Brookhaven, GA · DeKalb County
Homeowner Declaration Affidavit
A sworn declaration a homeowner files to act as their own contractor on a residential permit, 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
Georgia's contractor licensing law, O.C.G.A. §43-41-17(h), allows a homeowner to perform construction on their own property without a state contractor license under certain conditions. Brookhaven requires homeowners taking advantage of this exemption to sign a declaration confirming their status before a building permit is issued.
Who needs it
Homeowners in Brookhaven who want to act as the contractor of record on their own residential building permit.
Why it needs a notary
The declaration includes a subscribed-and-sworn-before-me jurat block, so the homeowner's signature must be notarized before the city will accept the exemption.
How to get this notarized
- 1
Download the Form
Get the Homeowner Declaration Affidavit from Brookhaven's Forms & Checklists Library.
- 2
Fill In Property Details
Enter your name, property address, and the type of permit and project.
- 3
Book an Online Notary
Schedule a remote online notarization session.
- 4
Sign on Video
Verify your identity and sign the declaration under oath before the notary.
- 5
Submit to the City
File the notarized declaration with your building permit application.
Preview the form
The blank PDF straight from Brookhaven. 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
- How do I notarize the Brookhaven Homeowner Declaration Affidavit online?
- Fill in your property and permit details, then meet an online notary by video to sign the declaration under oath before submitting it with your permit application.
- Do I need this affidavit to act as my own contractor?
- Yes, Brookhaven requires this sworn declaration under Georgia's owner-builder exemption, O.C.G.A. §43-41-17(h), before issuing a permit to a homeowner-contractor.
- Do I need a notary for this affidavit?
- Yes, the declaration carries a jurat block requiring the homeowner's signature to be subscribed and sworn before a notary.
- Does using this exemption change my liability as a contractor?
- Check with the city or a qualified professional; this page covers only the notarization step, not the legal effect of the exemption.