Permit Guidance

Residential one- or two-family dwellings and townhomes must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code. Additionally attached decks and porches must meet the provisions of the NC Residential Code Appendix M.

To build a new single-family residence, duplex or townhome you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type utilizing Civic Access Public Portal and provide a complete description of the proposed work. Permit types include:
  • Permit Type: Residential Building-New Single Family-Detached (one-family dwelling).
  • Permit Type: Residential Building-New Single Family-Attached (two-family dwelling).
  • Permit Type: Residential Building-Townhouse-Detached (townhome).
  • Permit Type: Residential Building-Townhouse-Attached (twin home).
• A plot plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements.
• Construction plans meeting all the specifications listed below in Construction Plan Requirements.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the town, if the property is located within a town served by the Inspections Department.
• An appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers' Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from the Environmental Health Department.
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding zoning-use and setbacks, watershed and soil erosion.

Plot Plan Requirements

A good resource for a plot plan is a survey issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. If you draw the plot plan yourself, be sure to sign and date it, and include contact information. The following are requirements to be shown on the plot plan.

• The plot plan should be drawn to scale, using an acceptable engineering scale, include bar scale, north arrow, date map prepared including revision dates.
• Name and contact information of preparer of the map.
• Property lines with dimensions and road frontage shown.
• Dimensions, location and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures including additions; distances between buildings measured at the closest point; and distance from buildings to closest property lines.
• Existing and proposed driveways, patios, pool decking, walkways, etc.
• All water features including drainage easements, streams, buffers, and flood zone. Watershed boundaries and WCA Tier lines labeled, including allowable and proposed impervious surfaces, total built-upon area shown in acres and with percent of total area noted.
• Any other easements or restrictions must be shown.

Construction Plan Requirements

All construction plans submitted for permitting must match plot plan layouts exactly and are required to be designed to meet the provisions of the NC Residential Code. All structural information must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code. Structural elements not found in the NC Residential Code must be designed and plans bear the seal of a NC registered design professional.

This is a minimum plan review checklist; additional information may be added by the applicant or requested in the field by the inspector to determine compliance. Permit holders remain responsible for meeting all code requirements regardless of whether a review item is listed. This minimum review checklist is intended to help prevent any major non-compliance issues from being built in the field, which typically results in significant costs and delays on a project.

General:

• Name, address, phone number and email of the person responsible for the design.
• If plans are stamped by a NC registered design professional, their seal is required to be signed and dated.
• Indicate heated square footages, unheated square footages (garage, porch, deck).
• Number of bedrooms on the plans are required to match permit application and septic system design.
• All options being used need to be clearly marked. Please eliminate or mark out options not being used.
• Energy code requirements: insulation, floors, walls and ceilings.
• Plans must be drawn to scale, legible, with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature of the work, include Bar Scale.
• Designate a space on the plans for the reviewer's stamp.

Floor Plans:

• Rooms labeled as to their intended use, dimensioned, label all unheated/unfinished areas.
• Room, hallway and stair dimensions.
• Show all plumbing fixtures.
• Window and door sizes and locations, Glazing U-Factor.
• Label and show all fireplaces, prefab or masonry.

Elevations:

• Front, sides and rear elevations.
• Building height, mean roof height and story height.
• Roof pitches.

Foundation/Floor Framing:

• Wall footing width and depth, reinforcement if required.
• Foundation wall type, size and reinforcement if required.
• Pier footing size width and depth, reinforcement if required.
• Pier sizes and solid cap.
• Slab footings and layouts for mono-slabs.
• Slab thickness and details, reinforcement if required.
• Anchor bolt details.
• Crawl space ventilation calculations or closed crawl space marked on plans.
• Crawl space access size and location.
• Girder size, number of members, species, grade and spans.
• Floor joist direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• If using I-Joist, plans or layout will need to list manufacturer, series, size and on-center spacing.
• If using open web floor trusses, layout from manufacturer required.
• Openings in floors, headers and trimmers marked.
• Floor sheathing type and thickness.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Wall and General Framing:

• Wall stud size, on-center spacing, species and grade.
• Wall header size, number of members, species, grade and spans.
• Number of jack and king studs for each opening.
• Beam type or species/grade, size, number of members and span.
• Stud column size, number of members, species and grade for beams and point loads.
• Wall sheathing type and thickness.
• Wall bracing method used.
• Portal/narrow wall bracing detail, if required.
• Point loads marked with load path and blocking requirements.
• If brick veneer used, list lintel requirements.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Roof Framing:

• Roof rafter direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• Roof tie down method and continuous load path.
• Collar ties and rafter ties size and spacing.
• Ridge board, hip and valley sizes.
• Ceiling joist direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• Openings in ceilings or roof, headers and trimmers marked.
• Roof sheathing type and thickness.
• Roof vent calculations or marked as unvented.
• Attic access size and location.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Decks and Porches must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code Appendix M. Decks with post heights exceeding the requirement of NCRC- App M- Table-AM108.1, and Decks supporting hot tubs and spas, must be designed by a NC registered design professional.

Decks and Porches:

• Decks and Deck Supported Porches must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code Appendix M.
• Decks with post heights exceeding the requirement of NCRC- App M- Table-AM108.1, and Decks supporting Hot Tubs and Spas, must be designed by a NC registered design professional.
• Name, address, phone number and email of the person responsible for the design.
• Indicate deck square footages and covered porch area square footages.
• Plans must be drawn to scale, legible, with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature of the work, include Bar Scale.
• Designate/leave a space on the plans for the reviewer's stamp.
• Deck Floor Plan to be drawn with a top view looking down showing a portion of the house, labeling rooms that are leading onto the deck. Show any other proposed structures within. (fireplace, kitchen area, etc.)
• Elevations to be drawn for clarity, dimension tallest height of deck floor from finish grade. For porches, show how roof attaches to house, roof pitch. Minimum of two.
• Overall dimensions and width of stair.
• Footing size, width, depth, location, spacing.
• Post size- width, height from top of footing to bottom of girder, location, spacing.
• Girder size, species-grade, spans, number of members, attachment.
• Floor joist size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachment.
• Bracing details for free standing decks and decks attached to structures with a deck floor.

Residential One- or Two-Family Dwellings and Townhomes must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code, additionally attached Decks and Porches must meet the provisions of the NC Residential Code - Appendix M.

To build an Addition you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type: Residential Building-Addition utilizing Civic Access public portal providing a complete description of the proposed work.
• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements.
• Construction Plans meeting all the specifications listed below in Construction Plan Requirements.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent  for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning & Development regarding Zoning-Use and Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion

Plot Plan Requirements

A good resource for a plot plan is a survey issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. If you draw the plot plan yourself, be sure to sign and date it, and include contact information. The following are requirements to be shown on the Plot Plan.

• The plot plan should be drawn to scale, using an acceptable engineering scale. Include bar scale, north arrow, date map prepared including revision dates.
• Name and contact information of preparer of the map.
• Property lines with dimensions and road frontage shown.
• Dimensions, location and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures including additions; distances between buildings measured at the closest point; and distance from buildings to closest property lines.
• Existing and proposed driveways, patios, pool decking, walkways, etc.
• All water features including drainage easements, streams, buffers, and flood zone. Watershed boundaries and WCA Tier lines labeled, including allowable and proposed impervious surfaces, total built-upon area shown in acres and with percent of total area noted.
• Any other easements or restrictions must be shown.

Construction Plan Requirements

All Construction Plans submitted for permitting must match Plot Plan layouts exactly and are required to be designed to meet the provisions of the NC Residential Code. All structural information must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code. Structural elements not found in the NC Residential Code must be designed and plans bear the seal of a NC registered design professional.

This is a minimum plan review checklist; additional information may be added by the applicant or requested in the field by the Inspector to determine compliance. Permit holders remain responsible for meeting all code requirements regardless of whether a review item is listed. This minimum review checklist is intended to help prevent any major non-compliance issues from being built in the field, which typically results in significant costs and delays on a project.

General

• Name, address, phone number and email of the person responsible for the design.
• If plans are stamped by a NC registered design professional, their seal is required to be signed and dated.
• Indicate proposed heated square footages, proposed unheated square footages (garage, porch, deck).
• If adding a bedroom, indicate number of proposed and number of existing, total number must match permit application and if applicable, septic system design.
• Energy code requirements: insulation, floors, walls and ceilings.
• Plans must be drawn to scale, legible, with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature of the work, include Bar Scale.
• Designate a space on the plans for the reviewer's stamp.

Floor Plans

• Clearly show location of work to be done, distinguish between proposed and existing conditions. 
• Show proposed walls, dimensioned, including wall thickness.
• Label all proposed rooms as their intended use, note if unheated/unfinished. 
• Show portion of existing house, label the use of existing surrounding rooms leading into proposed addition, including access to the addition, hallways and stairs to be shown and dimensioned.  
• Note total heated square footage, total unheated square footage. 
• Show all proposed plumbing fixtures and existing plumbing fixtures applicable to an addition.
• Show proposed window and door sizes and locations, and any existing that are applicable to the addition, Glazing U-Factor.
• Show all fireplaces, label as prefab/masonry.

Elevations

• Front, sides and rear elevations. Minimum of two, to show how the addition will intersect with existing conditions.
• Building height, mean roof height and story height.
• Roof pitches.

Foundation/Floor Framing

• Wall footing width and depth, reinforcement if required.
• Foundation wall type, size and reinforcement if required.
• Pier footing size width and depth, reinforcement if required.
• Pier sizes and solid cap.
• Slab footings and layouts for mono-slabs.
• Slab thickness and details, reinforcement if required.
• Anchor bolt details.
• Crawl space ventilation calculations or closed crawl space marked on plans.
• Crawl space access size and location.
• Girder size, number of members, species, grade and spans.
• Floor joist direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• If using I-Joist, plans or layout will need to list manufacturer, series, size and on-center spacing.
• If using open web floor trusses, layout from manufacturer required.
• Openings in floors, headers and trimmers marked.
• Floor sheathing type and thickness.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Wall and General Framing

• Wall stud size, on-center spacing, species and grade.
• Wall header size, number of members, species, grade and spans.
• Number of jack and king studs for each opening.
• Beam type or species/grade, size, number of members and span.
• Stud column size, number of members, species and grade for beams and point loads.
• Wall sheathing type and thickness.
• Wall bracing method used.
• Portal / narrow wall bracing detail, if required.
• Point loads marked with load path and blocking requirements.
• If brick veneer used, list lintel requirements.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Roof Framing

• Roof rafter direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• Roof tie down method and continuous load path.
• Collar ties and rafter ties size and spacing.
• Ridge board, hip and valley sizes.
• Ceiling joist direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• Openings in ceilings or roof, headers and trimmers marked.
• Roof sheathing type and thickness.
• Roof vent calculations or marked as unvented.
• Attic access size and location.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Decks and Porches

• Decks and Deck Supported Porches must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code- Appendix M.
• Decks with post heights exceeding the requirement of NCRC- App M- Table-AM108.1, and Decks supporting Hot Tubs and Spas, must be designed by a NC registered design professional.
• Name, address, phone number and email of the person responsible for the design.
• Indicate deck square footages and covered porch area square footages.
• Plans must be drawn to scale, legible, with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature of the work, include Bar Scale.
• Designate/leave a space on the plans for the reviewer's stamp.
• Deck Floor Plan to be drawn with a top view looking down showing a portion of the house, labeling rooms that are leading onto the deck. Show any other proposed structures within. (fireplace, kitchen area, etc.)
• Elevations to be drawn for clarity, dimension tallest height of deck floor from finish grade. For porches, show how roof attaches to house, roof pitch. Minimum of two.
• Overall dimensions and width of stair.
• Footing size, width, depth, location, spacing.
• Post size- width, height from top of footing to bottom of girder, location, spacing.
• Girder size, species-grade, spans, number of members, attachment.
• Floor joist size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachment.
• Bracing details for free standing decks and decks attached to structures with a deck floor height of 4 feet or more.
• Deck-to-house band attachment details.
• Show cantilevers with spans from support.
• Guardrails are required for over 30” above-grade deck floors.
• Porch Post size- width, height from top of footing to bottom of girder, location, spacing.
• Header size, species-grade, spans, number of members, attachment.
• Ceiling joist size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachments.
• Roof rafter size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachments.
• Ridge size.
• Band attachment to the house for a shed roof.
   

Any Alteration or Upfit involving Residential One- or Two-Family Dwellings or Townhomes must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code.

To Alter or Upfit a Residential Building, you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type Residential Building-Alteration/Upfit utilizing Civic Access public portal, providing a complete description of the proposed work.
• Construction Plans meeting all the specifications listed below in Construction Plan Requirements.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent  for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use and Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Plot Plan Requirements

Alteration/Upfit Permits involve no new footprint on the property, therefore no Plot Plan is required.

Construction Plan Requirements

This is a minimum plan review checklist; additional information may be added by the applicant or requested in the field by the Inspector to determine compliance. Permit holders remain responsible for meeting all code requirements regardless of whether a review item is listed. This minimum review checklist is intended to help prevent any major non-compliance issues from being built in the field, which typically results in significant costs and delays on a project. 

• Provide an Existing Floor Plan that is legible showing existing room layouts that pertain to the areas where remodel/work is being done. 
• Provide a Proposed Floor Plan showing proposed work to be done including location of work, label surrounding existing rooms to clarify scope of work.
• Show access to any new space, dimensioned, including hallways and stairs.
• Show proposed walls, dimensions, label all rooms as their intended use. 
• Label all unheated/unfinished areas.
• Show proposed plumbing fixtures.
• Show proposed Window and door sizes and locations, Glazing U-Factor.
• Label and show all proposed fireplaces, note type: prefab/masonry, wood/gas, etc.
• Bedroom Upfit must be noted.
• If upfitting a room, note added heated square footage. 
• If adding any structural components such as beams, etc. the design and sealed plans by a NC Registered Design Professional are required to be onsite at first inspection.

General

• Name, address, phone number and email of the person responsible for the design.
• If plans are stamped by a NC registered design professional, their seal is required to be signed and dated.
• Indicate if fire damage, storm damage, attic upfit, basement upfit, etc.
• Indicate proposed heated square footages, proposed unheated square footages (garage, porch, deck), existing heated and existing unheated square footages.
• If adding a bedroom, indicate number of proposed and number of existing, total number must match permit application and if applicable, septic system design.
• Energy code requirements: insulation, floors, walls and ceilings.
• Plans must be drawn to scale, legible, with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature of the work, include Bar Scale.
• Designate a space on the plans for the reviewer's stamp.

Floor Plans

• Rooms labeled as to their intended use, dimensioned, label all unheated/unfinished areas. Clearly show location of work to be done, showing any existing conditions to clarify.
• Room, hallway and stair dimensions.
• Show all plumbing fixtures.
• Window and door sizes and locations, Glazing U-Factor.
• Label and show all fireplaces, prefab or masonry.

Elevations

• Front, sides and rear elevations.
• Building height, mean roof height and story height.
• Roof pitches.

Foundation/Floor Framing

• Wall footing width and depth, reinforcement if required.
• Foundation wall type, size and reinforcement if required.
• Pier footing size width and depth, reinforcement if required.
• Pier sizes and solid cap.
• Slab footings and layouts for mono-slabs.
• Slab thickness and details, reinforcement if required.
• Anchor bolt details.
• Crawl space ventilation calculations or closed crawl space marked on plans.
• Crawl space access size and location.
• Girder size, number of members, species, grade and spans.
• Floor joist direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• If using I-Joist, plans or layout will need to list manufacturer, series, size and on-center spacing.
• If using open web floor trusses, layout from manufacturer required.
• Openings in floors, headers and trimmers marked.
• Floor sheathing type and thickness.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Wall and General Framing

• Wall stud size, on-center spacing, species and grade.
• Wall header size, number of members, species, grade and spans.
• Number of jack and king studs for each opening.
• Beam type or species/grade, size, number of members and span.
• Stud column size, number of members, species and grade for beams and point loads.
• Wall sheathing type and thickness.
• Wall bracing method used.
• Portal / narrow wall bracing detail, if required.
• Point loads marked with load path and blocking requirements.
• If brick veneer used, list lintel requirements.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Roof Framing

• Roof rafter direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• Roof tie down method and continuous load path.
• Collar ties and rafter ties size and spacing.
• Ridge board, hip and valley sizes.
• Ceiling joist direction, size, on-center spacing, species, grade and spans.
• Openings in ceilings or roof, headers and trimmers marked.
• Roof sheathing type and thickness.
• Roof vent calculations or marked as unvented.
• Attic access size and location.
• Engineered structural elements, design and sealed plans are required to be onsite at first inspection.

Decks and Porches must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code Appendix M. Decks with post heights exceeding the requirement of NC Residential Code Appendix M, Table AM108.1, and decks supporting hot tubs and spas, must be designed by a NC registered design professional.

• Deck plans are to be drawn with a top view looking down showing a portion of the house, labeling rooms that are leading onto the deck. Show any other proposed structures within. (fireplace, kitchen area, etc.).
• Elevations to be drawn for clarity, dimension tallest height of deck floor from finish grade. For porches, show how roof attaches to house, roof pitch.
• Overall dimensions and width of stair.
• Footing size, width, depth, location, spacing.
• Decks with post heights exceeding the requirement of NC Residential Code Appendix M, Table AM108.1, and decks supporting hot tubs and spas, must be designed by a NC registered design professional.
• Post size, width, height from top of footing to bottom of girder, spacing.
• Girder size, species-grade, spans, number of members, attachment.
• Floor joist size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachment.
• Bracing details for free standing decks and decks attached to structures with a deck floor height of 4 feet or more.
• Deck-to-house band attachment details.
• Show cantilevers with spans from support.
• Guardrails are required for over 30” above-grade deck floors.
• Porch Post size- width, height, spacing.
• Header size, species-grade, spans, number of members, attachment.
• Ceiling joist size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachments.
• Roof rafter size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachments.
• Ridge size.
• Band attachment to the house for a shed roof.

Manufactured Homes must comply with the provisions of the NC Regulations for Manufactured Homes. 

To permit a new or relocated Manufactured Home, you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type: Residential Manufactured Home- Park or Residential Manufactured Home- Private Lot, utilizing Civic Access public portal providing a complete description of the proposed residence including the size (W x L) of the home, the number of bedrooms and the number of bathrooms.
• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements.
• A Floor Plan that is legible showing rooms labeled.
• Spec/Data sheet from manufacturer that includes the design category, etc.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent  for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• Section 1.2.4 of the North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes states that the licensed set-up contractor who is installing a particular home shall be the party that obtains the required permits from the local jurisdiction, and the name under which the dealer or set-up contractor is licensed, and the license number shall appear on the permit. Exception: The homeowner may obtain the permit on behalf of the installer so long as the name under which the dealer or set-up contractor is licensed and the license number appears on the permit.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Plot Plan Requirements

A good resource for a plot plan is a survey issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. If you draw the plot plan yourself, be sure to sign and date it, and include contact information. 

For a Park, provide an overall plan of the park including internal road names and individual lot numbers.

For a Private Lot, the following are requirements to be shown on the Plot Plan.

• The plot plan should be drawn to scale, using an acceptable engineering scale. Include bar scale, north arrow, date map prepared including revision dates.
• Name and contact information of preparer of the map.
• Property lines with dimensions and road frontage shown.
• Dimensions, location and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures including additions; distances between buildings measured at the closest point; and distance from buildings to closest property lines.
• Existing and proposed driveways, patios, pool decking, walkways, etc.
• All water features including drainage easements, streams, buffers, and flood zone. Watershed boundaries and WCA Tier lines labeled, including allowable and proposed impervious surfaces, total built-upon area shown in acres and with percent of total area noted.
• Any other easements or restrictions must be shown.

Required at Time of Inspection

This is meant to be a guide and is not a complete list of code requirements. Inspections are requested after all work has been completed and the home is open and ready for inspection. The address must be posted.

Footings, pier spacing, and anchorage should meet the current North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes and the Manufacturer’s Installation Instructions. Steps should meet the North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work should meet the requirements of the National Electrical Code, North Carolina Plumbing, and North Carolina Mechanical Codes, respectively, along with the North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes. The setup contractor may perform the connection of plumbing systems to existing systems located under the footprint of the home. Connections of plumbing systems outside the footprint require a licensed plumbing contractor.

• All entrance doors must have steps leading to them.
• Entrance doors swinging out shall have a minimum 3’ X 3’ landing outside the door (not applicable for screen or storm door).
• All steps are in accordance with the North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes section 3.11.
• A deck or porch greater than 36 square feet requires a separate building permit.
• For new homes, the manufacturer’s installation instructions must be in a conspicuous location.
• Foundation systems and tie-downs must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions for new homes. Installation of relocated homes may be in accordance with the North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes.
• In the absence of specific instructions from the manufacturer, an engineer’s letter is required for the setup when more than 25% of the home main support piers are higher than 3’- 0" above the grade measured at the bottom of the I-Beam, reference North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes section 3.7.7.
• Soil bearing test has been performed, and the results posted in a conspicuous place to determine pier spacing.
• All footer blocks shall be covered with earth.
• An engineer’s letter is required when screw anchors are placed in concrete.
• Underneath the home is graded to prevent water collecting.
• A GFCI convenience receptacle is located adjacent to mechanical equipment.
• The electrical system is complete with proper conductor and overcurrent device sizes.
• All electrical conduit is supported according to code.
• The water supply is installed in accordance with North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes section 3.13.6.
• All hose bibs have means for backflow prevention.
• The sewer line is run with the correct fall, and the connection to the septic tank is exposed for inspection.
• All mechanical equipment must be installed with a proper overcurrent protection device.
• All mechanical equipment located outside is level on a suitable pad.
• The ductwork running under the home is supported every 4’-0" and is greater than 0’-4" above grade.
• Any replacement mechanical equipment must be approved for use in manufactured housing.
• A re-inspection fee is charged for all additional inspections. Re-inspection fees must be paid at the time of scheduling the re-inspection.
• Do not install any skirting until all inspections have been approved.

A Certificate of Occupancy is required before occupancy of any new or relocated manufactured home.

Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU), also called secondary dwelling units, in-law units, granny suites or cottages, are dwelling units attached to or within a residential building or a detached residential building that meet the provisions of the NC Residential Code. An ADU is intended to be an "accessory" to the main house, and include their own kitchen, living area, bedroom, and bathroom facilities. Attached Decks/Porches must meet the provisions of the NC Residential Code Appendix M.

First, you must receive Zoning Approval of an Accessory Dwelling Unit. Contact the Guilford County Planning and Development Department if your property is within unincorporated Guilford County or if within Town limits, contact the appropriate Town’s Planning Department.

To permit an Accessory Dwelling Unit (attached or detached) you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type: Residential Building-Addition (attached ADU) or Permit Type: Residential Building-New Single Family-Detached (detached ADU) utilizing Civic Access public portal, providing a complete description of the proposed work.
• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements.
• Construction Plans meeting all the specifications listed below in Construction Plan Requirements.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Accessory Buildings or Structures are located on the same lot as a primary Residential One- or Two-Family Dwelling and are used for a different purpose.

An Accessory Building with any dimension greater than 12’ must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code. Prefab Storage Buildings, Pre-engineered Metal Buildings, etc are not prescriptive in the NC Residential Code, therefore must be designed and the plans bear the seal of a NC registered design professional. Typically, the engineered plans are supplied by the manufacturer at the time of purchase.

Accessory Structures such as Retaining Walls, Detached Masonry Chimneys, Pools-Spas, etc. must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code. Gazebos, Pavilions, Carports, Covered Pergolas, etc. are not prescriptive in the NC Residential Code, therefore must be designed and the plans bear the seal of a NC registered design professional. Typically, the engineered plans are supplied by the manufacturer at the time of purchase.

To permit an Accessory Building or Structure, you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type: Residential Accessory-Accessory utilizing Civic Access Public Portal, providing a complete description of the proposed work.
• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements.
• Construction Plans meeting all the specifications listed below in Construction Plan Requirements.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Decks and Deck Supported Porches must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code - Appendix M. Decks with post heights exceeding the requirement of NCRC- App M- Table-AM108.1, and Decks supporting Hot Tubs and Spas, must be designed by a NC registered design professional.

To build a new Deck or Deck Supported Porch, you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type: Residential Building-Addition (Attached) or Permit Type: Residential Accessory-Accessory (Free-Standing), utilizing Civic Access Public Portal providing a complete description of the proposed work.
• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed in Plot Plan Requirements.
• Construction Plans meeting all the specifications listed below in Construction Plan Requirements.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent  for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use and Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Construction Plan Requirements

Decks and Porches 

• Decks and Deck Supported Porches must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code - Appendix M.
• Decks with post heights exceeding the requirement of NCRC- App M- Table-AM108.1, and Decks supporting Hot Tubs and Spas, must be designed by a NC registered design professional.
• Name, address, phone number and email of the person responsible for the design.
• Indicate deck square footages and covered porch area square footages.
• Plans must be drawn to scale, legible, with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature of the work, include Bar Scale.
• Designate/leave a space on the plans for the reviewer's stamp.
• Deck Floor Plan to be drawn with a top view looking down showing a portion of the house, labeling rooms that are leading onto the deck. Show any other proposed structures within. (fireplace, kitchen area, etc.)
• Elevations to be drawn for clarity, dimension tallest height of deck floor from finish grade. For porches, show how roof attaches to house, roof pitch. Minimum of two.
• Overall dimensions and width of stair. Footing size, width, depth, location, spacing.
• Post size- width, height from top of footing to bottom of girder, location, spacing.
• Girder size, species-grade, spans, number of members, attachment.
• Floor joist size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachment.
• Bracing details for free standing decks and decks attached to structures with a deck floor height of 4 feet or more.
• Deck-to-house band attachment details.
• Show cantilevers with spans from support.
• Guardrails are required for over 30” above-grade deck floors.
• Porch Post size- width, height from top of footing to bottom of girder, location, spacing.
• Header size, species-grade, spans, number of members, attachment.
• Ceiling joist size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachments.
• Roof rafter size, spacing, species-grade, spans, direction, attachments.
• Ridge size.
• Band attachment to the house for a shed roof.

Swimming Pools, Hot Tubs and Spas intended for swimming or recreational bathing that contains water over 24 inches deep must comply with the provisions of the NC Residential Code - Appendix V. Decks supporting Hot Tubs and Spas will require a letter or stamped plans from an Engineer verifying the Deck can support the Hot Tub or Spa.  

To permit a Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, or Spa, you will need to submit:

• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed Plot Plan Requirements.
• Pool specifications including Pool layout, Barrier/Gate information, Door Alarms if attached to dwelling, Entrapment/Anti-suction device information.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Solar Panels, also referred to as Photovoltaic (PV) Systems, are a type of Solar Energy System that offers an alternative way to provide power to a home. They can be roof-mounted or ground-mounted and must comply with all applicable NC Building Codes.

Residential Solar Panels

To permit Residential Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Systems) you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type: Residential Accessory-Solar Panel utilizing Civic Access public portal, providing a complete description of the proposed system including location, whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted.
• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements, not required for roof-mounted.
• Construction Plans showing PV array configuration, wiring system, overcurrent protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, AC connection to the building, and attachment detail for roof mounted or footing details for ground mounted. Plans should be sealed by a NC registered design professional.
• Spec Sheets & Installation Manuals: Include specification sheets and installation manuals for all manufactured components, including, but not limited to, PV modules, inverters, combiner boxes, disconnects, and mounting systems.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized Owner-Contractor Exemption Affidavit for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Plot Plan Requirements

A good resource for a plot plan is a survey issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. If you draw the plot plan yourself, be sure to sign and date it, and include contact information. The following are requirements to be shown on the Plot Plan. Plot Plans not required for roof-mounted systems.

• The plot plan should be drawn to scale, using an acceptable engineering scale. Include bar scale, north arrow, date map prepared including revision dates.
• Name and contact information of preparer of the map.
• Property lines with dimensions and road frontage shown.
• Dimensions, location and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures including additions; distances between buildings measured at the closest point; and distance from buildings to closest property lines.
• Existing and proposed driveways, patios, pool decking, walkways, etc.
• All water features including drainage easements, streams, buffers, and flood zone. Watershed boundaries and WCA Tier lines labeled, including allowable and proposed impervious surfaces, total built-upon area shown in acres and with percent of total area noted.
• Any other easements or restrictions must be shown.

Commercial Solar Panels

Commercial projects are required to have an approved Site Plan prior to submittal. Contact the Guilford County Planning and Development Department if your property is within unincorporated Guilford County or if within Town limits, contact the appropriate Town’s Planning Department for the requirements for Site Plan Approval.

To permit Commercial Solar Panels (Photovoltaic Systems) you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type: Commercial Accessory-Solar Panel utilizing Civic Access public portal, providing a complete description of the proposed system including location, whether roof-mounted or ground-mounted.
• Site Plan approval from Guilford County Planning & Development or appropriate Town’s Planning Department.
• Construction Plans showing PV array configuration, wiring system, overcurrent protection, inverter, disconnects, required signs, AC connection to the building, and attachment detail for roof mounted or footing details for ground mounted. Plans should be sealed by a NC registered design professional.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized affidavit Owner-Contractor form for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Trade Permits are available to anyone who must obtain an Electrical, Fuel Piping, Mechanical, Plumbing or Multi-Trade  permit. Trade Permits provide for the permitting and inspections for projects with stand-alone single or multi trades when a Building Permit is not required.

To apply for a Trade Permit (Residential or Commercial), you will need to submit:

• Apply for Residential or Commercial permit types applicable to the trade, utilizing Civic Access public portal, providing a complete description of the proposed work including the location where the proposed work will be performed.
• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements will be required if the property is served by an onsite septic system and the proposed work involves trenching, contact Environmental Health. The plot plan will need to show the proposed trenching location and demonstrate the trenching does not impact and maintains the required setbacks from the current septic system, its repair area, and any on-site wells.
• List all trade contractors under "Contacts" in the Civic Access public portal.
• Provide the following information for mechanical and water heater installations and change-outs:
  • Type of appliance to be installed or replaced. List if the appliance is gas or electric.
  • Location of the appliance: exterior, crawlspace, attic or basement.
  • List the areas of the structure the appliance will service - basement, first, second, or third floor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Plot Plan Requirements

A good resource for a plot plan is a survey issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. If you draw the plot plan yourself, be sure to sign and date it, and include contact information. The following are requirements to be shown on the Plot Plan. Plot Plans not required for roof-mounted systems.

• The plot plan should be drawn to scale, using an acceptable engineering scale. Include bar scale, north arrow, date map prepared including revision dates.
• Name and contact information of preparer of the map.
• Property lines with dimensions and road frontage shown.
• Dimensions, location and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures including additions; distances between buildings measured at the closest point; and distance from buildings to closest property lines.
• Existing and proposed driveways, patios, pool decking, walkways, etc.
• All water features including drainage easements, streams, buffers, and flood zone. Watershed boundaries and WCA Tier lines labeled, including allowable and proposed impervious surfaces, total built-upon area shown in acres and with percent of total area noted.
• Any other easements or restrictions must be shown.

Demo Permits are required for the removal and demolition of both Residential and Commercial buildings or structures per the NC State Building Codes.

First, contact the Guilford County Planning and Development Department if your property is within unincorporated Guilford County or if within Town limits, contact the appropriate Town’s Planning Department to verify the property is not located within Historic District or building/structure is not a Historic Landmark.

To apply for a Demo Permit (Residential or Commercial) you will need to submit:

• Apply for Permit Type: Demo Permit utilizing Civic Access public portal, providing a complete description of the proposed work.
• A Plot Plan meeting all the specifications listed below in Plot Plan Requirements. Show all buildings/structures to be demolished and all existing buildings/structures to remain, label accordingly to demonstrate scope of work.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A notarized affidavit Owner-Contractor form for projects costing $40,000 or more and where an owner is listed as the general contractor.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.  
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Plot Plan Requirements

A good resource for a plot plan is a survey issued for a recent mortgage or refinance closing. If you draw the plot plan yourself, be sure to sign and date it, and include contact information. The following are requirements to be shown on the Plot Plan.

• The plot plan should be drawn to scale, using an acceptable engineering scale. Include bar scale, north arrow, date map prepared including revision dates.
• Name and contact information of preparer of the map.
• Property lines with dimensions and road frontage shown.
• Dimensions, location and use of all existing and proposed buildings and structures including additions; distances between buildings measured at the closest point; and distance from buildings to closest property lines.
• Existing and proposed driveways, patios, decking around proposed pool, walkways, etc.
• All water features including drainage easements, streams, buffers, and flood zone. Watershed boundaries and WCA Tier lines labeled, including allowable and proposed impervious surfaces, total built-upon area shown in acres and with percent of total area noted.
• Any other easements or restrictions must be shown.

Commercial projects must comply with the provisions of the current NC State Building Codes and are required to have an approved site plan. If the property is located within unincorporated Guilford County, contact the Guilford County Planning and Development Department or if within Town limits, contact the appropriate Town’s Planning Department for the requirements for Site Plan Approval.

To apply for a Commercial Building Permit, you will need to submit:

• Apply for the appropriate Commercial Permit type utilizing Civic Access public portal providing a complete description of the proposed work.
• An approved Site Plan from either Guilford County Planning & Development or appropriate Town’s Planning Department.
• Construction Plans meeting all the specifications listed below in Construction Plan Requirements.
• Development Clearance Certificate containing all approved information approved from the Town, if the property is located within a Town served by the Inspections Department.
• An Appointment of a Lien Agent  for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• A certificate of Workers' Compensation insurance or a completed affidavit of Workers Compensation exemption form for contractors for projects costing $40,000 or more.
• If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals may be required from Environmental Health.
• Additional approvals may be required from Guilford County Planning and Development regarding Zoning- Use & Setbacks, Watershed and Soil Erosion.

Construction Plan Requirements

All construction plans submitted for permitting must match the approved Site Plan layouts exactly and must be designed and bear the seal of a NC registered design professional, unless otherwise exempt the NC General Statutes or the NC State Building Codes.

This is a minimum plan review checklist; additional information may be added by the applicant or requested in the field to determine compliance. Permit holders remain responsible for meeting all code requirements regardless of whether a review item is listed. This minimum review checklist is intended to help prevent any major non-compliance issues from being built in the field, which typically results in significant costs and delays on a project.

General:

• Name of designer, engineer, or architect with address, phone number and email.
• If plans are required to be stamped by a NC registered design professional, their seal is required to be signed and dated.
• Plans must be drawn to scale, legible, with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature and the scope of the work to be permitted.
• Designate a space on the plans for the reviewer's stamp.

Plans shall include:

• Edition of NC State Building Code(s) designed by construction type.
• All occupancy classifications type(s).
• Occupant load calculations.
• Floor area, number of stories, and height of building.
• Life safety system and plan requirements.
• Fire separation and protection requirements such as fire sprinkler status, fire resistance rated assemblies separating occupancies, buildings and/or means of egress components.
• Exit access travel distance (Exits through adjoining spaces where allowed by code, shall be clearly delineated).
• Number of exits with corresponding building/space diagonal distance and distance between exits.
• Common path of egress travel distances, corridor widths, dead end corridor dimensions.
• Special locking arrangements/panic hardware detailed where applicable.
• Stair and other shaft ratings.
• Accessibility- show accessible route, accessible exits, toilet rooms, and other fixtures or areas that are required to be accessible. to and through building common areas, accessible entrance details, accessible bathroom details and clearances.
• Energy code compliance summary.
• Structural design and details as applicable.
• Provide a complete layout plan and details for the building system including elevations with dimensions, structural elements, etc.
• Provide a complete layout plan and details for each of the disciplines: plumbing, mechanical, and electrical.
• If the work involves only a portion of the building, provide an overall plan of the building showing the area of work and the use and occupancy classification of the remaining space(s).
• If the facility stores hazardous substances, a Hazardous Materials Management Plan and Inventory Statement must be submitted. Appendix H in the North Carolina Fire Code contains this information.
• If the facility will have rack storage, identify how high the storage will be and what will be stored on the racks. Additional fire protection may be required depending upon the classification of the commodity being stored and the height of the racks.

Electrical Plan Requirement:

• Design professional sealed in accordance with state law.
• Complete plans for proposed work and any demolition of existing electrical.
• One line diagram of the service/feeder riser.
• Panel schedules/load calculations.
• For PV installations include a three-line diagram and specification sheets for new equipment, including but not limited to modules, inverters, combiners etc.

Plumbing Plan Requirements:

• Design professional sealed in accordance with state law.
• Fixture count calculations based on occupant load.
• Toilet stall dimensions, length and width.
• Isometric riser/venting diagram.
• Vents on floor drains.
• Show clear floor spaces for all plumbing fixtures (accessibility code).
• Show fixture elevations with height and width dimensions (accessibility code).

Mechanical Plan Requirements:

• Design professional sealed in accordance with state law.
• Dryer vent length schedule when applicable.
• Fire dampers/proper protection for rated assembly penetrations clearly delineated.
• Clearly list rated assemblies on plans.
• Outside air calculations included on plans.
• Correct UL assembly and details on plans.
• Detailed plans for Type 1 hoods and related duct work if applicable.
• Gas piping diagrams on mechanical plan.