No permit issued under Article 9 or 9C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes is
required for any construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration performed in
accordance with the current edition of the North Carolina State Building Code costing
twenty thousand dollars ($40,000) or less in any single-family residence, farm building,
or commercial building unless the work involves any of the following:
- The addition, repair, or replacement of load-bearing structures. However, no permit is required for
replacement of windows, doors, exterior siding, or the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking
of porches and exterior decks that otherwise meet the requirements of this subsection.
- The addition or change in the design of plumbing. However, no permit is required for
replacements otherwise meeting the requirements of this subsection that do not change size or
capacity.
- The addition, replacement, or change in the design of heating, airconditioning, or electrical wiring,
devices, appliances, or equipment, other than like-kind replacement of electrical devices and
lighting fixtures.
- The use of materials not permitted by the North Carolina State Building Code.
- The addition (excluding replacement) of roofing.
- Any changes to which the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code applies.
See memo from NCDOI regarding the above