{
  "meta": {
    "title": "US Plan Submission Requirements: 124 Large US Cities",
    "publisher": "Print My Plans, printmyplans.com",
    "license": "CC BY 4.0 (covers Print My Plans' compilation; quoted city text remains attributed to its source)",
    "attribution": "Print My Plans, printmyplans.com",
    "last_checked": "2026-10-19",
    "recheck": "All sources rechecked within 7 days of launch",
    "legend": "— = not published on the official pages we checked; ask the permit office.",
    "ids": "Stable; corrections keep the same ID. Gaps are rows held back (no substantive field published).",
    "not_stated": "In the JSON a missing value is \"not stated\"; in the CSV it is \"—\". Both mean not published on the official pages we checked, not that no rule exists.",
    "rows": 3,
    "state": "Georgia"
  },
  "rows": [
    {
      "id": "USPPR-036",
      "rank_2025": 36,
      "jurisdiction": "Atlanta",
      "census_place": "Atlanta city",
      "state": "GA",
      "state_name": "Georgia",
      "state_slug": "georgia",
      "population_2025": 529110,
      "permitting_agency": "City of Atlanta Department of City Planning, Office of Buildings",
      "county_or_regional_permitting": "no (city department)",
      "submission_mode_group": {
        "value": "C paper accepted only in limited cases",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "You will find most of our services are digital only, however, in-person submittals are allowed for certain projects listed below.",
            "source_url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/zoning-development-permitting-services/online-permitting",
            "source_date": "no date shown",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "browser read, 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "submission_mode_detail": {
        "value": "Most services digital only; in-person submittals allowed for listed project types",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "You will find most of our services are digital only, however, in-person submittals are allowed for certain projects listed below.",
            "source_url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/zoning-development-permitting-services/online-permitting",
            "source_date": "no date shown",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "browser read, 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "e_portal": {
        "value": "Accela Citizen Access (ACA) [outdated source: July 21, 2020]",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Applicant will create applications using the Accela Citizen Access (ACA) portal:",
            "source_url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showdocument?id=47397",
            "source_date": "July 21, 2020",
            "outdated_source": true,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "paper_rule": {
        "value": "Most services digital only; in-person submittals allowed for certain projects (Express Permitting; residential additions/alterations under 1,500 sq ft). Paper plan submittal not named",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "You will find most of our services are digital only, however, in-person submittals are allowed for certain projects listed below.",
            "source_url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/zoning-development-permitting-services/online-permitting",
            "source_date": "no date shown",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "browser read, 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "residential_copies": {
        "value": "PDF uploads separated by discipline; paper count not stated",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Separate your drawing set by discipline or review type and upload individually",
            "source_url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/67006/638985553201600000",
            "source_date": "Version 02.25 (Feb 2025)",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "browser read, 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "commercial_copies": {
        "value": "PDF uploads separated by discipline; paper count not stated",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Separate your drawing set by discipline or review type and upload individually",
            "source_url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/67006/638985553201600000",
            "source_date": "Version 02.25 (Feb 2025)",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "browser read, 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "stated_set_counts": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "jobsite_approved_set": {
        "value": "Paper copy of the plans on site for inspections",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "It will be the responsibility of the applicant to have a paper copy of plans on site for any downstream inspections.",
            "source_url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/zoning-development-permitting-services/getting-started-with-our-zd-p-services/permitting-process",
            "source_date": "no date shown",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "browser read, 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "sheet_sizes": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "min_scale": {
        "value": "Drawn to scale, scale noted on each page",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Drawings should be drawn to scale and scale noted clearly on each page.",
            "source_url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/67006/638985553201600000",
            "source_date": "Version 02.25 (Feb 2025)",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "browser read, 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "seal_signature_rule": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "real_fields": [
        "paper_rule",
        "min_scale",
        "jobsite_approved_set"
      ],
      "real_fields_from_current_sources": [
        "paper_rule",
        "min_scale",
        "jobsite_approved_set"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Atlanta DCP: Accela Digital Submissions (July 21, 2020)",
          "url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showdocument?id=47397",
          "date": "July 21, 2020",
          "outdated": true
        },
        {
          "title": "Atlanta DCP: Online Permitting",
          "url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/zoning-development-permitting-services/online-permitting",
          "date": "no date shown",
          "outdated": false
        },
        {
          "title": "Atlanta DCP: Plan Submission File Standards and Naming Conventions (Version 02.25)",
          "url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/67006/638985553201600000",
          "date": "Version 02.25 (Feb 2025)",
          "outdated": false
        },
        {
          "title": "Atlanta DCP: Permitting Process Overview",
          "url": "https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/zoning-development-permitting-services/getting-started-with-our-zd-p-services/permitting-process",
          "date": "no date shown",
          "outdated": false
        }
      ],
      "last_checked": "2026-10-19"
    },
    {
      "id": "USPPR-119",
      "rank_2025": 124,
      "jurisdiction": "Columbus (consolidated government, balance)",
      "census_place": "Columbus city",
      "state": "GA",
      "state_name": "Georgia",
      "state_slug": "georgia",
      "population_2025": 202171,
      "permitting_agency": "Columbus Consolidated Government Inspections and Code Department",
      "county_or_regional_permitting": "no (city department)",
      "submission_mode_group": {
        "value": "C paper accepted only in limited cases",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Effective, January 1, 2026 the Inspections and Code Department will only accept a limited amount of plan and permit submissions in person. Certificate of Occupancies, Short-Term Vacation Rentals, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Residential Alteration permits are the only documents that will be accepted in person. All other submissions, to include new Commercial and Residential plans, must be submitted through our online portal.",
            "source_url": "https://columbusga.gov/inscode/Permits/Permits-and-Forms",
            "source_date": "states effective January 1, 2026",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "submission_mode_detail": {
        "value": "Since January 1, 2026: new commercial and residential plans must go through the online portal; in-person submissions only for COs, short-term rentals, electrical, gas, plumbing, mechanical and residential alteration permits",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Effective, January 1, 2026 the Inspections and Code Department will only accept a limited amount of plan and permit submissions in person. Certificate of Occupancies, Short-Term Vacation Rentals, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Residential Alteration permits are the only documents that will be accepted in person. All other submissions, to include new Commercial and Residential plans, must be submitted through our online portal.",
            "source_url": "https://columbusga.gov/inscode/Permits/Permits-and-Forms",
            "source_date": "states effective January 1, 2026",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "e_portal": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "paper_rule": {
        "value": "New commercial and residential plans through the online portal (since January 1, 2026); in person only for COs, short-term rentals, trade permits and residential alterations",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Effective, January 1, 2026 the Inspections and Code Department will only accept a limited amount of plan and permit submissions in person. Certificate of Occupancies, Short-Term Vacation Rentals, Electrical, Gas, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Residential Alteration permits are the only documents that will be accepted in person. All other submissions, to include new Commercial and Residential plans, must be submitted through our online portal.",
            "source_url": "https://columbusga.gov/inscode/Permits/Permits-and-Forms",
            "source_date": "states effective January 1, 2026",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "residential_copies": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "commercial_copies": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "stated_set_counts": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "jobsite_approved_set": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "sheet_sizes": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "min_scale": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "seal_signature_rule": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "real_fields": [
        "paper_rule"
      ],
      "real_fields_from_current_sources": [
        "paper_rule"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Columbus Consolidated Government Inspections and Code: Permits and Forms",
          "url": "https://columbusga.gov/inscode/Permits/Permits-and-Forms",
          "date": "states effective January 1, 2026",
          "outdated": false
        }
      ],
      "last_checked": "2026-10-19"
    },
    {
      "id": "USPPR-121",
      "rank_2025": 126,
      "jurisdiction": "Augusta",
      "census_place": "Augusta-Richmond County consolidated government (balance)",
      "state": "GA",
      "state_name": "Georgia",
      "state_slug": "georgia",
      "population_2025": 201999,
      "permitting_agency": "Augusta Planning & Development Department",
      "county_or_regional_permitting": "no (city department)",
      "submission_mode_group": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "submission_mode_detail": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "e_portal": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "paper_rule": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "residential_copies": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "commercial_copies": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "stated_set_counts": {
        "value": "2 (medium not stated; residential); 3 (medium not stated; commercial)",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Two sets of plans for residential, three sets for commercial",
            "source_url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/1098/Plan-Review-Information",
            "source_date": "no date shown",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          },
          {
            "text": "Three sets of plans.",
            "source_url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15871/WEB-PAGE---COMMERCIAL-PLAN-REVIEW-INFORMATION",
            "source_date": "Revised 5/16/2022",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "jobsite_approved_set": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "sheet_sizes": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "min_scale": {
        "value": "not stated",
        "quotes": []
      },
      "seal_signature_rule": {
        "value": "Commercial: seal of all design professionals if over 5,000 sq ft or assembly, educational or institutional occupancy",
        "quotes": [
          {
            "text": "Plans must have seal of all design professionals if the buildings are:",
            "source_url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15871/WEB-PAGE---COMMERCIAL-PLAN-REVIEW-INFORMATION",
            "source_date": "Revised 5/16/2022",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          },
          {
            "text": "Over 5000 square feet",
            "source_url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15871/WEB-PAGE---COMMERCIAL-PLAN-REVIEW-INFORMATION",
            "source_date": "Revised 5/16/2022",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          },
          {
            "text": "Assembly Occupancy",
            "source_url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15871/WEB-PAGE---COMMERCIAL-PLAN-REVIEW-INFORMATION",
            "source_date": "Revised 5/16/2022",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          },
          {
            "text": "Educational Occupancy",
            "source_url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15871/WEB-PAGE---COMMERCIAL-PLAN-REVIEW-INFORMATION",
            "source_date": "Revised 5/16/2022",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          },
          {
            "text": "Institutional Occupancy",
            "source_url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15871/WEB-PAGE---COMMERCIAL-PLAN-REVIEW-INFORMATION",
            "source_date": "Revised 5/16/2022",
            "outdated_source": false,
            "check": "saved copy of the source, fetched 2026-10-19"
          }
        ]
      },
      "real_fields": [
        "stated_set_counts",
        "seal_signature_rule"
      ],
      "real_fields_from_current_sources": [
        "stated_set_counts",
        "seal_signature_rule"
      ],
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Augusta Planning & Development: Submittal for Commercial Plan Review",
          "url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/DocumentCenter/View/15871/WEB-PAGE---COMMERCIAL-PLAN-REVIEW-INFORMATION",
          "date": "Revised 5/16/2022",
          "outdated": false
        },
        {
          "title": "Augusta: Plan Review Information",
          "url": "https://www.augustaga.gov/1098/Plan-Review-Information",
          "date": "no date shown",
          "outdated": false
        }
      ],
      "last_checked": "2026-10-19"
    }
  ]
}