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Welcome
The Building Permitting and
Enforcement website offers a wide
array of services.
This
site is intended to create a new
level of customer service 24 hours a
day and 7 days a week. General
information from our downloadable
forms to our frequently asked
questions is available. Guests may
utilize the Permit and Inspection
System to view permit
information. Contractors may
utilize the system for online
inspection requests, inspection
status checks, viewing of inspector
scheduling, and an online
mechanical/plumbing/electrical
permit application.
Purpose
We administer and enforce all State
building codes, the flood damage
prevention ordinance and sign
ordinance.
Our Mission Statement

Our goal is to ensure the quality
of life of those who live, work and
visit Transylvania County by
promoting safety in the regulation
of the construction, use and
occupancy of buildings and by taking
a customer oriented approach to
finding educated, cost effective
solutions.
Building Code
Transylvania
County’s Building Code is mandated
by the State of North Carolina and
administered through the Engineering
Division of the
NC
Department of Insurance.
It is the same code that is used
throughout the state. In NC, as in
every area of the world, codes
continually evolve in response to
changes in materials, technologies
and methods of construction.
Principally, tragic and disastrous
events influence changes to building
codes. Such events that have
influenced building code
requirements in NC include
hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and
fire. The County currently enforces
the 2006 North Carolina Building
Codes and
the 2005 National Electrical Code.
Code may be viewed online at
www.ncbuildingcodes.com
.
What’s new?
As
of June 22, 2006 NC Residential
Codebooks are now available at
www.iccsafe.org or call
800-786-4452.
Check Status of Inspections and
Permits Online
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Frequently
Asked
Questions
| Q: |
When is it necessary to obtain a building permit? |
| A: |
A permit is required anytime work is being done involving the structure, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and signs. North Carolina State Building Code states: “No person, firm, or corporations shall erect, construct, enlarge, install, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building, structure, or service system without first obtaining a permit for such from the Building Department having jurisdiction.” A permit is also required whenever there is a commercial change of occupancy irregardless of whether alterations are planned or not. |
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| Q: |
Are plans required? |
| A: |
Yes; For commercial provide two sets; three sets if Health Department review is required; and one additional set if a sprinkler system is required. No plans are required for conventionally framed homes. One set of sealed plans is required for timber frame, log, and architectural and engineered designed construction. One set of plans with the mark of an approved agency is required for modular construction. |
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| Q: |
What is needed to obtain a building permit? |
| A: |
For residential permits -- see residential form catalog, residential building permitting requirements.
For commercial permits -- see commercial form catalog, commercial building permitting requirements. |
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| Q: |
How long does it take to get my permit? |
| A: |
Review for a commercial permit can take as little as a few days to several weeks, depending on the size of the project. Review for a residential permit usually takes one to three days. Manufactured home and mechanical plumbing, electrical permits are usually issued immediately or within 24 hours. |
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| Q: |
As a homeowner can I be my own Contractor? |
| A: |
Yes, as owner of the property you may act as the general contractor, but with careful consideration of the laws governing you in such capacity. You will sign documents and answer a written questionnaire. Failure to comply with the requirements shall result in revocation of the permit and possible fines. The owner does not have to be licensed by the state, but will need to sign an owner/builder statement. By doing so you will be as responsible and knowledgeable of the codes as would a general contractor. As an owner builder you may also do your own electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. You must first pass the test for each trade, given in our office at 1:00 PM Monday through Friday. |
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| Q: |
How long is my permit valid and what is the cost to renew? |
| A: |
Your first inspection must be within 6 months from the date the permit is issued. In addition, the permit will expire if the time between the last inspection exceeds 12 months. If your permit expires, the renewal cost is half the cost of the permit fee. |
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| Q: |
What is the County code requirements for?: |
| A: |
| Wind Zone: |
90 mph |
| Snow Load: |
20 psf |
| Insulation: |
Zone 9 |
| Frost Line: |
12 inches |
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| Q: |
What building codes are used? Are there any local ordinances? How do I obtain a copy of the codes?
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| A: |
We currently are using the 2006 North Carolina Building Codes. The local ordinances apply to floodplain and sign permits. You may obtain a copy of the codes through the International Codes Council online at www.iccsafe.org. |
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| Q: |
Is there any zoning?
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| A: |
Zoning is limited within the County, but more restrictive in the city limits and its extra territorial jurisdiction. There may also be sub-division restrictions. |
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| Q: |
What is the height for a guard rail on a deck? What is the maximum space between pickets? |
| A: |
The height railing for a deck is 42” for commercial and 36” for residential. The maximum space between pickets shall be 6”. |
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| Q: |
How do I request an inspection? |
| A: |
Inspections requests may be made by telephone, or by fax, by 4:00 PM the day prior, for an inspection to be conducted on the next working day. You are required to have the permit number and job name with the request. |
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| Q: |
How do I file a complaint?
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| A: |
We have a complaint form in our office to be completed. |
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| Q: |
When do I get my Certificate of Occupancy? |
| A: |
The certificate of occupancy is issued for new structures only. The certificate of occupancy is issued after all required inspections have been approved, any additional fees are paid, and all required documentation is provided. |
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| Q: |
How do I obtain a site address? |
| A: |
Call the Communications Department at 884-3108 for your site address. Your driveway must be cut in at street. |
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| Q: |
What doesn't have to be completed for a residential certificate of occupancy to be issued? |
| A: |
Floor coverings, interior paint, interior doors (excluding garage and doors separating unheated spaces), gutters. |
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Pay
Permit and
Inspection
Fees Online
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Inspections
98
E.
Morgan
Street
Brevard,
NC
28712
Inspection
Requests:
7:30
AM -
12:00
PM
1:00
PM -
4:30
PM
Phone:
884-3209
Fax:
884-3275
Permit
number
required
Letterhead
with
signature
and
permit
number
required
Code
Enforcement
Officials:
Office
hours:
7:30
AM -
8:30
AM
3:30
PM -
4:30
PM
Field
hours:
8:30
AM -
3:30
PM
Permits
Issued
8:30
AM -
12:00
PM
1:00
PM -
4:00
PM
Click Here for Transylvania County
GIS Services
Helpful
Tips
and
Links |
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