WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
The answer is ALMOST ALWAYS!
The North Carolina State Building Code states, “No person, firm or corporation shall erect, construct, enlarge, install, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building, structure, or service system without first obtaining a permit for such from the Inspections Department having jurisdiction.”
In other words, a permit is required anytime work is done on a building or structure, or the systems serving the structure (including plumbing, mechanical and electrical wiring) with a few exceptions.
Examples of everyday projects requiring permits include:
- Converting a residence to a business.
- Constructing a deck, screened porch, or sunroom.
- Installing an irrigation system.
- Installing a swimming pool.
- Adding a ceiling fan.
- Finishing an attic or basement.
- Replacing a furnace or air conditioner.
- Replacing water heaters (in almost all cases).
- Installing gas logs, attic fans, skylights
A permit is not required for:
- Replacement of non-structural, cosmetic building elements, such as: floor and wall coverings; moldings and trim; cabinets and casework; roof coverings with same materials, etc.
- Residential accessory buildings that are no more than 12 feet in any dimension.
- Replacement of electrical fixtures and components when no new wiring is installed.
- Replacement of plumbing fixtures when the work does not go beyond the trap seal or supply shutoffs.
- Installation of low voltage exterior landscape lighting that is powered by a cord and plugged into an existing outlet.
Questions? Call or visit the Central Permitting Office.
WHERE IS THE INSPECTIONS OFFICE LOCATED?
| We are located at: | 201 West Elm Street Graham NC, 27253 |
| Phone: | (336) 290-0404 |
WHAT ARE THE OFFICE HOURS?
The Central Permitting Office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Field Inspectors can be contacted by phone through the main office phone number (336)290-0404.
CAN I, AS HOMEOWNER, DO MY OWN WORK?
Yes, an owner of the property (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, which can be obtained at our office.
HOW MUCH WILL MY PERMIT COST?
Permit fees may be found on our fee schedule posted on our Fees page.
HOW CAN I GET A PERMIT APPLICATION?
All applications are available at the Central Permitting Office, or you may copy applications found on the Forms page of our website. Fill them out and submit them when you are ready to proceed.
HOW CAN I ACCESS THE NC BUILDING CODE?
Building codes can be obtained through the NC Department of Insurance at (919) 661-5880.
North Carolina Department of Insurance
HOW CAN I SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION?
Requests for inspections made by phone, fax or in person must be made before 4:00 p.m. to ensure a next day inspection. Inspections that are called in AFTER 4:00 pm will not be scheduled for the next business day (example: if you call on Monday at 4:10 pm, your inspection will be scheduled for Wednesday). Requests for inspections via our web site can be made with the same request guidelines as above. An online account is required.
AM or PM may be requested for concrete only. It is a request, not a guarantee. An AM request means the job is ready to be inspected at 7:30 AM. A PM request means the job will be ready at 12:00 noontime.
A call ahead request for up to 30 minutes in advance may be made for occupied dwellings only (for example, HVAC changeouts) A valid telephone number must be provided along with the request. If no one answers, the inspector will proceed to the jobsite
Inspection requests shall not include a request for a specific time of day
| Location: | 201 West Elm Street Graham NC, 27253 |
|---|---|
| Hours of Operation: | Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Except Holidays) |
| Phone Numbers: | (336) 290-0404 |
| 24 Hour Fax Machine: | (336) 570-6310 |
HOW CAN I CONTACT MY INSPECTOR?
Field Inspectors can be contacted by phone through the main office phone number. (336)290-0404.
HOW DO I OBTAIN CODE BOOKS?
The current edition of the North Carolina State Technical Codes are available through the North Carolina Department of Insurance. They consist of 13 separate volumes that cover requirements for all building trades, accessibility, energy, fire, modular and manufactured homes, and existing buildings. They may also be purchased online.