Residential

Generally speaking, most home improvements will require a permit. Examples of such work include, but aren’t limited to the addition, repair, or replacement of load bearing structures; and the addition or change in design of plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical wiring.

Certain minor activities are exempt from the permitting requirements. Such examples include, but aren’t limited to replacement of water heaters provided there is no change in fuel, energy source, location, capacity, or routing of venting and piping; repair or replacement of electrical devices and fixtures of the same type; as well as any minor alterations not including any of the above mentioned items and costing less than $15,000.

The following items will be needed in order to complete the application process.

• Completed building permit application
• Accessibility letter from the zoning jurisdiction indicating availability of water and/ or sewer if applicable OR a well and septic permit or waiver from Environmental Health
• Zoning approval
• Lien agent and workers compensation information if the project costs exceed $30,000

The cost of the residential permit is based upon square footage (heated and/or unheated). Please reference the fee schedule.

The contractor of record will be notified of the inspection results. Corrections to any failed inspection should be made prior to requesting a second inspection. There is no additional fee charged for the re-check. However, if an additional inspection is requested and the job fails a second time, an additional trip charge of $80 may be imposed. In this case, no additional inspections will be performed until the fee is paid.

• State building codes
• Current and past electrical codes
• North Carolina Amendments

• NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
• NC Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
• NC Board of Plumbing, Heating, and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
• NC Department of Insurance