Wayne County, NC Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec. 14-92(b) sets the county's building permit trigger: construction, reconstruction, alteration or repair of any building or structure, or any part of it, needs a written permit from the building inspector before work starts. 00 or less that involves no change to structural parts or to stairways, elevators, fire escapes or other means of egress; anything above that threshold, or touching those elements at any cost, needs a permit regardless of price. Before applying, a building contractor must register with the inspection department under Sec.

14-91, giving name and place of business. The written application required by Sec. 14-93 must show the owner's name and address, any authorized agent, and the contractor's name with proof of state licensing where required. 00, per Sec. 14-94. Sec. 00 must bear the North Carolina seal of a registered architect or engineer. Permits expire six months after issuance if work has not begun, or immediately if begun work is discontinued for 12 months, under Sec. 14-98, and any major change from the approved plans needs the inspector's written sign-off under Sec. 14-99. Fees are set by the board of commissioners under Sec. 14-100.