Building Safety in Wake County, NC (2026)
2 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 3 cities in Wake County, North Carolina.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Wake County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Building Permits
Wake County requires a permit from the Inspections Division before erecting, altering, repairing or relocating any building or structure, or changing land use, anywhere in the unincorporated county.
Wake County Building Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsWake County Code § 150.039(A)
No person shall locate, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair or relocate any building, structure or utility or change the type occupancy thereof, or establish or change any land use or cause same to be performed without first having obtained a permit from the Division for the specific work to be performed or use to be established. (B) No person shall install, replace or relocate any el...
Plumbing Permits
Wake County requires a permit before installing, replacing or relocating plumbing utilities or equipment in unincorporated areas.
Wake County Plumbing Permit Requirement
Some RestrictionsWake County Code § 150.039(B)
No person shall install, replace or relocate any electrical, plumbing, heating, ventilating or cooling utility, material, appliances or equipment without first having obtained a permit from the Division for the specific work to be performed. (C) The other permits required by any other county or state agency shall be obtained. (1984 Code, § 2-4-60) (Ord. passed 8-6-1979; Ord. passed 6-18-19...
Building Safety by City in Wake County
3 cities in Wake County have their own building safety rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Wake County ordinances
See every category we cover for Wake County: parking, noise, fences, fires, animals, pools, and more.
Wake County Ordinance Hub →