Frequently Asked Questions

When is a permit required?

Are you considering a little remodeling? What about adding on a garage, finishing the basement or building a sunroom? Before you start do you need a permit?

Appropriate permits are required for any building construction, alteration, or repair involving new or changed uses of property (other than ordinary repairs). A single permit is issued for all work on new one and two family homes. Separate permits are required for building, electrical, heating, air conditioning and plumbing work on all other types of buildings.

EXCEPTION: Permits are not required for any work costing five thousand dollars or less, unless the work involves:

• The addition, repair, or replacement of load bearing structures
• The addition, replacement, repair or change to a structure within the 100-year floodplain
• The addition or change in the design of a plumbing system
• The addition, replacement or change in the design of a heating or air conditioning system
• The addition, replacement or change in the design of an electrical system
• The use of materials not permitted by the code;
  The addition of roofing, excluding replacement of like grade fire resistance material. Our list of Frequently Called Numbers will guide you to phone numbers of those involved in the permitting process. Also see our Plans Submittal Requirements for additional information regarding the land development and construction processes.

Permits and Inspection's list of Frequently Called Numbers will guide you to phone numbers of those involved in the permitting process. You may also inquire about our Plans Submittal Requirements for additional information regarding the land development and construction processes.

You can get a permit from the Permits & Inspections Department located at 30 Valley Street, Asheville, NC. The department's operating hours are Monday - Friday, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Applications for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits may be mailed.

For costs and other information please call the Permits & Inspections Department at 250-5360.

What is the cost of a permit?

• Permit fees are based on total cost of construction.
  • View the Current Fee Schedule

Demolition Permit

For information contact WNC Regional Air Quality Agency at (828) 250-6777.

Where do I go to get a permit?

Permits are obtained by the property owner or owner's agent from Permits & Inspections Department located at 30 Valley Street, Asheville, NC. The department's operating hours are Monday - Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Applications for electrical, mechanical, and plumbing permits may be mailed.

When does a permit expire?

Permits expire six (6) months (180 days) after issue date if no work has commenced. Permits also expire when work has started but discontinued for twelve (12) months (365 days) from the last inspection date.

When is a N. C. State General Contractor License required?

Any contracted work which exceeds $30,000 per project.

When are plans required?

Plans and specifications sealed by a licensed architect or registered engineer are required for any new building, building addition or alteration to an existing building, with the exception of one or two family dwellings. Plans are reviewed within the department and by other City and County agencies as required. Plan Review personnel are available to assist you with plan requirements.

How is my work inspected?

Inspectors will check to make sure that work is done according to code. Contractors or homeowners doing their own work must call to arrange for each inspection. See Inspection Division for more information on arranging inspections.

Where can I obtain a copy of the Building Code?

The Building Code is available from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Please call 919-661-5880 to order or visit NCDOI Website.