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Building Safety in Craven County, NC (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Craven County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Craven County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Building Permits

In unincorporated Craven County, no one may erect, construct or alter a building or structure until the Inspection Department (Planning and Inspections) issues a building permit under Craven County Code § 8-2. Applicants file a detailed application with three complete copies of plans; the department issues the permit once the state building code and fees are satisfied.

Craven County Building Permit Requirement

Some Restrictions

Craven County Code § 8-2

(a)The erection, construction or alteration of any building, structure, or part thereof shall not be commenced until a building permit shall have been issued by the inspection department pursuant to the authority contained in G.S. 153A-357, pertaining to permits. ... (d)If it shall appear to the staff of the inspection department that the proposed construction meets the requirements of the stat...

Building Inspections

Craven County's inspection department, staffed by inspectors the county manager appoints, must issue a building permit before any building or structure is erected, constructed or altered, provided the plans meet the state building code and all fees are paid. Starting work first triggers an added administrative fee.

Craven County Building Permit and Inspection Process

Some Restrictions

Craven County Code §§ 8-1, 8-2

There is created an inspection department for the county, which shall be staffed by one or more inspectors appointed by the county manager, who may be given the titles of building inspector, electrical inspector, plumbing inspector, housing inspector, zoning inspector, heating and air conditioning inspector, fire prevention inspector or deputy or assistant inspector, or such other titles as may...

All Craven County ordinances

See every category we cover for Craven County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.

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