Frequently Asked Questions

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 email our Permit Technicians at DSPermitting@hollyspringsnc.gov.

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.

Applying is easy using our CityView portal! 

Visit our help page.

Simply put, a plot plan is to show the proposed building area on a plot of land.  A survey is drawn to show what is actually on the plot of land and must be signed and sealed by a licensed Surveyor.

Each case is unique. Contact us at DSPermitting@hollyspringsnc.gov for instructions on how to proceed.

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

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

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

There are many variables that affect the cost of permits. The cost of building permits starts at $78, 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. For a more detailed estimate, email DSPermitting@hollyspringsnc.gov.

All permit fees must be paid prior to permit issuance.

Online payments: If you are a registered user of the CityView Portal, you may pay online (max payment amount is $25,000)

Pay by phone with credit card: Call our front desk at 919-577-3229, to pay over the phone by credit card (max payment amount is $2,500)

Mail: Mail checks (made out to Town of Holly Springs) to PO Box 8, Holly Springs, NC 27540

In Person: You may pay at Town Hall at the front desk of Development Services at 128 S Main St, Holly Springs, NC 27540

*Checks are required for permits over $25,000.

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.

For CityView Portal users - Log In. Click on the My Items page. Click on the My Upcoming Inspections tab. 

For those without access to the permit information on CityView, you may call 311 (if in Town limits), or (919) 577-3111 (if outside Town limits), on the morning of your inspection to obtain the Inspector's name and cell phone number. The Inspector will be able to provide an estimated time.

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