New Hanover County, NC Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec. 11-81(a)(1) makes it unlawful to commence or proceed with the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement, removal, or demolition of any building in the unincorporated county without first securing every permit required by the state building code and any applicable local ordinance from the inspection department with jurisdiction over the site. The exemption for work costing $5,000 or less in a single-family residence or farm building does not cover additions or changes to load-bearing structures, plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical wiring, or roofing beyond same-grade replacement (Sec.

11-81(a)). Written applications go on forms from the inspection department and must show the owner's name and address, any authorized agent, and the contractor's name with proof of the required state licensing-board certificate (Sec. 11-82). Detailed, scaled plans and specifications must accompany any application where the estimated cost exceeds $20,000, or whenever the inspector deems them necessary (Sec. 11-83). No permit for a project over $20,000 may issue unless a licensed general contractor performs the work, and, for buildings other than one- or two-family dwellings over that threshold, unless the plans bear a registered architect's or engineer's state seal (Sec.

11-84). No permit for alteration, repair, or construction may issue unless the plans show compliance with the county zoning ordinance (Sec. 11-85), and the county may withhold a permit from a subdivider who has failed to comply with subdivision or development conditions (Sec. 11-86(b)). Building permit fees follow the schedule kept in the building inspector's office (Sec. 11-87(1)). A permit expires six months after issuance if work has not begun, and immediately if work stops for 12 months (Sec. 11-88); the inspector may also revoke a permit for a substantial departure from approved plans or a false statement made to obtain it (Sec. 11-90).