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Brunswick County, NC Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Adopted plumbing code
NC state plumbing code, by reference
Permit issuer
Brunswick County central permit office
Prerequisite
Septic tank/zoning clearance where applicable
Rough-in inspection
Before walls are covered
Permit validity if unstarted
6 months
Max misdemeanor fine
$500 per day

Summary

Brunswick County requires a plumbing permit before any installation, extension or repair of a plumbing system in the unincorporated county, and adopts North Carolina's state plumbing code by reference to govern the work (Code §§ 1-8.5-35(a)(2), 1-8.5-33(b)).

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Brunswick County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

Sec. 1-8.5-33(b). State building codes/development regulations adopted by reference. ... National Electrical Code; North Carolina Heating, Plumbing, Mechanical Codes, and appropriate State-required Fire Prevention Codes are hereby adopted and referenced, and made applicable to the jurisdiction of Brunswick County as if they were set out in full herein. ... Sec. 1-8.5-35(a)(2). The installation, extension, or general repair of any plumbing system ... without first securing from the designated county officials the following permits or applications as may be required ... e.Plumbing permit.

View official code

Full Breakdown

5-33(a)(2) applies the county's adopted regulatory codes to 'the installation, erection, alteration, repair, use and maintenance of plumbing systems consisting of house sewers, building drains, waste and vent systems, fuel burning equipment and appurtenances thereof,' and subsection (b) adopts by reference the North Carolina Plumbing Code, filed with the Brunswick County Chief Building Inspector. 5-35(a)(8)(e). 5-35(a)(8), (g)(5)). 5-35(b)). 5-36(a)(4)). 5-35(e)), and it reaches only unincorporated Brunswick County and county property, not Leland, Southport, Oak Island or the county's other incorporated towns.

Violations & Fines

Doing plumbing work without the required permit is a misdemeanor under § 1-8.5-35(k), fined up to $500 for each day the violation continues. The inspector can also revoke a plumbing permit in writing for a material departure from the approved plans or for false statements made when applying (§ 1-8.5-35(d)).

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code applies in unincorporated Brunswick County?
The North Carolina state plumbing code, adopted by reference under § 1-8.5-33(b) along with the state building, mechanical and fire prevention codes. Copies of the adopted volumes are kept on file with the Brunswick County Chief Building Inspector for public reference.
What has to happen before my plumbing permit is issued?
The central permit office needs a completed application naming the owner, any agent and the licensed plumbing contractor, and for septic-connected work, appropriate zoning and septic tank clearance must come first under § 1-8.5-35(g)(5), since no building or related permit issues without that clearance.
Does Brunswick County inspect plumbing in Shallotte or Calabash?
Not under this ordinance. Chapter 1-8.5's central permitting system governs only the unincorporated county and county-owned property. Shallotte, Calabash and the county's other incorporated towns handle their own plumbing permitting and inspections under their separate municipal codes.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Brunswick County

Noise Ordinances: Construction HoursSome RestrictionsBuilding PermitsSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsLead PaintSome RestrictionsFire Sprinkler RequirementsFew RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSome RestrictionsElectrical PermitsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Barking DogsSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Driveway RulesSome RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Retaining WallsLight RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSignificant Restrictions

All Brunswick County rules

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