Starting a new build, renovation project, or trade work in Buncombe County, North Carolina? Chances are your project requires a permit before you begin.
This guide walks through Buncombe County's permit procedures, fees, and submission steps, so you can advance your project without unexpected roadblocks.
Simplify permitting in Buncombe County with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Buncombe County?
The Buncombe County Permits and Inspections Department enforces the North Carolina State Building Code in unincorporated areas and under contract in certain municipalities.
Projects that typically require a permit include:
- Most building work: constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, moving, or demolishing a building/structure
- When the job cost is over $40,000 (residential, farm, or commercial)
- Even at $40,000 or less, a permit is still required if the work involves any of the following:
- Load-bearing additions/repairs/replacements like replacing windows, doors, exterior siding, deck pickets/rails/treads/decking
- Plumbing additions or design changes (not simple like-for-like replacements)
- Mechanical/HVAC or electrical additions, replacements, or design changes (beyond like-kind device/fixture swaps)
- Use of materials not permitted by the NC Building Code
- Adding roofing (replacement is treated separately; see below)
- Any change subject to the NC Fire Prevention Code
- Retaining walls with >4 ft of unbalanced fill (explicitly called out on the County’s residential spec sheet)
What doesn’t require a building permit in Buncombe County?
According to the Buncombe County FAQs guidance, smaller or purely cosmetic projects may not need a permit.
For example:
- Work costing $40,000 or less in a single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building when none of the carve-outs above apply
- Like-for-like replacements that stay within the carve-out notes, for example:
- Windows/doors/exterior siding replacements (non-structural)
- Deck pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking replacements (non-structural)
- No-design-change plumbing replacements (same size/capacity)
- Like-kind swaps of electrical devices/lighting fixtures (not service/circuit changes)
Buncombe County building permit cost
Below are approximate costs and fee guidelines for building permits in Buncombe County based on publicly available fee schedules.
Residential fees
New construction and additions
Other residential fees
Commercial fees
Commercial construction
Other commercial fees
How long do building permits last in Buncombe County?
Permits typically remain valid for 6 months if no work is started.
Buncombe County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Required for any new plumbing systems, major rerouting, fixture changes, or installation of water/sewer/gas systems.
Electrical permits
Needed for new electrical service, panel upgrades, wiring, EV charger installation, or major changes.
Mechanical permits
For installation, replacement or relocation of heating, ventilation, and air‑conditioning systems or ductwork.
Special permits
Certain exterior or site improvements (roof replacement, fences, pools, accessory structures) may require dedicated permits or be governed under building/ trade framework.
To get more information on a specific trade permit, refer to the fee schedule page.
Automate the permitting process
PermitFlow accelerates timelines by 2.5x and yields a 90% reduction in permitting workload. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Buncombe County
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Before you begin an application, the County expects a few basics.
- Have ready: The street address and property PIN, a site/plot plan, a Buncombe County building permit application, and (when required) a site plan review checklist
- Construction drawings (PDF): Match the Residential Plan Review Checklist (footing, foundation, framing details, etc.)
- Contractor & valuation: Licensed contractor details and a project value (contract or ICC BVD) for fee calculation. $40,000+ projects require a licensed NC General Contractor; owner-builder route requires the Owner Exemption Affidavit
- Pre-requisites you may need to upload: Proof of water/sewer (public or Environmental Health for well/septic), workers’ compensation affidavit, and lien agent (with the listed statutory exemptions)
Step 2: Submit your application
Buncombe County uses Accela Citizen Access (called the Development, Permits, and License Portal) for applications, uploads, status tracking, and payments.
- Apply online: Create an account, login, start a record, and follow the project type menu. You may also email a completed application to permitdocs@buncombecounty.org or bring it into the office for processing before you upload plans.
- Stand-alone trade permits (not tied to a building permit): Licensed contractors apply online (Building → Create Application → Trade permits → pick the trade). Unlicensed applicants must apply in person at 30 Valley Street, Asheville (828-250-5360)
Step 3: Plan review & approval
After intake, your record is routed for the reviews it needs. The Permits & Inspections Department will review and, as your scope requires, add Fire, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Zoning/Planning, Environmental Health. After you pay the initial fee, upload plans and the supporting documents to your permit for review; respond to comment cycles in the portal.
Step 4: Pay permit fees & receive your permit
When reviews are complete, fees are assessed, and the permit is released in the Buncombe County permit portal. Pay in Accela when invoiced, then print/post the issued permit on site.
Step 5: Begin work and schedule inspections
Inspections may be requested, so follow the milestones required for your project.
- Typical sequence: Footing → framing → MEP rough-ins → finals
- Follow any project-specific inspection notes on your permit.
- Zoning inspection before CO/TCO: Request at least 5 business days before your CO/TCO request so issuance isn’t delayed
Buncombe County permitting resources
- Buncombe County Permits & Inspections Department
- Address: 35 Woodfin St., Asheville, NC 28801
- Phone: 828-250-5360
- Fee schedule
- Accela Citizen Access
- Checklists:
- Forms & reports
- How to apply for a new commercial building permit
- How to apply for a new residential building permit
- How to apply for a trade permit
Streamline Buncombe County permitting with PermitFlow
Permitting in Buncombe County creates headaches for busy contractors. Go at it alone and your team could lose productive hours on applications, code research, and coordination with multiple offices.
Luckily, PermitFlow simplifies everything.
Our AI-powered platform automates the entire permitting process from application through approval. We prepare submissions that meet the county’s requirements and track their status continuously. You stay updated automatically without chasing down the AHJ.
Construction professionals trust PermitFlow because we deliver:
- Local expertise: Our team knows county and city requirements thoroughly, saving you time researching them yourself.
- Unified permit management: Submit and track all your permits from one place — no more digging through spreadsheets, emails, and written notes.
- Fast approvals: Complete, accurate submissions mean fewer delays and faster turnaround times.
- Nationwide coverage: Handle Buncombe County projects alongside work throughout North Carolina and across the country with one dependable platform.
Stop wasting time on permitting. Contact us now to learn how PermitFlow accelerates project timelines with 2.5x faster permit approvals.
