Gainesville, GA · Hall County
Homeowner Building (Owner-Builder) Affidavit
A sworn statement letting a Gainesville property owner build or alter their own residence under Georgia's owner-builder exemption.
- licensed online notary
- ~15 min average
- Notarized PDF emailed
What you’ll need
- Government-issued photo ID
- Webcam-enabled device (laptop or phone)
- This form, ready to upload as a PDF
What this form is
Under O.C.G.A. §43-41-17, a homeowner in Gainesville can act as their own general contractor for their own residence without a state contractor license. This affidavit must be signed by the owner and sworn before a notary before the city issues the corresponding building permit.
Who needs it
Homeowners in Gainesville who want to build or renovate their own residence without hiring a licensed general contractor.
Why it needs a notary
The affidavit's jurat requires the owner's signature to be sworn before a notary with a commission-expiration field.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Get the Homeowner Building Affidavit from Gainesville's Applications, Forms & Fees page.
- 2
Fill In Project Details
Enter your name, property address, and project description.
- 3
Book Online Notary
Schedule a remote online notarization appointment.
- 4
Sign on Video
Sign the sworn statement before the notary via video call.
- 5
Submit to the City
Deliver the notarized affidavit with your building permit application.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Gainesville. Look it over, then upload your filled copy to start the notary session.
You’ll need ID and a webcam.
A licensed online notary will join you on video, verify your government-issued ID, witness your signature, and apply their seal. You’ll receive the notarized PDF by email when the session ends.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I need a notary for this affidavit?
- Yes, the homeowner's sworn statement must be signed before a notary before the city issues the permit.
- What is the owner-builder exemption?
- O.C.G.A. §43-41-17 lets a property owner act as their own general contractor for their own residence without a contractor license.
- How do I notarize this online?
- Upload the affidavit, verify your identity on video, and sign in front of a remote online notary.
- Can I build a rental property under this exemption?
- Check with the city if unsure — the exemption generally applies to owner-occupied residences, not properties built for sale or lease.