PLANNING & INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a Building Permit? The issuance of permits for construction and the provision of inspection services is required under N.C. G.S. 153a-351. 

What happens if I do not obtain a permit? A stop-work order will be issued and double permit fees will be applied. 

Am I exempted from permits since I own the property and plan to do the work myself? The required permits must be obtained even if the owner is doing the work. 

Do I have to use a licensed contractor or can I get the permits and do the work myself?  If a person owns the property and plans to live there and provides a notarized Owner’s Exemption Affidavit; they can obtain the permit and do the work themselves.  

Once my permit is issued, how long before it expires? You have six months after the date of issuance to begin the work or the permit expires. Once work begins, the permit doesn’t expire unless no work is performed for over one year.    

How do I obtain a permit? Lenoir County has a public portal which is accessible on the county’s website.  First time users will need to create a profile.  After that, you can log into your profile with your user ID and password. Once you are logged in to the system, select the appropriate permit application type, and proceed to answer the questions. 

How long does it take to process a permit application once the necessary documentation is provided? The amount of time varies depending upon the scope of work.  Commerical Building Permits usually take 5 to 10 days.  Residential Permits usually take 1 to 3 days.  Trade (Electric, Plumbing, Mechanical, etc.)  permits are usually processed within 24 hours. 

What information is needed on a site plan? A site plan should illustrate the lot in relation to the street or road, the location of existing buildings and driveway, and the location of the proposed new structure(s) with distance to property lines and distance between buildings. Location of the septic tank and drainage lines is very helpful also.   

Where can I access the North Carolina Building Code? Information on the NC State Building Code can be accessed at www.ncdoi.com. Click on the “Office of State Fire Marshal” and the “Engineering and Codes Division.”

How do I request an inspection? You can log into your portal profile and request an inspection by clicking on the Inspection link of the permit. 

How soon can I expect the inspection? As long as you request the inspection before 4:30 p.m. you can be added to our schedule for the next business day. 

Will the Inspections Department notify the electric company if I am getting an inspection to get my electric service turned on? Once the inspection passes, we will send an email to the electric company (Duke Energy, the City of Kinston, Tri-County,  etc.) notifying them that the inspection has passed.  It is the responsibilty of the customer to have set up their account  with the electric company so that they can match the inspection location to the account and energize the service. 

 

Mobile Homes / Manufactured Homes

What is needed to set up a Mobile Home? You will need a MH Building Set Up Permit (this is not the same permit as the Set -Up Permit from the Tax Department).  You will also need a Plumbing Permit, Electric Permit and a Mechanical (Heat & Air) Permit from licensed contractors.  Also, from the Lenoir County Environmental Health Department (252-526-4248 Ext 2), you will need a copy of the approved septic tank permit; or a copy of an approved inspection of an existing septic tank unless pubic sewer is available.  You will need a site plan, the size home, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, year model, and VIN of the mobile home.  You will also need to provide the name and license number of your Set-up Contractor. 

What inspections are required for mobile / manufactured homes? Once the mobile home is set up and secured properly; the electric and plumbing are connected; the heating and air system is connected; steps are installed at each door, and the address is displayed according to E911 guidlelines, you may request the inspection.  Once the inspection is approved, we will notify the electric company that the inspection has passed.  (Note: you must have your account set up with the electric company before they can match it to the inspection and energize your service).  After this, you have 30 days to install the underpinng.  Once it is installed and passes inspection, we will issue the Certificate of Occupancy