Show All Answers

1. 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."

Everyday projects requiring permits include:

1. Converting a residence to a business
2. Constructing a deck, screened porch, or sunroom
3. Installing an irrigation system
4. Installing a swimming pool
5. Adding a ceiling fan
6. Finishing an attic or basement
7. Replacing a furnace or air conditioner
8. Installing gas logs, attic fans, skylights

Questions? Call 919-918-7336 or visit the Inspections and Permits Division located in Town Hall at 301 West Main Street.

2. When is a permit not required?

A permit is not required for:

1. Replacement of water heaters in the same location with the same fuel source by a licensed plumber on a Single Family Dwelling
2. 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.
3. Accessory buildings that are no more than 12 feet in any dimension
4. 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.
5. Replacement of plumbing fixtures when the work does not go beyond the trap seal
6. Installation of low voltage exterior landscape lighting

Questions? Call 919-918-7336 or visit the Inspections and Permits Division located in Town Hall 301 West Main Street.

3. What are the Inspections office hours?

The Inspections office is open Monday - Friday, from 8am-4:30pm. Inspectors are out in the field from 9:30am-3:30pm, and are typically in the office from 8am-9:30am, 11:30am-1:30pm and 3:30pm-4:30pm daily.

4. Where is the Inspections office located?

We are located at 301 W. Main St., Carrboro, NC 27510. Inspections is located on the second floor of Town Hall.

5. What will I need to obtain a building permit?

Building permits reviewed by the Inspections Division range from large to small. The following items may be required depending upon the kind of permit being sought: 

• Site plan(s) showing detailing the proposed changes to the property;
• Contractor names, addresses, and state license numbers for the particular trade or general contractor;
• Information pertaining to well & septic permits, if needed, from Orange County Environmental Health;
• Necessary documentation for related projects such as load calculations for Mechanical renovations or change-outs.
• Sealed Architectural and/or Engineering Plans as needed;
• For Commercial Permits, as needed: Appendix B from Building Code, Facilities Calculations, Water System Calculations.
• Relevant permit fees and forms as required by Inspections or Zoning; these can be found at the link below:

Related Documents and Forms

Please call Inspections if you have any questions about permits at 919-918-7336.

6. When is a plot plan or new survey required?

A plot plan or a new survey is required for all residential permits where the "footprint" of a primary or accessory building changes. This includes decks, porches, and storage buildings. However, staff does have the authority to waive the survey if the construction is obviously not near any setbacks or easements.

Modifications inside the existing building shell do not require a plot plan or survey.

7. Can I, as a 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 Town of Carrboro privilege license. State law requires that the property be the owner's primary residence for at least 12 months after completion of the work. The owner cannot be General Contractor on rental property unless the construction costs are less than $30,000. If construction costs are less than $30,000, anyone can be the General Contractor.

8. How much will my permit cost?

Please see the Town of Carrboro Fee Schedule. Any questions, please contact 919-918-7336.

9. How can I access the building code?

Building codes can be obtained through the NC Department of Insurance at 919-661-5880.

10. Are there restrictions on availability of building permits?

There are currently no restrictions on obtaining building permits.

11. Can you tell me the process of obtaining a permit?

Permit Applications are managed through PIPER, the Town’s online permitting portal which can be accessed here:

PIPER Online Portal

PIPER application instructions can be found here:

PIPER Application Instructions

What Do You Need For A Permit?

Building permits reviewed by the Inspections Division range from large to small. The following items may be required depending upon the kind of permit being sought: 

• Site plan(s) showing detailing the proposed changes to the property;
• Contractor names, addresses, and state license numbers for the particular trade or general contractor;
• Information pertaining to well & septic permits, if needed, from Orange County Environmental Health;
• Necessary documentation for related projects such as load calculations for Mechanical renovations or change-outs.
• Sealed Architectural and/or Engineering Plans as needed;
• For Commercial Permits, as needed: Appendix B from Building Code, Facilities Calculations, Water System Calculations.
• Relevant permit fees and forms as required by Inspections or Zoning; these can be found at the link below:

Related Documents and Forms

The Permit Review process takes from 4 to 6 weeks for most projects at this time. During this time your project is reviewed for compliance with all applicable regulations and codes.  It is possible to receive your permit in less time depending upon the staff workload when your request is received and how complicated the project is.  

Please call Inspections if you have any questions about permits at 919-918-7336.  

Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

12. How can I schedule an inspection?

To schedule an inspection, call at least 24 hours in advance of the time you need the inspection. Call 919-918-7336, Monday - Friday, from 8am-4:30pm. The Inspectors will arrive in the morning or the afternoon, depending on how the inspection was scheduled.