Land Disturbance Permits (LDP) in Metro Atlanta

If your project involves grading, drainage work, clearing trees, or adding impervious surfaces, you may need a Land Disturbance Permit (LDP) before breaking ground. Every city and county in Metro Atlanta has its own requirements, but the goal is the same: to protect stormwater systems, erosion control, and stream buffers.


When Is a LDP Required?

You’ll likely need an LDP if your project includes:

  • Grading or reshaping land

  • Clearing trees or vegetation

  • Adding impervious surfaces (driveways, patios, additions, pools, etc.)

  • Installing or modifying drainage systems

  • Building retaining walls over city/county thresholds

  • Work near streams, creeks, or protected buffers

Where We File

Roswell • Alpharetta • Sandy Springs • Johns Creek • Milton • Atlanta • Fulton County • Forsyth County • Cobb County• Cherokee County • DeKalb County• Gwinnett County • Hall County

What We Do

  • Permit-ready site plans (existing/proposed grades, drainage, erosion control, tree protection)

  • Calculations & exhibits (impervious totals, runoff notes, stormwater basics)

  • Application prep & submittal (online portals or in-person drop-off)

  • Corrections & resubmittals until approval

  • Coordination with surveyors, engineers, and inspectors as needed

Steps

  1. Quick Call to review your project scope, jurisdiction, and survey info

  2. Draft or coordinate the required site plans and exhibits

  3. Submit application with city or county

  4. Address comments and resubmit until approved

  5. Permit Issued

Timeline

2–8 weeks depending on jurisdiction workload, project complexity and whether outside consultants (engineers, surveyors) are required.

What You’ll Need

  • Recent boundary & topographic survey

  • Architectural or landscape plans (if applicable)

  • Grading, drainage and erosion & Sediment control plans

  • Tree survey (some cities require it)

Common Review Comments

  • Add erosion control details & construction entrance

  • Show drainage discharge and downspout routing

  • Clarify impervious totals

  • Update tree protection fencing & limits of disturbance

  • Add retaining wall details (heights, footings, setbacks)

Pricing

Most LDP packages fall within a flat-fee or hybrid range, depending on scope and jurisdiction. After a quick call, we’ll give you a clear estimate.

Commonly Asked Questions

  • Do I always need an engineer? Not always. Simple grading can often be handled with our site plans. More complex drainage or retaining walls may require a civil or structural engineer, and we’ll bring one in if needed.

  • Can I apply for an LDP and a building permit at the same time? Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Some jurisdictions require the LDP first. We’ll sequence things to avoid delays.

  • What if I don’t have a survey? We’ll help you coordinate one — most LDPs require it.

  • Does an LDP include tree removal approval? Some cities require a separate tree removal permit. If so, we’ll coordinate both applications together.

  • Who attends the inspections? We’ll coordinate with your contractor and respond to inspector notes if needed.