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Permits & Inspections

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1. Do I need a permit?

It depends on what type of project you are going to do. Visit our Homeowner's Guide or Nonresidential information section for more information. Or call our Code Enforcement Department at (919) 557-3915.

2. Why do I need a permit?

Permits are mainly about safety. By enforcing construction standards, they give you and the other occupants of the building the best chance to avoid fire, structural failure or something as simple as a child getting his head caught between stair posts. If you decide to move, the permit process also protects future owners. Bottom line, we want to help protect you and yours.

The first reason to obtain a building permit is that it's illegal not to. If you fail to get a permit for work that requires it, you can be fined. You may be forced to remove a building or tear out completed work. But there are plenty of positive reasons for following the permit process as well, just a few reasons are listed below:

• It keeps your contractor honest. To beat out the price of a competitor, a profit-driven contractor might be tempted to cut corners. Would you know it if he did? Most construction work ends up hidden behind walls and under floors. A building permit requires that a contractor use sound and safe methods and materials. And inspections assure you that he does so.
• It guides your do-it-yourself project. No matter how handy you are, you aren't likely to know everything about modern building practices. When you get a permit, you'll have to show the building department your plans. If they don't follow the codes, the building inspector will ask you to revise them. But if you never apply for a permit, you might go ahead with work that's dangerous or unsound.
• It keeps your insurance valid. Building done without a permit can mean that your insurance company may not honor your policy. A fire resulting from work without a permit could leave you holding the bag. If someone falls off a deck that was built without a permit, your liability insurance may not cover his or her injuries.
• It's valuable when you sell your home. If you perform work without a permit, you can assume a potential buyer will know about it. The permit process is a matter of public record. In addition, you may be required to sign a Property Disclosure Statement, in which you have to reveal all problems or defects in the property. Having all the necessary permits makes the sale proceed much more.

3. I built a bonus room (or any project) without a permit and now want to sell my house, but the square footage does not match the tax record. Is there anything I can do to fix this discrepancy?

You will need to apply for a permit, which will be used to update the tax record.

4. I found that the previous owner of my house finished off the bonus room without obtaining a building permit. Can this be permitted? If so, what are the process and requirements to obtain a permit?

Each case is unique. Contact the Code Enforcement Department at (919) 557-3915 for instructions on how to proceed.

5. Can I, as homeowner, do my own work?

Yes, property owner (single family dwellings only) can do their own building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. The owner does not need to be licensed in any of these areas; however state law requires that the property be the owner’s primary residence for at least twelve months after completion of the work. A notarized affidavit is required. Owner Affidavit

6. Do I need a state license to complete this project?

If you are the homeowner, you do not need a state license. If you are not the homeowner and the project is $30,000 or more, you will need a North Carolina state license to permit (GS 87-1). Visit North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors.

7. What is a premise number?

A premise number is an eight-digit number assigned by Progress Energy that is unique to each property address. The number is assigned when the property owner applies for service at that address. Progress Energy requires using the premise number for reporting approved inspections for temporary boards and electrical finals.

8. How can I access the NC Building Code?

Click here to visit the N.C. Department of Insurance website.

9. Can I have my building's final inspection at the same time as my electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections?

No, all trade finals must be approved prior to scheduling a building final.

10. Can I get my framing inspection before my rough-in inspections?

No, all trade work must be completed first, as items (including fire and draft stopping) need to be checked at the framing inspection.

11. When do I need to request a footing inspection?

Request a footing inspection when all trenches are excavated, all grade stakes are installed, reinforcing steel and supports are in place and appropriately tied, all necessary forms are in place and braced, and before any concrete is poured. Soil and erosion regulations must be in place at this time.

12. How can I access the Public Information Search?

The Online Permitting Services allows citizens to track permits in a convenient way any time of day. It also allows a registered contractor to request permits, schedule inspections as well as check results as they are posted. A new feature added recently allows a contractor to upload required documents directly to an issued permit. Access Public Information Search

13. How much will my permit cost?

There are many variables that affect the cost of permits. The cost of permits starts at $75 but can sometimes be as much as $100,000 or more. Permit cost can be based on the number of trades (building, electrical, plumbing or mechanical), the total square footage of the project, the total cost of the project, the type of project and a variety of other things. Many times we cannot tell how much a permit will cost until a thorough evaluation of the project is made.

14. When do I pay my permit fees?

All permit fees must be paid prior to permit issuance. Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa & Discoverer) are accepted for permit fees not over the amount of $1,500. If you are a registered contractor, you may pay online.* If you are not registered online, you may call our front desk at 919-557-3915 to pay over the phone by credit card, or you can pay at the Building Code window at Town Hall.* *Checks are required for permits over $1,500.

15. Is a permit needed to install a swimming pool (above or underground)?

Yes. Submit the pool plans and a survey / plot plan showing the location where the pool will be placed on the property. Please indicate if plot is fenced in and what type of gate latch is present.

16. How can I find out what time the inspector will be at my job?

Call our Inspection’s Line at 919-557-3915 around 8:00 am on the morning of your inspection, and you’ll be connected with the inspector. He will be able to provide an estimated time based on his workload for the day.

17. Do I need a permit for my HVAC system?

HVAC (Trade) Permit is required for the  installation, extension,  relocation, replacement and general repair of any heating, air-conditioning or venting system.