Building Inspection Questions

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 zoning, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas systems.

Where do I apply for a building permit?

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 Cape Fear Public Utility Authority for community water and/or sewer.
• 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 Cape Fear Public Utility Authority. 

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 at time 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 Development 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.

How long does the plan review process take?

For residential projects, 3 to 5 business 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 by the Development Services Center.

When do I get my permit?

• When your application is approved for permit issuance you will be called and informed by the Development Services Center. 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 New Hanover County. The fax number is (910) 798-7060.

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. 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. 
4. Call the NHC Development Services Center 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. They can take a credit or debit card payment over the phone
5. You may also come to the Development Services Center in person and they will gladly take your payment and your inspection request.

In order to schedule an Inspection via the IDEA line, email or by fax you must have an account with NHC Finance Department so that your inspection fee can be charged to you.

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 described above, they are subject to workload. Inspectors prioritize re-inspections when arriving in an area that has re-inspections along with first time inspections.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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 Residential Building Code. This particular volume is offered for sale at the North Carolina Department of Insurance in Raleigh, NC at (919) 733-3901.

All land and structure use is regulated by the Zoning Division located in the same department as the Planning and Inspections Department. (230 Government Center Drive, 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.

Planning and Zoning Questions

General Questions

How do I find out what the zoning classification is for my property?

The County Zoning map indicates the zoning of all properties in the County. You can access this map here.

How do I change the zoning on my property?

Article XI Section 110 of the Zoning Ordinance outlines the amendment process. All requests for changes to zoning should be consistent with the comprehensive plan and in the public interest.

Can someone else rezone my property?

Yes, the zoning map is a policy guide for directing types of uses to particular areas. Making such policies is not dependent on owner agreement.

I object to a rezoning in my neighborhood. How do I protest?

You may attend the public hearing and speak in opposition or send a notarized written statement prior to the hearing to the New Hanover County Planning Department. Click here to see a brochure describing the public hearing process. 

What uses are permitted on my property?

Within zoning districts, land, buildings and structures may only be utilized and/or erected for uses listed in the Table of Permitted Uses.

What are the regulations for home occupations?

Home Occupation is defined as an occupation for gain or support customarily conducted on the premises by a person or family residing thereon provided:

 (a) Only one (1) person other than members of the family residing on the premises shall be engaged in such occupation;
(b) The use of the dwelling unit for the home occupation shall be clearly incidental and subordinate to its use for residential purpose by its occupants, and not more than twenty-five (25) percent of the floor area of the dwelling unit shall be used in the conduct of the home occupation;
(c) There shall be no change in the outside appearance of the building or premises, or other visible evidence of the conduct of such home occupation other than one (1) sign, not exceeding two and one-fourth (2 1/4) sq. ft. in area, non-illuminated, and mounted flat against the wall of the principal building;
(d) No home occupation shall be conducted in any accessory building;
(e) No traffic shall be generated by such home occupation in greater volumes than would normally be expected in a residential neighborhood, and any need for parking generated by the conduct of such home occupation shall be met off the street and other than in any required yard. Vehicles used primarily as passenger vehicles including pickup trucks and step-type vans only shall be permitted in connection with the conduct of the customary home occupation;
(f) No equipment or process shall be used in such home occupation which creates noise, vibration, glare, fumes, or electrical interference detectable to the normal senses off the lot. In the case of the electrical interference, no equipment or process shall be used which creates visual or audible interference in any radio or television receivers off the premises, or causes fluctuations in line voltages off the premises; (9/8/81)
(g) No display of products shall be visible from the street and the selling of merchandise or the manufacture of merchandise for sale except baking, sewing, and/or handicrafts normally made in the home cannot be the primary function of the home occupation; and
(h) Instruction in music, dancing, or tutoring of academic subjects shall be limited to four (4) students at a time.

Is a swimming pool considered an accessory structure?

Yes.  A pool is considered an accessory structure and is treated the same as a garage for setback purposes.  All accessory structures under 600 sq ft can qualify for a reduced setback to 5’ from side and rear. The setbacks apply to the pool depression of an in-ground pool and not to the concrete slab surrounding the pool. The pool (including decks and steps) would need to have a 5’ separation from any other structure. If the pool is closer than 5’, it would not qualify for the reduced setbacks and would need to meet the same setbacks that would apply to the house’s zoning.

What is the maximum height I can build my home?

The maximum allowable building height for a residential structure is 35 ft. The maximum allowable height for piling supported primary structures, which are located in Coastal High Hazard (VE) flood zones or in the CAMA Ocean Hazard area shall be 44 ft.

What is a COD, and what can I do within a COD?

What is a COD?

A COD is a Conservation Overlay District. This is a County designation that is meant to protect important environmental and cultural resources. The effective date of the ordinance (Section 59.4) is December 1, 1984.

What are these important resources?

The resources which have required setbacks are: Swamp Forest, Pocosin, Savannah, Natural Ponds, Freshwater Marsh, Brackish Marsh, Primary Nursery Areas, Barrier Island-Beach Complex, Maritime Shrub Thickets, Salt Marsh, Animal & Plant Natural Areas of Special Significance and Archeological/Historical Resources & Cemeteries.

How do I know if my parcel of land is associated with a COD?

The parcel is considered to be associated with a conservation resource if either the resource is contained partially or wholly on the parcel or if the resource is located next to a parcel such that the setback extends into the parcel.

What is the distance of the COD setback?

The COD setback varies from 25 feet to 100 feet depending on the resource being protected.

What can I do within the COD setback?

Conservation space shall not be cleared of vegetation and shall not be developed in any manner that would negatively impact the resource with the following exceptions:

• Improvements that would protect or enhance the enjoyment of the resource including walkways, self-guided trails, protective fences, and docks
• Access to other parts of the parcel, designed to the greatest extent practical to minimize impact to the resource
• Decks may encroach up to six feet if they are uncovered and drip through and the ground below is left undisturbed or planted with ground cover.

 How is the setback determined?

The setback is from the edge of the resource being protected. It is not a static line and can move if the resource expands or contracts. It will be marked for the property owner at the time construction is being permitted.

Do I need a permit to build a fence?

No.  You should check with your neighborhood home owner’s association for any restrictions on fences, but you will not need a permit from our office.

Do Zoning Staff regulate noise issues?

No.  Contact the New Hanover County Sheriff’s Department at (910) 798-4206 with noise complaints.

Do Zoning Staff regulate animal issues?

No.  Contact New Hanover County Animal Control Services at (910) 341-4197.

Can I operate a Residential Care Facility and is a permit required?

A "Residential Care Facility" is defined as a home with support and supervisory personnel that provides room and board, personal care and rehabilitation services in a family environment for not more than six resident handicapped persons.  A residential or family care facility shall not be located within 2000 feet radius of an existing residential care home.  A permit is required.

What is a variance, and how do I obtain one?

A variance is a relaxation of the terms of the Zoning Ordinance when the variance will not be contrary to the public interest and where, due to the peculiar conditions of the property, literal enforcement of the Ordinance would result in unnecessary and undue hardship.  A variance is authorized only for height, area, and size of structures, or size of yards and open spaces, or for establishment or expansions of nonconforming uses. Click here for more information about obtaining a variance.

What is required by the Zoning office to open a business in New Hanover County?

If you are moving into an existing building, you will need to apply for a change of use or occupancy certification permit with the Inspections Department.  You will need to know if the property is zoned correctly for the business you would like to open. If your building requires any new construction, you will need to apply for a building permit with the Inspections Department.

Do I need a permit to put up a sign? 

Yes. You will need to apply for a commercial sign permit.  For more information about signs, refer to Section 91 of the New Hanover County Zoning Ordinance.

Special Use Permit Questions

What is required in order to apply for a special use permit?

The Special Use Permit application form outlines the required items. Articles VI and VII of the Zoning Ordinance address performance standards for certain uses. Be sure your application includes adequate evidence so the Planning Board and Commissioners can make necessary findings of fact on your proposal.

I object to a special use project being proposed. How do I protest?

You may attend the public hearing and present evidence in opposition or send a notarized written statement presenting your sworn testimony prior to the hearing. Click here to see a brochure describing the public hearing process. 

Addressing, Street and Traffic Questions

I need a new address, I need to confirm an address or a street sign needs to be replaced.  

Contact: Steven Scruggs, Planning (County) 798-7223, Frances Downs (City) 342-2723

Where can I see the new bypass or other throughfare plans?

You can access this information through the Wilmington Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).  You can contact them directly at 910-341-3258.

Floodplain and CAMA Questions

How can I find out if my property is in a floodplain?

You can access the County’s flood maps on the County’s website.  Go to on-line services, then Property Mapping, and click on Flood Zone Mapping Online.

What does it mean to me if my property is in a floodplain? 

In order to obtain financing to buy, build, or improve property in the floodplain, Federal law requires that you obtain flood insurance.  Damage caused by flooding is not covered by normal homeowner’s insurance.

County building regulations require additional construction standards for new structures or substantial improvements to existing structures in floodplains.  Please contact the County’s Zoning Department at (910) 798-7118 for more information about your property or to request a printed copy of the flood line on your property.

Can I build in floodway?

No.  A structure may not be built in a Floodway, unless it can be demonstrated by engineering that the development will have no adverse impact on flooding.  A "Floodway" is defined as the channel of a river or other watercourse and the adjacent land areas that must be reserved in order to discharge the base flood without cumulatively increasing the water surface elevation more than one foot.

What is CAMA, and when would I need a CAMA permit?

CAMA is the Coastal Area Management Act, which was passed into law in 1974. It is meant to protect coastal resources in our State through an integrated system of land and water management.

When would I need a CAMA permit? 

A CAMA major or minor permit is required when developing within an AEC.

What is an AEC?

An AEC is an Area of Environmental Concern. If you are building within one of the four AECs, you will need a CAMA permit.

1. Estuarine System – this includes Coastal Wetlands, Estuarine Waters, Public Trust Areas and Coastal Shoreline
2. Ocean Hazard Areas – this includes Ocean Erodible Area, High Hazard Flood Area, Inlet Hazard Area and Unvegetated Beach
3. Public Water Supplies – which are Small Surface Supply Watersheds or Public Water Supply Well Fields in the Wilmington area
4. Natural and Cultural Resource Areas –this includes complex natural areas, unique geological formations, significant archeological and historic architectural resources

 What is considered development?

The definition of development (G.S. 113A-103(5)(a)) states: “Development means any activity in a duly designated Area of Environmental Concern involving, requiring, or consisting of the construction or enlargement of a structure; excavation; dredging, filling; dumping; removal of clay, silt, sand, gravel or minerals; bulk heading, driving of pilings; clearing or alteration of land as an adjunct of construction; alteration or removal of sand dunes; alteration of the shore, bank, or bottom of the Atlantic Ocean or any sound, bay, river, creek, stream, lake, or canal.”

Will I need a major or minor CAMA permit?

A major permit is required when a project:

1. Occupies 20 acres of AECs;
2. Has a structure or structures in excess of 60,000 square feet of ground area on a single parcel of land in an AEC; or,
3. Requires licensing, approval, certification, or authorization from another N.C. agency or Federal agency or authority.

You will need to contact the Division of Coastal Management if you require a major permit (Wilmington office (910) 798-7215).

Other development within an AEC may fall under a minor permit.  The New Hanover County Zoning Division is the local permitting office for CAMA minor permits. More information about CAMA minor permits may be found on our CAMA page.

Subdivision Questions:

What would be defined as a subdivision of land that would require County review?

According to the Subdivision Regulations for New Hanover County, a subdivision shall include all divisions of land two or more lots, building sites, or other divisions when any one or more of those divisions are created for the purpose, whether intermediate or future, of sale or building development, and shall include all divisions of land involving the land dedication of a new street or a change in existing streets. The following elements are not defined as a subdivision of land:

a) The combination or recombination of portions of previously subdivided and recorded lots where the total number of lots is not increased and the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the County as shown in its subdivision ordinance.

b) The division of land into parcels greater than 10 acres where no street right-of-way dedication is involved.

c) The public acquisition by purchase of strips of land for the widening or opening of streets or for public transportation corridors.

d) The division of tract in single ownership whose entire area (parent tract of land) is no greater than 2 acres into no more than 3 lots, where no street right-of-way dedication is involved and where the resultant lots are equal to or exceed the standards of the County as shown in its subdivision ordinance.

Are divisions of heir property exempt from the definition of a subdivision or the County's review?

No.

What is the difference between a minor subdivision and a major subdivision?

A minor subdivision is a subdivision that does not involve more than 5 lots, all of which front on an existing platted and recorded street, and not involving any new streets or prospectively requiring any new street for access to interior property, and not requiring drainage improvements or easements to serve the applicant's property or interior property. A minor division may include up to 3 lots on a 30' access easement to serve interior lots. Minor subdivisions are reviewed "in house" between Planning staff and County Engineering staff. Click here for minor subdivision application.

A major subdivision is more than 5 proposed lots that require the review of at least 8 different local agencies (Fire Services, NCDOT, County Engineering, etc) and the approval from the County's Technical Review Committee (TRC). Major subdivisions may be submitted as conventional or performance related site plans. To apply for an application please fill out the appropriate forms.

• Click here for the conventional application and checklist.
• Click here for the performance related application and checklist.    

Can decisions of the TRC be appealed?

Yes, however an appeal shall be limited to the applicant, officials, or departments of New Hanover County, or persons with a significant identifiable interest in the proposed plan, greater than the public at large, including but not limited to, adjacent property owners. Click here to obtain a copy of the Appeal application. Appeals must be sent to the Planning Department within 10 business days of the TRC decision and must state the alleged error made by the TRC.