Permitting Process
Blanket permits are not issued. Separate permits are issued for each trade to the licensed contractor for that trade. The person or contractor that is to perform the work is responsible for obtaining the necessary permits prior to starting work on the project. Self-contractors will be able to obtain permits for their own dwelling only. Failure to obtain a permit before work is commenced, will result in double permit charges. Permits expire 6 months after the issuance date if work is not commenced or if work is suspended or abandoned for a period of 12 months or more after the work has commenced. Before such work can be commenced or resumed, a permit extension or renewal shall be obtained.
Building Permits
The North Carolina State Building Code requires that a permit be issued for "The construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure;" Accessory Buildings with any dimension greater than 12 feet are required to meet the provisions of the North Carolina State Building Code.
SECTION 2.(c) G.S. 143-138(b5) Permit Exclusion for Certain Minor Activities. – No permit shall be required under the Code or any local variance thereof approved under subsection (e) for any construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration performed in accordance with the current edition of the North Carolina State Building Code and costing forty thousand dollars ($40,000) or less in any single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building unless the work involves any of the following:
(1) The addition, repair, or replacement of load bearing structures. However, no permit is required for replacements of windows, doors, exterior siding, or the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks that otherwise meet the requirements of this subsection.
(2) The addition or change in the design of plumbing. However, no permit is required for replacements otherwise meeting the requirements of this subsection that do not change size or capacity.
(3) The addition, replacement or change in the design of heating, air conditioning, or electrical wiring, appliances, or equipment, other than a like-kind replacement of electrical devices and lighting fixtures.
(4) The use of materials not permitted by the North Carolina State Building Code.
(5) The addition (excluding replacement) of roofing.
(6) Any changes to which the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code applies."
Building permits will be issued to a properly licensed North Carolina General Contractor, or to the owner of the property on which the building is to be built and occupied by said owner for at least 12 months following completion (no rental property), or to an individual when a general contractor's license is not required. The cost of the undertaking cannot exceed $40,000.
Electrical Permits
Electrical permits are required for "The installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of any electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment."
Electrical permits are issued to a North Carolina properly licensed North Carolina Electrical Contractor, or to the owner of the building that occupies the building (no rental property or commercial projects).
Mechanical Permits
Mechanical permits are required for "The installation, extension, alteration or general repair of any heating or cooling system;"
Mechanical permits are issued to a properly licensed North Carolina Mechanical Contractor, or to the owner of the building that occupies the building provided that the permit holder performs the work themselves (no rental property or commercial projects).
Plumbing Permits
Plumbing permits are required for "The installation, extension, alteration or general repair of any plumbing system;"
Plumbing permits are issued to a properly licensed North Carolina Plumbing Contractor, or to the owner of the building that occupies the building provided that the permit holder performs the work themselves (no rental property or commercial projects).
Modular Home Permits
A building permit is required for modular homes.
Any person, firm or corporation that undertakes to erect a modular building must have either a valid North Carolina General Contractors License or provide a $5,000 surety bond for each modular building to be erected.
The permit fee is for the modular setup (footing, foundation, and final). Additional building permits shall be obtained for porches, basements, garages, and additional structural alterations to the modular unit in accordance with the permit fee schedule. A separate permit is required for electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits.