Is an Engineer Stamp Required for My ADU Project in Georgia?

Georgia's municipalities — Atlanta, Augusta, Columbus, Savannah — review structural drawings for accessory dwellings under the Georgia State Minimum Standard Building Code, and the PE seal is the standard requirement. The seal must show the engineer's name, Georgia PE number, and date, and the engineer must be in responsible charge of the engineering. Detached ADUs, garage conversions, and in-law additions are treated the same at the structural level. Owner-builders don't escape the requirement: the building department asks for the seal regardless of who drafted the plans.

The engineer reviews the floor plan and elevations, designs the foundation for red clay and expansive soils — Georgia's signature geotechnical challenge — sizes beams, headers, and the lateral system, and checks wind and seismic design per the state code. Coastal properties get extra scrutiny for wind and flood. Garage conversions get extra attention because the existing slab was rarely designed as a dwelling foundation. Bring the site survey, the geotechnical report, and the architectural plans. Soil movement design is the item most ADU plans miss.

Use this checklist before engaging an engineer for your ADU: • Engineer of record holds an active Georgia PE license, verifiable on the state roster • Dimensioned floor plan and elevations ready for structural review • Site survey showing setbacks, easements, and existing structures • Geotechnical report addressing red clay and expansive soils for the lot • Foundation designed for soil movement, not just bearing capacity • Garage conversions: existing slab evaluated for dwelling loads • Engineer confirms they'll respond to plan-check corrections on sealed sheets • Seal shows name, Georgia PE number, and date on every sealed sheet