Table of Contents

1. Who can apply for a permit?
2. Where do I apply for a building permit?
3. What information will I be asked to provide when I apply for a building permit?
4. How long does the plan review process take?
5. When do I get my permit?
6. How do I request an inspection?
7. What rules and regulations must I adhere to in the construction of my project?
8. Are there any special or local building regulations beyond local zoning requirement I need to adhere to?
9. What is a Commercial Shell permit?
10. What is a Commercial Upfit permit?
11. What is a Commercial Fastrack permit?
12. How do I use the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) to schedule an inspection?
13. How do I use the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) to find out the results of an inspection?
14. How do I use the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) to cancel an inspection?
15. Did you know you can track your plans through the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA)?
16. Is there a list of Inspection Types the Inspection Department Express Access System (IDEA) uses?
17. What is the process for installing a swimming pool?
18. How do I file an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment?
19. What are the Construction Site Regulations?

How do I request an inspection?

Inspections can be requested in 5 different ways:

1. Call our Inspections Department Express Access (IDEA) line. You must have your phone access code, which is located on your permit. You can call the IDEA line 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (910) 798-4332 (IDEA). (See #12 for specific instructions.)
2. Use our Website at http://wwwtmpapps.nhcgov.com/Inspreq/Inspreqi.jsp. You must have your phone access code, which is located on your permit. You can use the website 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
3. Email us at CAS@nhcgov.com. Please write "Inspection Request" in the subject line and include permit number, address, contractor, type of inspection and contact information in the email.
4. Fax the request using the Inspection Request Fax form. You can fax the information 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to (910) 798-7060.
5. Call the NHC Inspections Dept. at (910) 798-7151 between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. At the sound of the recording, press the number according to your trade (1-Building, 2-Electrical, 3-Mechanical, 4-Plumbing, 6-Zoning). Press "1" to schedule an inspection. You will be assisted by one of our schedulers in the order they receive your call. Please have your permit number ready. 

All inspection requests received before 3:30 p.m. will be scheduled for the next business day. Requests received after 3:30 p.m. will be scheduled for the day after the next business day. (Please see Note below.)

Note: Although inspections are scheduled as dictated above, they are subject to workload. Inspectors prioritize re-inspections when arriving in an area that has re-inspections along with first time inspections.

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Where do I apply for a building permit?

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How long does the plan review process take?

For residential projects, 3 to 5 days;

For commercial projects, approximately 7 to 10 business days for small projects and 2 weeks or more for large projects, once all the required information is submitted.

• After your plans are reviewed, you will be called and informed if they are disapproved and why.

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Who can apply for a permit?

• A homeowner or agent acting as the general contractor building his/her own home. (No Limitations) Subject to (G.S. 87-1).

• A general contractor who is not licensed through the North Carolina State Board of General Contractors may obtain a building permit for a project that does not exceed $30,000 in total project cost. (Less Lot)

• A general contractor who holds a "limited" license issued by the North Carolina State Board of General Contractors may obtain a building permit for a project that does not exceed $350,000 in total project cost. (Less Lot)

• A general contractor who holds an "intermediate" license issued by the North Carolina Board of General Contractors may obtain a building permit for a project that does not exceed $750,000 in total project cost. (Less Lot)

• A general contractor who holds an "unlimited" license issued by the North Carolina Board of General Contractors may obtain a building permit for a project of unlimited cost.

Note: Separate permits are required and must be obtained by licensed subcontractors for the electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas systems.

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What information will I be asked to provide when I apply for a building permit?

For Residential:

• A complete set of building drawings including: typical wall section, footing details, foundation plan, framing details including floor, walls, and roof; elevation of building, floor plan, stair details, insulation/energy form, chimney/fireplace details and ventilation of attic/craw spaces; a plot and/or site plan showing all setbacks from property lines.
• Approval of the New Hanover County Health Department for a private well and/or septic tank.
• Approval from the New Hanover County Engineering Department for community water and/or sewer (if outside city limits).
• Homes that will be located on waterfront property such as the coastline, Cape Fear River, Intra-Coastal Waterway or any of the area creeks, may require a CAMA permit prior to issuance of a building permit.
• Proof of payment of impact fees to New Hanover County Engineering or the City of Wilmington, whichever is applicable.

For Commercial:

Everything that is required for residential plus the following:

• "4" complete sets of sealed plans and one additional site plan
• Riser Diagram / Load calculations for Electrical
• Certificate for Metal Building (indicating wind exposure). Note: You may apply for the permit with sealed foundation drawings & fast track application if you do not have the certificate of application.
• Heat Gain / Heat Loss calculations for Mechanical
• Sprinkler Drawings (if applicable)
• Site and landscaping plans are reviewed by the applicable Zoning authority. For projects in the unincorporated County, two copies of site and landscaping plans are required. Zoning information is available as follows:
• New Hanover County (910) 798-7118
• Wilmington (910) 254-0900
• Carolina Beach (910) 458-2991
• Wrightsville Beach (910) 256-793
• You will be required to see the building plans examiner who will discuss your project with you to assure your application is in order.

For a more detailed list of required information needed on commercial plans, request a copy of "Information needed on Commercial Plans."

Note: If this is the first time building in New Hanover County, you will also need the following:

• A copy of your general contractors license for projects exceeding $30,000.
• Proof of workman's compensation insurance or signed affidavit.
• After submitting your application to the Service Coordinator you will be given a card with your Application number on it. Please keep this number and refer to it whenever inquiring as to the status of your application or requesting permits and inspections.

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When do I get my permit?

• When your application is approved for permit issuance you will be called and informed. You may come in and pick up your permit between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• After paying for your permit, you will be given a copy of your permit and a "New Hanover County Building Permit Inspection Card" to post in the required Inspection Box along with a set of plans, which are required on the job site. All inspections will be recorded on this card after each visit from the inspector(s).
• Permit requests may be faxed in (24 hours/day) from any sub-contractor who has an established account with the Inspections Dept. The fax number is (910) 798-7060.

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What rules and regulations must I adhere to in the construction of my project?

All construction in New Hanover County is regulated by building laws adopted by the State Building Code Council. The applicable code for residential (one and two family) construction is the North Carolina State Building Code Volume VII, also referred to as the CABO code. This particular volume is offered for sale at our front counter in the Code Administration Services Division as well as the North Carolina Department of Insurance in Raleigh, NC at (919) 733-3901.

All land and structure use is regulated by the New Hanover County Planning and Zoning Offices located in the same building as the Inspection Department. (230 Government Center Drive, Suite 150, Wilmington, NC 28403).

All structures located adjacent to water ways such as our beach fronts, rivers and creeks must meet certain CAMA (Coastal Area Management) regulations. For more information on CAMA regulations, call Zoning at (910) 798-7118.

The county floodplain ordinance reflects federal flood insurance requirements. Construction in a flood zone must be elevated, and certain special construction standards apply. Elevation data, foundation openings and other applicable information must be shown on the building plans. For more information on the floodplain ordinance, call Zoning at (910) 798-7118.

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Are there any special or local building regulations beyond local zoning requirement I need to adhere to?

No. New Hanover County has not adopted local building requirements as some jurisdictions have. State law requires every county to enforce all building codes adopted by the North Carolina State Building Code Council. Building Code enforcement is mandatory statewide. The impact of New Hanover County's building code enforcement program is rated at 4 on a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 being the best, by ISO/CRS, a national evaluation service. This means lower insurance premiums for all new homeowners in New Hanover County.

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What is a Shell permit?

The commercial shell application is designed to allow the developer or contractor to erect a shell building for speculative purposes or to get a building erected without knowing all the details as to: number of occupants or tenants, type of interior design for the future Upfit, and/or the exact number of units the structure will end up with. All building applications must have the approvals from the various agencies such as the Engineering & Health departments at the time of application submittal. The application must be filled out in it's entirety accompanying "5" sets of plans along with all necessary outside agency approvals. The plan review process will take 7 to 10 days for small commercial projects and 2 or more weeks for large projects depending on complexity of the project.

Note: A certificate of occupancy cannot be issued to a Shell Project, only a Certificate of Compliance. All Shell Projects must have Upfit permits issued when the specific occupancy classification is determined and the building or unit/s within the Shell Building are going to be Upfitted to the needs of the tenant/occupant. A new application must be made for the Upfit Project which now shows the details such as occupancy classification, name of the company or business, etc. You will be given a new Application/Permit Number for the Upfit of each separate unit within the Structure. Upon completion of the Upfit and when all final inspections are obtained, including outside agency final approvals, a certificate of occupancy may then be issued and only then can the building be occupied for its intended use.

There is only one application number issued to the Shell project at the time of application. This application number is the permit number for the entire Shell building, and all permits issued to this project. If there is more than one building being erected at the same time, they will each have a different application/permit number.

The project is entered into the computer as a Shell project with the information received on the application. If the number of units in the shell is not known, you should be sure to put one building, one unit on the application.

After completion of the Shell project, an Upfit permit is required for each separate unit or suite within the structure. A unit or suite can only be occupied upon receiving a Certificate of Occupancy for the upfit permit.

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What is a Commercial Upfit Permit?

The Commercial Upfit is the application used to finish out a Shell building. At this time a developer/contractor knows all the pertinent information about what type of businesses or occupancies are going into the unit(s) of the shell structure. A separate Upfit application must then be submitted for each unit in the Shell that is to be upfitted.

Each unit must have a permit issued for each trade whether or not additional work is going to be done specifically for the upfit. If no further work is needed for one or more of the trades, a $45.00 inspection fee is required for each trade. This will allow an inspection to be performed from each trade to assure the work done during the Shell phase meets all the requirements of the new occupancy classification which was determined at the time of the Upfit application.

A certificate of occupancy may be issued when all final inspections have been obtained including all outside agencies i.e. Fire, Health, Zoning. NOTE: All permits issued under the Shell application must be closed out with final approvals before a Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

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What is a Commercial Fastrack Permit?

• The commercial Fastrack permit is designed to allow a contractor to begin construction on a building project even though he does not have all of his plans ready for submittal and review near the time construction is ready to begin. With this application the contractor will be erecting and completing the project Turn Key.
• For this application the applicant is required to submit the minimum "5" sets of the foundation plans as well as plans for any underground (slab) work. After plan approval, a building permit for foundation work only will be issued to begin construction on the foundation. Note: The same approvals are required from the outside agencies at the time of application.
• The applicant is then required to submit the rest of the plans for the project as soon as they become available. If the remaining plans are not submitted and approved upon the completion of the foundation, work must stop until the plans are submitted and approved. If work continues without approval the contractor will be cited and charged for working without a permit and turned in to the Licensing Board. Note: The contractor is totally responsible to make sure he does not exceed the limitations of the permit(s) issued under this type of application.

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How do I use the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) to Schedule An Inspection?

Note: You must have a phone access code to use this system. The phone access code is located on your permit.

1. Call the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) at (910) 798-4332.

2. When prompted, enter the Phone Access Code then press the # key. The system will confirm the permit by speaking back the site address.

3. Enter the Inspection Code then the # key.

4. Inspections are scheduled for the next business day. The cut-off time is 3:30 p.m. for an inspection on the following day.

After you have scheduled the inspection, you will be able to:

Leave a message for the inspector

Request another inspection, same permit

Request another inspection, different permit

Get a Confirmation Number and end call. Use this Confirmation number when inquiring about this telephone request.

Return to Main Menu

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How do I use the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) to find out the results of an inspection?

Note: You must have your Telephone access code to use this system. The access code is issued to you when your permit is issued.

1. Call the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) at (910) 798-4332.

2. When prompted, enter the Phone Access Code then press the # key. The system will confirm the permit by speaking back the site address.

3. You can select to have the Inspection Results spoken or faxed to you.

4. You can also obtain inspections results when scheduling the inspections by selecting to have them automatically phoned or faxed directly to you when the inspector results them in the field.

After you have listened to the inspection results, you will be able to:

• Listen to more results, same permit
• Listen to more results, different permit
• Request another inspection, different permit
• Get a Confirmation Number and end call. Use this Confirmation number when inquiring about this telephone request.
• Return to Main Menu

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How do I use the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) to cancel an Inspection?

1. Call the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) at (910) 798-4332.

2. When prompted, enter the Phone Access Code then press the # key. The system will confirm the permit by speaking back the site address.

3. When prompted, you may cancel, reschedule for another date, or leave as scheduled.

After you have cancelled the inspection, you will be able to:

• Cancel another inspection, same permit
• Cancel another inspection, different permit
• Get a Confirmation Number and end call. Use this Confirmation number when inquiring about this telephone request.
• Return to Main Menu

A request to cancel an inspection must be made prior to 7:00am on the day it is scheduled or an inspection fee will be charged.

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Did you know you can track your plans through the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA)?

1. Call the Inspections Department Express Access System (IDEA) at (910) 798-4332.

2. When prompted, enter the Application/Permit Number.

3. The status of the application/permit will be spoken.

4. Press [1] to Listen to Plan Review Status, or Press [2] to Receive a Faxed Copy of the plan review status information. You will be asked to enter your fax number.

After you have listened to the plan review results, you will be able to:

• Check the status of another plan
• Return to Main Menu

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What is the process for installing a swimming pool?

Application Process

• First you must fill out an application for an "Accessory Structure" permit. The form may be picked up at the Inspection Department or you can print it off of the web page.
• There are no impact fees required for a residential pool.
• All Public/Commercial pools located in New Hanover County but outside the Wilmington city limits must obtain a statement from County Engineering showing receipt of payment or exemption of fees at time of application.
• All pools located inside the Wilmington city limits must obtain a statement from City Engineering showing receipt of payment or exemption of fees at time of application.
• All residential pools require statement of approval (receipt of payment ) from the New Hanover County Health Department if a well and/or septic tank are on the property at time of application.
• All Public/Commercial pools must have a state of approval from the New Hanover County Health Department at time of application.
• An accurate site or plot plan is required at time of application.

Note: You should contact the appropriate zoning authority in your area of New Hanover County for the required setback information.

8. Public/Commercial pool projects require 5 sets of plans.

Permits & Inspections

1. All Permits issued by the NHC Inspections Dept. will expire 6 months from date of issue, if work has not commenced, or if the work authorized has begun but is suspended or inactive for 12 months, all permits issued expire.
2. Permits for Swimming pools are based on the following fees: Residential = $35.00 plus a minimum of one $25.00 inspection fee Commercial = $45.00 plus a minimum of one $45.00 inspection fee
3. Other permits for trade work such as electrical, mechanical & plumbing may be required and are separate permits from the building permit. NOTE: An Electrical Permit is required for wiring & bonding a pool. All metal surfaces within 5 ft of the pool must be bonded together in accordance with Article 680 of the electrical code.
4. Final Inspections are required for each permit immediately upon completion of work or it may result in a $100.00 fine.
5. All wiring and bonding must be inspected before being concealed by concrete or other fill materials.

Construction Requirements

A Regulation of The New Hanover County Board of Health

The Board of Health of New Hanover County pursuant to North Carolina 130A-39, which authorizes a local board of health to adopt rules necessary to protect and promote the public health, does hereby ordain that the "Rules Governing Construction & Operation of Swimming Pools in New Hanover County" is hereby amended as follows:

Section 1. "Private Swimming Pool" is any pool operated in conjunction with any single-family residential unit, the use of which is limited to occupants of that residence & their invitees.

Section 2. Site Layout. 6-11 All outdoor pools shall be enclosed by a fence or other permanent barrier which discourages climbing & designed so as to minimize the possibility of unauthorized or unwary persons entering the pool area. Entrances through the barrier shall be provided with self-closing mechanisms with hardware for padlocking. The barrier shall not be less than 48 inches in height above the adjacent ground surface outside the barrier. Fencing is required on all sides of the pool & enclosures shall be completely installed within 30 days of pool completion.

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How do I file an appeal to the Zoning Board of Adjustment?

• Applications are filed with the Zoning Division of the New Hanover County Inspections Department at (910) 798-7118 or fax (910) 798-7060. Forms may be obtained in person, by mail or by fax during regular office hours. Applicants are encouraged to file well before the cutoff date, as incomplete applications will not be accepted.
• Application packages must contain the following elements to be deemed complete:
  1. Completed Notice of Appeal form, clearly stating the relief sought and the grounds for the appeal. Extra pages and documentation may be attached as desired. The land owner* must sign, or provide written authorization for the person appealing. Corporations must furnish corporate resolution authorizing the person making the appeal.(*Does not apply to third-party appeals.)
  2. Names and mailing addresses of all adjacent property owners. Include all properties that tough the subject property of would touch it if intervening rights-of-way were removed. Applicants may find it helpful to contact the adjacent owners personally, to answer any questions or concerns that may arise.
  3. Vicinity map(s) and site plans in sufficient detail to show how to reach the property and illustrating the zoning issues involved, including surrounding land uses and showing all existing and proposed structures on the property.
  4. One copy of items submitted is sufficient, as long as the paper size does not exceed 11" x 17", in black and white only (no color highlighting). for photographs, larger plans, or color-coded documents, please submit 10 copies.
  5. Filing fee of $250.00 payable to New Hanover County.
  6. Applicants for variances are encouraged to submit Proposed Findings of Fact, on the form provided. Facts included in proposed findings must be entered into evidence at the public hearing.
• Appeals of Board of Adjustment decisions are made to the Superior Court.
• Note: Board members are not allowed to discuss cases with any person prior to the public hearing.

For more information on the Zoning Board of Adjustment, visit the Zoning Ordinance. You may also visit the County Zoning website.

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What are the Construction Site Regulations?

Keep Your Construction Site Clean.

Litter

Management of construction debris, especially employee trash, is necessary to maintain a litter free community. In addition to a container for primary construction debris, it is recommended that a 55 gallon drum or similar container be placed for each 5000 square feet of site, primarily for the collection of workers' incidental trash (wrapping, plastic, drink containers, etc.) These containers should be emptied when filled, or at least weekly.

Property owners and prime contractors in charge of construction sites are jointly and severally required to take appropriate measures to insure the control of litter generated by construction and related activities. New Hanover County Code 11-78

Transportation of Litter

Materials being transported in an open-bed truck must be secured in a manner which will keep litter from being blown or dropped onto the roadway. Recommended covers include commercial tarps made of plastic or cloth, tie downs of ropes or bungie cords, old fish netting, or chicken wire nailed to 2 x 4's and ends tied down.

It shall be unlawful for any person to transport any litter or other cargo upon the public troroughfares in New Hanover County if the same is of a character of substance which is likely to be deposited from one vehicle onto the public rights-of way, unless the same is secured by containers, tarpaulin or other device in such a fashion as to effectively prevent such deposit on the public rights-of way. New Hanover County Code 11-80(a).

Burning of Materials

All open burning is prohibited except as described below:

Open burning of natural materials such as leaves, tree branches or yard trimmings, excluding logs and stumps, is permissible without a permit if:

a) material originates and is burned on the premises of private residences between the hours of 8:00am and 6:00pm

b) there is no public pick-up service

c) it does not create a nuisance

d) no burning ban has been declared by the Division of Forest Resources

e) for purposes of human warmth and comfort

Open burning for land clearing or right-of way maintenance is permitted if:

1) prevailing winds at the time of burning are away from any built-up area, including public roads within 250 feet;

2) the location is a least 1000 feet from any dwelling, commercial or institutional establishment or other occupied structure not located on the property on which the burning is done.

It is Illegal To Burn At Any Time:

• heavy oils, asphaltic materials such as shingles and other roofing material, items containing natural or synthetic rubber, or any materials other than plant growth.
• All burning must be protected with ways to put out the fire and maintain air quality. Those conducting open burning are responsible for any resulting consequences, damages or injuries. Local regulations prevail.
• A person shall not cause, allow or permit open burning of combustible material except as allowed by Rule .1904. Control and Prohibition of Open Burning, North Carolina Administrative Code .1903.

Disposal of Waste Materials

Any property owner and/or contractor producing, handling or creating trash and garbage on a construction or demolition site is responsible for disposing of it at a permitted sanitary landfill, incinerator, or demolition landfill site.

A solid waste generator shall be responsible for the satisfactory storage, collection and disposal of solid waste. The solid waste generator shall ensure that his waste is disposed of at a site or facility which is permitted to receive the waste. Generator of Solid Waste, North Carolina Administrative Code .0106.

For further information, call New Hanover County Department of Environmental Management at 798-4400.

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