Guilford County, NC

Building Permit Required

No person or corporation shall locate, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish, or relocate any building or change the type of occupancy without obtaining the required permits for the specific work from the Inspections Department having jurisdiction.

Electrical Permit Required

An electrical permit is required for the installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of any electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment except that in any one or two-family dwelling units, a permit shall not be required for repair or replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices, such as receptacles and lighting switches having the same voltage and the same or less amperage as long as the work is performed by a person licensed under G.S.87-43.

Plumbing Permit Required

A plumbing permit is required for any plumbing system installation, extension, relocation, replacement, or general repair. Plumbing permits shall not be required for minor repairs or replacements of plumbing fixtures, provided such repairs or replacements do not disrupt the original water supply, the waste, or the ventilation system.

Mechanical/HVAC Permit Required

Mechanical/HVAC permit is required for the installation, extension, relocation, replacement and general repair of any heating, air-conditioning or venting system. A PTAC (Package Terminal Air Conditioner) requires a mechanical permit be obtained before installation; however, a licensed mechanical contractor is not required to install the unit. If any electrical wiring is added for the unit, an electrical permit will be required as well. A licensed electrician would be required for the wiring.

A permit is required to convert a gas appliance to a different type of gas, such as converting a Liquid Propane (LP) appliance to natural gas.

• Nonstructural work where the cost is less than $15,000 in any single-family residence unless the work involves new or altered plumbing systems, mechanical systems or electrical systems.
• Farm buildings outside the jurisdiction of any municipality.
• Residential accessory buildings where no dimension exceeds 12 feet.
• The replacement of windows, doors and exterior siding in residential structures.
• The replacement of pickets, railings, stair treads and decking of residential porches and exterior decks.
• Replacement of a water heater in one or two-family dwellings, provided:
• The energy use rate or thermal input is not greater than that of the water heater which is being replaced.
•  There is no change in fuel, energy source, location, routing or sizing of venting and piping.
•  The work is performed by a licensed plumbing contractor and installed in accordance with the current edition of the North Carolina State Building Code.
• In one or two-family dwellings, the repair or replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices, such as receptacles and switches. The replacement is required to be the same voltage and the same or less amperage, with the work being performed by a licensed electrical contractor.

Building Contractor Required

A general contractor licensed in North Carolina must perform all work where the construction cost is in excess of $40,000. Any person who is paid to manage a project where the construction cost is in excess of $40,000 must be a licensed general contractor. An unlicensed contractor may perform work where the cost is $40,000 or less. Any person may act as their own general contractor for construction of a home, addition or accessory structure if they own the property and will personally occupy the structure for 12 months after completion.

Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, Sprinkler License Contractor Required

A licensed plumbing, heating and air conditioning contractor is required to alter, replace or relocate plumbing or heating and air conditioning. Homeowners may perform their own plumbing or heating work if they own the property and will personally occupy the structure.

Electrical Contractor’s License Required

A licensed electrical contractor is required for all installation, construction, maintenance or repair of electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment. Homeowners may perform their own electrical work if they own the property and will personally occupy the structure.

An institutional or commercial building with a construction cost over $90,000

An institutional or commercial building with a total building area of over 2,500 square feet in gross floor area.

Alteration, remodeling, or renovation of an existing building that alters or affects the structural system of the building, changes the building’s access or exit patterns or changes the live or dead load on the building’s structural system.

It's important to schedule your inspections at the right times during your project. Read our Inspection Guidance for more details.