When Are Permits Required?

State law requires that permits be obtained before beginning these types of projects: Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement to another site, removal or demolition of any building, or when the total job estimated cost is $40,000 & above or any structural work is to be done. (Reference G.S. 160D-1110) 

• Installation, extension, alteration or general repair of any plumbing system; heating or cooling equipment system; or any electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment

While this law was meant to be all encompassing, some projects do not require permits from the Person County Inspections Department. Please call us at 336-597-0570 before beginning work if you are unsure. If permits are required, and are not obtained- fees will be doubled.

Examples of work requiring a permit:

• Decks, carports, and garages of any size
• Prefabricated storage buildings 12 feet or larger in any dimension
• Room additions, finishing an unfinished attic space
• Relocating or installing new light fixtures that adds to the electrical system
• Replacing and reconnecting furnaces, etc.
• Adding to or modifying the heating and air conditioning system
• Adding an additional sink or water closet or modifying the plumbing system
• Replacing a water heater of another type
• Backflow device on landscape irrigation systems
• Kitchen cabinet replacement that changes the configuration or exceeds $40,000
• Structural repair, i.e. floor joists, sub-floor, roof sheathing, headers, piers, footings

Examples of work not requiring a permit:

• Repair of non-load bearing components and non-structural repairs
• Replacement of windows and doors if they remain in the same location and are the same size
• Repairing pickets, railings, stair treads and decking on exterior decks, porches and balconies
• Any plumbing equipment or fixture/fitting replacement which does not change equipment size or system capacity.
• Like for like water heater replacement as long as it remains in the same location
• Vinyl siding replacement, as long as the total cost doesn’t exceed $40,000
• Roofing replacement that does not exceed $40,000, uses the same type of materials and no structural work is performed
• Repair/replacement of dishwashers, disposals, water heaters, electrical devices or light fixtures provided that the work does not include the addition or relocation of wiring

General 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 land and will personally occupy the structure for 12 months after completion with the submission of an owner's affidavit. 

Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Sprinkler License Contractor Required:

A licensed, plumbing, heating and air conditioning, sprinkler contractor is required to install, alter, replace or relocate plumbing or heating and air conditioning. Homeowners may perform their own plumbing or heating work on the premises of their primary dwelling with a trade permit.

Electrical Contractor 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 on the premises of their primary dwelling with a trade permit.

Lien Agent Required:

A Lien Agent is required for all work where the construction cost is in excess of $40,000.  A lien agent can be obtained by applying at www.liensnc.com.

Unsure whether your project requires a permit? Call the Person County Inspections Department at (336) 597-0570 weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. for more information. Inspectors are generally available 8:30-9:00 am and 1:00-5:00 pm.