FAQ
When is a permit required?
Where is the Permit Office located?
What are the office hours?
What will I need to obtain a building permit?
When is a plot plan or new survey required? (see sample Plot Plan)
Can I, as homeowner, do my own work?
How do I find a contractor?
How much will my permit cost?
How can I access the NC Building Code?
Are there restrictions on availability of building permits?
Can you tell me the process of obtaining a permit?
How can I schedule an inspection?
How can I contact my inspector to coordinate a time for an inspection that I've scheduled?
How can I obtain a copy of my Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, and/or building permit information?
How can I obtain how many permits were issued?
WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
Where is the Permit Office located?
What are the office hours?
What will I need to obtain a building permit?
When is a plot plan or new survey required? (see sample Plot Plan)
Can I, as homeowner, do my own work?
How do I find a contractor?
How much will my permit cost?
How can I access the NC Building Code?
Are there restrictions on availability of building permits?
Can you tell me the process of obtaining a permit?
How can I schedule an inspection?
How can I contact my inspector to coordinate a time for an inspection that I've scheduled?
How can I obtain a copy of my Certificate of Occupancy, Certificate of Compliance, and/or building permit information?
How can I obtain how many permits were issued?
WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
When is it necessary to obtain a building permit? Well, the answer is ALMOST ALWAYS! 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, including the following.
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."
Building Permit Required
State law requires that permits be obtained before beginning these types of projects:
- Converting a residence to a business
- Constructing a deck, screened porch, sunroom, gazebo, retaining wall, sheds, trellis/pergola attached to the main dwelling or greater than 12’ in any dimension (also known as Accessory Structures)
- Installing an irrigation system
- Installing a swimming pool, hot tub, spa
- Adding a ceiling fan (where one previously did not exist)
- Finishing an attic or basement
- Converting a porch to a sunroom (adding windows)
- Replacing a furnace or air conditioner
- Replacement of water heaters (except as noted below)
- Installing gas logs, attic fans, skylights
- Kitchen and bathroom renovations involving structural/wall changes
- Siding and window replacement
- Foundation repairs
- Construction of signs
While this law was meant to be all encompassing, some projects do not require permits from the Town of Cary.
No Building Permit Required
- Replacement of water heaters in one- and two-family dwellings when placed in the same location, using the same fuel source, and done by a licensed Plumbing Contractor
- Replacement of non-structural cosmetic building elements such as: floor and wall coverings; moldings and trim; cabinets and casework; roof coverings with the same materials, etc.
- Residential accessory buildings that are no more than 12' in any dimension
- Replacement of electrical fixtures and components when work is not done within the wall or ceiling cavity or behind the finished wall or ceiling surface
- Replacement of plumbing fixtures when the work does not go beyond the trap seal
- Installation of low voltage exterior landscape lighting
- Outdoor fire pit/fireplace that is more than 5' from the main dwelling that is no more than 12' in any dimension (please refer questions for outdoor fire pits/fireplaces to the Town of Cary Fire Department)
- Tree houses/play structures
Questions? Call (919) 469-4043 or visit the Inspections and Permits Department located in Town Hall.
WHERE IS THE PERMIT OFFICE LOCATED?
We are located in the lower level of Building B of the Town Hall Campus at 318 North Academy Street. Academy Street is the North-South street that intersects Chatham Street at the clock and clover design in the center of downtown.
WHAT ARE THE OFFICE HOURS?
The Permit office is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Field Inspectors work from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM and are typically in the office until 7:30 AM and after 3:00 PM daily.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT?
For residential permits, one complete set of plans is required (two are recommended so that you have a spare set). A plot plan at a readable scale on letter or legal sized paper is also required, and an application must be filled out at our office. The application will require contractors' names, addresses, state license numbers, and Town of Cary privilege license numbers. The property owner will be required to sign the application.
For commercial permits, a completed application, four sets of complete plans, one site plan, a completed Appendix B from the Building Code, and minimum facilities calculations per Table 407 of Volume II are all required. In addition, water system calculations for 2" meters or larger, sewer flow calculations, and grease interceptor calculations are required, if applicable.
WHEN IS A PLOT PLAN OR NEW SURVEY REQUIRED?
As a rule, any time that the "footprint" of a primary or accessory building changes, a new plot plan and as-built survey are required. This includes decks, porches, and storage buildings. However, staff does have the authority to waive the survey if the construction is obviously not in the proximity of any setbacks or easements.
See a sample Plot Plan.
Modifications inside the existing building shell do not require a plot plan or survey.
CAN I, AS HOMEOWNER, DO MY OWN WORK?
Yes, an owner of the property can do their own building, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work. The owner does not need to be licensed in any of these areas, nor does he need a TOC privilege license. State law requires that the property be the owner's primary residence for at least twelve months after completion of the work.
HOW DO I FIND A CONTRACTOR?
The Inspections and Permits Department has developed steps in helping you with your home construction project as well as finding a licensed contractor. Please visit the Tips for Home Construction Projects page for more information.
HOW MUCH WILL MY PERMIT COST?
The cost of a permit is compiled from several factors found on several different charts. These charts can be obtained through our Fees section. For most new construction permits, there are three main components: building permit fees, utility fees, and transportation fees. Building Permit Fees are figured based on square footage. Utility Connection and Water and Sewer Development Fees are based on the anticipated use of water and sewer services. Transportation Development Fees are determined by the type of construction project proposed. Please see our Fees Estimation Guide for more detailed help estimating the building permit and development fees for your project.
HOW CAN I ACCESS THE NC BUILDING CODE?
Building codes can be obtained through the NC Department of Insurance at (919) 661-5880.
ARE THERE RESTRICTIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF BUILDING PERMITS?
There are currently no restrictions on obtaining building permits.
CAN YOU TELL ME THE PROCESS OF OBTAINING A PERMIT?
The process differs based on the type of construction project.
Residential Permits for small projects can be obtained using our SPOT (Small Project One-hour Turnaround) Program. Applicants can come in between 8 AM and 11 AM with all required information, and receive their permit within one hour. We will work with you to correct any problems with your plans or paperwork, while you wait. This saves phone calls and other delays, for both of us! Projects that can use this service include decks, porches, storage buildings, conversions of attic or basement space, and additions of under 500 square feet.
The plan review process for one- and two-family homes normally takes one to two weeks. During that time, your contractors' licenses are verified, your plot plan is checked for compliance with zoning requirements, and your building plans are checked for compliance with NC State Building Codes. If all is approved, you will be contacted to pick up your permit.
The plan review process for commercial or multi-family permits usually takes three to four weeks. However, commercial construction can be a simple fit-up, or a major shopping center. The more complex permits will require a longer review time. During the review process, the Fire Department will verify life safety requirements, contractors' licenses will be verified, and plans will be scrutinized by building plans examiners, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspectors. Any problems found during the process are faxed to the project contact for updates or corrections. Upon approval, two sets of plans are returned to the applicant.
HOW CAN I SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION?
There are several options to choose from in scheduling an inspection:
- Building Permits Online allows you to schedule an inspection via the Town's Web site 24 hours a day, seven days a week
- 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mon - Fri via 24 hour VRU at 462-3800
- 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mon - Fri via walk in at Town Hall, 316 N. Academy St.
- 24 hour fax machine at 462-3840
HOW CAN I CONTACT MY INSPECTOR TO COORDINATE A TIME FOR AN INSPECTION I'VE SCHEDULED?
HOW CAN I OBTAIN A COPY OF MY CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY AND/OR BUILDING PERMIT INFORMATION?
If you need a copy of a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance that has already been issued, please feel free to contact our Administrative Division at (919) 469-4043, please select option 2.
The Town of Cary Inspections & Permits Department retains building permit records in accordance with the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Division of Historical Resources, Archives and Records Section, Records Retention and Disposition Schedule (typically 6 years from date of project completion or as required by North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources).
To obtain building permit records, please visit our Records and Reports page.
HOW CAN I OBTAIN HOW MANY PERMITS WERE ISSUED?
Please visit our Reports and Records page for monthly building permit reports containing the following information:
· New Single-Family Permits issued
· New Residential Multi-Family Permits issued
· Residential Additions & Alterations Permits issued
· New Non-Residential Permits issued
· Non-Residential Additions & Alterations Permits Issued
