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1. When is a permit required?

Appropriate permits are required for any building construction, alteration, or repair involving new or changed uses of property (other than ordinary repairs). Separate permits are required for building, electrical, heating, air conditioning and plumbing work.

Exception: Permits shall not be required for any work costing $5,000 or less on 1 and 2 family dwellings, unless the work involves: the addition, repair, or replacement of load bearing structures; the addition or change in the design of a plumbing system; the addition, replacement or change in the design of a heating or air conditioning system; the addition, replacement or change in the design of an electrical system; and the use of materials not permitted by the code.

2. How much will my permit cost?

Permit fees are usually calculated based on the occupancy and gross square footage area of a building. There are separate calculations used for new construction and renovations or upfits. There are also separate fee structures for Commercial buildings and 1 and 2 Family buildings.

For additional information on how the permit fees are calculated, please view the Fee Schedule (PDF)

3. When does a permit expire?

Permits expire 6 months, or 180 days after issue date if no work has commenced. Permits also expire when work has started but has been discontinued for 12 months, or 365 days from the last inspection date.

4. How is my work inspected?

Inspectors will check to make sure that work is done according to code. Contractors or homeowners doing their own work must call the department's automated interactive voice response (IVR) system at 704-878-3113 to arrange for each inspection.

This system can be used to request inspections, obtain inspection results, cancel an inspection or check the status of a certificate of occupancy. To request inspections, verify or cancel inspections or to get inspection results you may use our online options.

5. Do I need to have my building plans reviewed?

All commercial building projects must be submitted for plan review before permits can be issued. Plans for 1 and 2 family dwelling are not generally required to be submitted for plans review, however a complete set of plans are required to be kept on the job site for the inspector’s use during the project.

For additional information on the plan submittal and review process, view the Information Packet for Commercial Projects (PDF).

6. When are sealed plans required?

Plans and specifications sealed by a licensed architect or registered engineer are required for any new building, building addition or alteration to an existing building, with the exception of 1 or 2 family dwellings. Plans are reviewed within the department and by other City and County agencies as required.

For additional information regarding the types of plans generally required for commercial projects, please view our Plans Submittal Requirements (PDF).

7. Which edition of the codes are you using?

All projects submitted for plan review and all permits issued on or after January 1, 2019 must meet the requirements of the 2018 edition of the North Carolina Building Codes with the exception of electrical permits. All electrical permits issued on or after June 12, 2018 must meet the requirements of the 2017 edition of the North Carolina Electrical Code. The Accessibility Standard remains the 2009 ANSI 117.1.