Construction and renovation projects in Alamance County, North Carolina, need proper permits before work can begin. Alamance County follows North Carolina state building codes and has its own county regulations for both residential and commercial work.
This guide helps you understand Alamance County's building permit system. You’ll learn what types of projects require permits, how to submit applications, what fees to expect, and how inspections work throughout the county.
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What requires a building permit in Alamance County?
Alamance County Inspections Department handles permits for building construction, mechanical systems, electrical work, and plumbing projects. It applies to unincorporated county areas and any towns that have agreements with the county for permit services.
You’ll need a permit to:
- Perform any construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, move, removal, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building
- Install, alter, repair, replace, or relocate electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment
- Install, replace, or relocate any plumbing, heating/air-conditioning (HVAC) materials, appliances, or equipment
- Install or modify an automatic fire-extinguishing (sprinkler) system
What doesn’t require a building permit?
In Alamance County, you may not need a permit for:
- Non-structural work totaling under $15,000 (state threshold), unless it involves new or altered plumbing, mechanical, or electrical systems
- Residential accessory structures where no dimension exceeds 12 ft (e.g., a small shed), unless plumbing/mechanical/electrical is added or altered
- Farm buildings outside municipal limits
- Repair/replace lighting devices/fixtures of the same type (like-for-like) when performed by a licensed electrician
- Minor repairs or replacements on the house side of a trap that don’t disrupt the original water supply, waste, or vent system
Alamance County building permit cost
Permit fees are based on construction type, project valuation, and square footage. Below are estimates for common project types.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Get additional information on fees by visiting the permits and inspection fees page.
How long do building permits last in Alamance County?
Permits issued by Alamance County are valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. The permit remains active as long as work progresses and inspections are scheduled regularly. If no work is completed or no inspections are requested within 6 months, the permit may expire.
Alamance County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Permits are required for all plumbing installations, fixture replacements involving piping changes, and new systems in both residential and commercial settings.
Electrical permits
Any service panel change, new circuit, or whole-building electrical work requires an electrical permit.
HVAC permits
HVAC work, such as replacements, new installs, and duct modifications, requires a mechanical permit.
Special permits
For reroofs, fences, solar panels, or similar exterior improvements, a building or trade permit may be required.
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How to get a building permit in Alamance County
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
Start by collecting the scope of work, site plan/survey, and construction drawings (sealed when required). Have the contractor’s license information ready. Application packets and checklists are on the County’s site.
Step 2: Submit your Alamance County building permits application
You can file electronically or in person.
- Download and complete the appropriate PDF application(s) (residential, commercial, or trade)
- Electronic submittal: Email your application and digital plans to planreview@alamance-nc.com
- In person: Central Permitting at 201 W. Elm St., Graham, NC 27253 (M–F, 8:00–5:00; permits issued 8:00–4:30)
Step 3: Wait for plan review
Permits are routed to the right reviewers. Depending on the scope, your submittal may be reviewed by Building, Planning/Zoning, Environmental Health/Floodplain, and, in municipalities, local zoning first.
The Inspections site explicitly handles unincorporated areas and these towns: Village of Alamance, Elon, Gibsonville, Green Level, Haw River, Swepsonville, and Ossipee. If your project is inside Burlington city limits, start in the BurlingtonSmart portal and follow the city's instructions.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive your permit
When your application is approved, you’ll be notified of fees and can pay and collect/print the permit.
Step 5: Begin construction and request inspections
Schedule inspections by phone or online. Requests made before 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day (as capacity allows). Have plans on site at inspection time.
- Phone: 336-290-0404 (M–F 8:00–5:00)
- Online: create an online account (County notes that an account is required for online requests)
- Location (in person): 201 W. Elm St., Graham, NC
Alamance County permitting resources
- Alamance County Inspections Department
- Address: 201 West Elm Street, Graham, NC 27253
- Phone: 336-290-0404
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
- https://inspections.alamancecountync.gov/
- Inspection contacts
- Permits and inspection fees
- Required permits
- Residential permits
- Commercial permits
- Online permits & requests
- What forms and applications do I need?
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