New to Fairburn and wondering how to get your lights on, bins out, and paperwork squared away without losing a weekend to phone trees and forms? You are not alone. Moving comes with a punch list that stretches from utility accounts to vehicle tags, and each item has its own rules. This guide walks you through the essentials for Fairburn, from setting up power and water to securing permits and handling your Georgia license and registration. Let’s dive in.
Utility setup at a glance
Getting the basics in place early makes everything else easier. Here is a quick overview of what to expect:
- Confirm your address is inside Fairburn city limits or in unincorporated Fulton County. Service providers and permit offices depend on this.
- Electricity is typically provided by Georgia Power. Open or transfer your account online or by phone.
- Natural gas flows through Atlanta Gas Light’s system. If your home uses gas, you will select a gas marketer and confirm service details.
- Water and sewer are usually handled by the City of Fairburn for in-city addresses. Set up your account and ask about stormwater fees.
- Trash and recycling are curbside services with specific rules for bulk and yard waste. Household hazardous waste is handled at the county level.
- Internet options often include Xfinity or AT&T, with availability depending on your exact address.
Electricity: Start service and outage tips
Most Fairburn addresses are served by Georgia Power. You will create or transfer your account, provide photo ID and proof of occupancy, and schedule your start date. Deposits can apply if you have limited credit history.
- Start or transfer service online through Georgia Power’s residential customer portal. For outages, use the official outage map and support line rather than third-party sites. Visit Georgia Power’s residential page to begin.
- If you are unsure who serves your address, call to confirm based on your meter and street location.
Natural gas: AGL pipelines and gas marketers
In metro Atlanta, Atlanta Gas Light maintains the pipelines while billing comes from retail gas marketers. First, confirm whether your home uses natural gas for heat, hot water, or cooking. If it does, you will either select a marketer or transfer the existing marketer on file for the address.
- For safety, if you ever smell gas, contact the gas utility’s emergency line immediately. Do not wait. Learn more through Atlanta Gas Light.
- Expect to provide ID and occupancy documents. Some marketers run credit checks and may require a deposit.
Water, sewer, trash, and recycling
If your property is inside Fairburn city limits, the City of Fairburn typically provides water and sewer services. Set up your account with proof of ownership or a lease and photo ID. Stormwater fees may appear as a separate line item.
- Ask about meter inspections or activation steps before your move-in date.
- Trash and recycling follow a neighborhood schedule. Common rules include placing carts out by a certain time, separating yard debris, and scheduling bulky-item pickups. Electronics and household hazardous waste are not accepted in curbside bins and are typically handled through county programs.
- For disposal options, collection events, and guidance on hazardous items, consult Fulton County Government resources.
Internet and phone: Check address availability
High-speed options vary by block. Most areas have at least one major provider, and some corridors offer fiber.
- Run an address check with Xfinity and AT&T to compare plans and installation timelines.
- If you are in an older home, confirm whether existing wiring supports your chosen service. Ask your installer about modem or router requirements.
Septic, wells, and propane
If your home is not on municipal water or sewer, you may rely on a private well and septic system or propane for heating. Request system records from the seller, including recent pumping or inspection history, and plan regular maintenance. Some projects on private systems require permits or inspections, so verify steps before you start any work.
Permits and inspections for home projects
Permitting depends on jurisdiction, so start by confirming whether your address is within the City of Fairburn or unincorporated Fulton County. Inside city limits, the City of Fairburn’s Community Development or Inspections office issues most residential permits and enforces building codes.
Common permits include:
- Building permits for additions, structural changes, and major repairs.
- Trade permits for electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work. Licensed contractors are usually required.
- Roofing permits depending on scope and cost.
- Fence and gate permits, which often include height and setback reviews.
- Driveway or curb cuts, especially near county or state roads or if drainage is affected.
- Demolition and accessory structure permits for sheds, carports, and detached garages.
- Tree removal permits in certain zones or for protected species.
Plan reviews can take days to weeks depending on complexity. Keep copies of permits, inspection approvals, and final certificates for your records and resale.
If you live in a neighborhood with an HOA, remember that HOA approvals are separate from city permits and usually required for exterior changes.
Georgia license, title, registration, and emissions
After you establish residency, plan to secure your Georgia driver’s license and transfer your vehicle title and registration within a short statutory period that is commonly cited as 30 days. Always verify the current timelines and document lists with the state before you book an appointment.
- Driver’s license and ID: See accepted documents, proof of identity, Social Security, and Georgia residency requirements at the Georgia Department of Driver Services.
- Title and registration: Review title applications, insurance requirements, taxes, and fee information through the Georgia Department of Revenue Motor Vehicle Division. Many transactions are finalized at a Fulton County tag office.
- Emissions testing: Certain metro Atlanta counties require emissions inspections before registration or at renewal. Check whether your address requires testing through the Georgia Clean Air Force.
- Local tag office: Find locations, hours, and appointment guidance on the Fulton County Government site. Bring your out-of-state title, proof of Georgia insurance, and any required forms.
Start these steps early, ideally within 10 to 14 days of your move, to allow time for appointments and document collection.
30/60/90-day newcomer checklist
Here is a practical timeline to keep your move on track.
First 30 days
- Confirm your address jurisdiction: City of Fairburn or unincorporated Fulton County.
- Set up electricity and water or sewer accounts. Contact Georgia Power for electric where applicable.
- Schedule internet installation and confirm wiring readiness.
- Set up curbside trash and recycling. Note your collection day and ask about bulk and yard waste rules.
- Begin your Georgia DDS driver’s license process and gather identity and residency documents.
- Start your title and registration transfer. Confirm emissions testing requirements for your address.
- File a USPS change of address and update banks, insurers, and subscriptions.
- Bind homeowners insurance effective on your move-in date.
Day 31 to 60
- If your home uses natural gas, select or transfer your marketer and confirm service with Atlanta Gas Light’s system.
- If you plan renovations, contact the City of Fairburn’s permitting office to confirm permit needs before starting work.
- Schedule maintenance on HVAC, plumbing, and any private septic or well systems.
- Get acquainted with local healthcare, schools, and emergency services. Update pet registrations and vet records.
Day 61 to 90
- Complete any permits and follow-up inspections for projects started after move-in.
- Confirm your property tax mailing address and opt into e-billing if available.
- Learn neighborhood-specific rules for parking, street sweeping, and HOA guidelines.
- If you commute often on express lanes, consider setting up a toll account such as Peach Pass.
Documents to gather and keep
- Government-issued photo ID.
- Proof of ownership or lease agreement.
- Social Security card or documentation.
- Vehicle title, out-of-state registration, and proof of Georgia auto insurance.
- Proof of homeowners insurance.
- Contractor licenses, permit paperwork, and final inspection certificates.
Moving forward with confidence
A smooth move comes down to clear steps and reliable sources. Use official city, county, and state pages to confirm current rules and schedules, and build a simple calendar for your first 90 days. If you want local guidance from a team that lives and works in South Fulton, we are here to help you settle in and make smart homeowner decisions.
Have questions about neighborhoods, timelines, or next steps? Reach out to The Maxwell Haus Residential Agency for a local plan that fits your goals.
FAQs
Who provides water and sewer in Fairburn?
- If your property is inside Fairburn city limits, the City of Fairburn typically provides water and sewer; otherwise, service may come from a county or special authority. Confirm by address with the city or county.
Do I need an emissions test to register my car in Fulton County?
- Emissions rules apply in specific metro Atlanta counties and can change. Check current requirements through the Georgia Department of Revenue and the Georgia Clean Air Force before registering.
How soon do I need a Georgia driver’s license and to register my vehicle?
Who do I call for power outages or gas leaks?
- For outages, contact your electric utility, typically Georgia Power. For a gas leak, use the emergency line for Atlanta Gas Light and follow their instructions.
Do home projects in Fairburn require permits?
- Many do. Building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, roofing, fencing, and driveway work often require permits and inspections. Confirm requirements with the City of Fairburn if you are inside city limits or with Fulton County if you are in unincorporated areas.
What are the rules for bulky items and hazardous waste?
- Bulky-item pickups usually require scheduling and may have limits or fees. Household hazardous waste and electronics are handled through county programs. Check Fulton County Government for events and accepted materials.
