokee County typically reviews residential accessory structure permits in 5–7 business days when the application is complete. Submitting a clean site plan with all setback dimensions labeled is the best way to avoid a correction cycle that adds another 5–7 days.