Understanding Land Disturbance Permits (LDPs) in Metro Atlanta

Written By Hannah Barry

If you’re planning a new home, pool, addition, or major site work in Metro Atlanta, you’ve probably heard the term Land Disturbance Permit (LDP). For many projects, it’s one of the first (and most misunderstood) approvals you’ll need before breaking ground.

An LDP isn’t just paperwork. It’s the city or county’s way of ensuring your project won’t cause drainage problems, erosion, or damage to natural buffers. And while necessary, the process is often the slowest, most technical step in permitting.

This guide explains what an LDP is, when it’s required, how the process works, and how Permit ATL helps homeowners and professionals move through it smoothly.

What Is a Land Disturbance Permit?

An LDP is a permit required before grading, clearing, or otherwise disturbing land. It ensures your project complies with local and state laws on:

  • Stormwater management

  • Erosion and sediment control

  • Tree protection

  • Stream buffer and floodplain rules

  • Site access and grading safety

Without an LDP, starting site work can result in stop-work orders, fines, and major project delays.

When Do You Need an LDP?

Not every project requires an LDP, but many do. Typical triggers include:

  • New Homes: Almost always require an LDP before a building permit.

  • Pools: If excavation or grading impacts drainage or buffers.

  • Additions: Large additions with foundation or grading changes.

  • Driveways & Hardscapes: If they change drainage or slope.

  • Clearing & Grading: Any major land disturbance over threshold limits (often 5,000 sq. ft. or more).

See our Land Disturbance Permit service page

The LDP Process (Step by Step)

1. Pre-Application Research

Before submitting, you’ll need to confirm zoning, buffers, floodplain, tree ordinances, and stormwater requirements.

2. Prepare Required Documents

Most LDPs require:

  • Site plan or survey

  • Erosion & sediment control plan (often sealed by an engineer)

  • Stormwater management report

  • Tree protection plan

  • Supporting forms/checklists

3. Submit Application

The packet is submitted to the jurisdiction (city or county). Some accept digital uploads; others still require hard copies.

4. Staff Review

Multiple departments review the submittal:

  • Planning/Zoning

  • Engineering/Stormwater

  • Environmental/Tree

  • Building (sometimes)

5. Corrections & Resubmittals

Most projects receive comments. These can range from minor (clarify drainage arrows) to major (redesign stormwater system). Each cycle adds time.

6. Approval & Permit Issuance

Once all comments are resolved, the jurisdiction issues the LDP. This allows you to start grading, excavation, and site work.

7. Inspections

During site work, inspectors check erosion control, stormwater devices, and tree protection. Noncompliance can halt work until corrected.

How Long Does an LDP Take?

  • Typical timeline: 8–12 weeks from first submittal to approval

  • Faster cases: 6 weeks if plans are clean and no variance is required

  • Delays happen if:

    • Plans are incomplete

    • Jurisdiction staff has backlogs

    • Variances are needed (stream buffers, setbacks, tree removal)

Common Causes of LDP Delays

  1. Incomplete Site Plans
    Missing erosion control details or drainage calcs = instant rejection.

  2. Ignoring Buffers
    Building too close to a stream, floodplain, or tree zone often requires a variance, adding months.

  3. Unsealed Engineering Plans
    Most jurisdictions require certain drawings stamped by a licensed engineer. Submitting without them stalls the review.

  4. Slow Corrections
    Each round of comments can add 2–3 weeks. Fast resubmittals are key.

Costs of an LDP

  • Application fees: Typically $500–$2,500 depending on jurisdiction and site size.

  • Professional fees: Surveyor and engineer costs vary based on site complexity.

  • Mitigation costs: Tree replacement fees or stormwater device costs may apply.

How Permit ATL Helps with LDPs

LDPs are one of the hardest parts of permitting, but we manage the process start to finish:

  • Confirm whether your project needs an LDP

  • Coordinate surveyors and engineers if required

  • Prepare and submit the application packet

  • Track reviews across multiple departments

  • Respond quickly to staff comments

  • Keep you informed with status updates until approval

Our goal is to shorten review cycles, reduce surprises, and make sure you’re not stuck waiting months longer than necessary.

Schedule a Call to discuss your LDP

FAQs About LDPs

Can I get a building permit without an LDP?
Not if your project requires one. Most jurisdictions won’t even review your building permit until the LDP is approved.

Do all pools need an LDP?
Not always. Small pools outside of buffers may avoid it, but many Metro Atlanta cities now require LDPs for most in-ground pools.

Do I need an engineer?
Often, yes. Erosion control and stormwater plans typically require an engineer’s stamp. We coordinate this as part of our service.

What if I already started grading without an LDP?
You’ll likely face fines and need to submit an “after-the-fact” LDP. This process is more difficult and costly than doing it right upfront.

Final Takeaway

A Land Disturbance Permit is one of the most important (and time-consuming) approvals for many projects in Metro Atlanta. It’s technical, multi-departmental, and often confusing, but it’s also mandatory if you’re grading, clearing, or building near buffers.

With Permit ATL, you don’t have to navigate it alone. We handle the research, paperwork, and corrections so you can focus on building.

Hannah Barry
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Building Permit in Atlanta?