Your First 10 Days In Atlanta: Utilities, Permits, Setup

New place, new city, lots to do. Your first 10 days in Atlanta can feel like a race to get water running, lights on, internet installed, and trash day figured out while you plan any quick fixes. You want a simple, reliable order of operations so nothing delays move-in or early projects. This guide gives you a clear checklist, official links, and local tips so you can get set up fast and avoid common pitfalls. Let’s dive in.

Start here: a simple game plan

Focus on essentials first. This order works for most homes and keeps contractors and inspectors on schedule if you’re planning updates:

1. Water and sewer
2. Electricity
3. Natural gas (if applicable)
4. Internet and phone
5. Trash and recycling, plus mail forwarding
6. Permits and inspections for any planned work

Why this order works: You need water and power to occupy the home and for any technician or inspector visits. Internet installs often book out several days, so schedule early.

Water and sewer setup

Before you start, confirm whether your address is inside the City of Atlanta or in unincorporated Fulton County. The steps and portals differ by jurisdiction.

City of Atlanta addresses

The City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management handles new accounts, transfers, and billing.

• Start or transfer service using the City’s customer resources: City of Atlanta Department of Watershed Management
• Have ready: photo ID, proof of ownership or lease, service address, move-in date, and contact info. A deposit may be required.
• Ask about any required meter turn-on or access. Some activations need an appointment.
• Confirm your billing cycle and enroll in online billing or autopay if you prefer.

Local tip: If there are unpaid past water or sewer charges tied to the property, the account may need resolution before transfer. Check early to avoid delays.

Unincorporated Fulton County addresses

Water and sewer in unincorporated areas may be served by county or another municipal provider. If you are not in the City of Atlanta:

• Confirm your service provider and next steps through Fulton County Government.
• Use your closing documents or county property records to verify the correct utility.

Electricity and natural gas

Start electricity

Georgia Power serves most Atlanta-area homes.

• Set up or transfer service online with Georgia Power.
• You’ll provide your address, move-in date, and ID. A deposit may apply based on credit.
• Many activations are same day or next business day if no field work is needed.

If a meter replacement or safety check is required, schedule as soon as possible to keep your timeline on track.

Start natural gas

If your home uses gas, Atlanta Gas Light operates local distribution and coordinates meter activation and safety.

• Schedule meter turn-on and safety checks with Atlanta Gas Light.
• You may also select a gas marketer for billing. Be prepared to show proof of ownership or occupancy.
• For safety, if you smell gas, call 911 and AGL’s emergency line immediately.

Internet and Wi‑Fi

Internet appointments can be the longest lead time, especially during busy move seasons. Book early.

• Check address availability with major providers such as Xfinity and AT&T Internet. Availability varies by street.
• Compare speeds, install fees, equipment options, promotions, and contract terms.
• Ask about self-install kits if you need service quickly. Some homes require a technician visit for wiring or router setup.
• On install day, make sure power is on and that the tech has access to any utility closets, basements, or panels.

Pro tip: If you rely on remote work, consider a temporary mobile hotspot until your main install is complete.

Trash, recycling, and mail

City of Atlanta sanitation

If your address is inside city limits, the City manages trash, recycling, and yard waste. Multi-unit properties may use private haulers.

• Find pickup days, cart rules, and bulky item details via City of Atlanta Sanitation.
• Set reminders for your scheduled pickup day. Use city forms or the hotline for missed service or special requests.

Unincorporated Fulton County

In unincorporated areas, trash and recycling may be provided by the county or a private hauler. Confirm at closing or through Fulton County Government.

Mail forwarding

Set up mail forwarding so you don’t miss important notices or utility bills.

• Start online with USPS mail forwarding. You can set temporary or permanent forwarding.

Permits and inspections before you renovate

If you plan updates, check permit requirements before starting. Unpermitted work can lead to stop-work orders and complications at resale.

• Common projects that require permits: structural changes, major interior renovations, electrical or plumbing work, HVAC installation, roofing, fences over certain heights, driveway changes, and many exterior alterations in regulated districts.
• Cosmetic updates like painting and flooring typically do not require permits, but always verify.
• Use the City’s portal to confirm permit type, apply, and schedule inspections: City of Atlanta Office of Buildings

Historic districts and HOA rules

Many neighborhoods have local historic designations or HOA design guidelines. Exterior changes can require separate approvals. Check your neighborhood rules and city planning resources before ordering materials or hiring crews.

If you are outside city limits

For unincorporated properties, contact county planning and permitting through Fulton County Government.

Documents and deposits checklist

Have these ready and saved digitally so you can upload quickly:

• Government photo ID
• Proof of ownership or lease (deed, closing statement, or lease)
• Exact service address and your move-in date
• Contact phone and email
• Social Security number or credit reference (for deposit checks)
• Contractor details for permit applications when needed

Expect possible one-time activation fees and deposits for water, power, and gas. Timelines vary, but many water and power setups can be same day or next business day if no field visit is needed.

Sample 10-day timeline

• Day 0–1

  • Start or transfer water service with the correct jurisdiction.
  • Start electricity with Georgia Power; schedule gas activation with AGL if needed.
  • Run internet availability checks and book your earliest appointment.

• Day 2–4

  • Confirm trash and recycling pickup details and set out the correct carts.
  • Set up USPS mail forwarding.
  • If renovating, confirm permit needs and submit any quick applications.

• Day 5–10

  • Host internet, gas, or other technician visits and confirm equipment setup.
  • Enroll in e-billing and autopay for utilities if desired.
  • If permits were filed, monitor review comments and plan for inspections.

Local tips to avoid delays

• Verify City vs. County early. Jurisdiction drives which portals and rules apply.
• Schedule internet early. Tech availability is often the bottleneck.
• Check for unpaid utility balances tied to the property and resolve them quickly.
• If a contractor visit is planned, confirm water and power are active beforehand.
• In historic districts or HOA communities, plan extra time for design reviews.

Ready to settle in?

You can get a lot done in 10 days with the right order, the right portals, and a few local tips. If you are planning upgrades right after move-in, a construction-aware approach helps you time utilities, permits, and contractor visits the smart way. When you want a clear plan and a trusted local network, connect with Unknown Company to Schedule a Consultation.

FAQs

How do I confirm if my home is in the City of Atlanta or unincorporated Fulton County?

• Check your closing documents and property records, or use City and County address lookup tools; jurisdiction determines which utility and permit portals you will use.

Can I transfer utilities on my closing day in Atlanta?

• Often yes, but contact providers a few days in advance to schedule the exact start date so there’s no gap in service.

Do I need to be home for utility activations?

• Sometimes. Water or gas activations may require access or a safety check, so ask each provider when you set the appointment.

What should I do if I smell gas after moving in?

• Leave the area, call 911, and contact Atlanta Gas Light’s emergency line; do not operate electrical switches or use open flames.

What if I find unpaid utility bills on the property?

• Contact the relevant provider to confirm what is owed and how to resolve it before transferring service to your name.

Do I need a building permit for painting or new flooring?

• Usually no for cosmetic work, but permits are typically required for structural, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, roofing, and certain exterior changes.

How long do internet installations take in Atlanta?

• Many installs are scheduled 3 to 7 business days out; self-install kits may speed things up if your line is already active.