When pulling permits in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, one missing document can shove your project to the back of the review line. Whether you’re a GC breaking ground on a multifamily build, a custom home builder tweaking a floor plan, or a trade contractor installing a new HVAC system, navigating the county’s permit maze is non-negotiable if you want to start your project (or get paid) on time.
This guide distills everything you need to know: which projects trigger a permit, the documents reviewers expect on the first pass, fee schedules for both residential and commercial work, and a step-by-step path from application to close-out.
Simplify permitting in Cabarrus County with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Cabarrus County?
In Cabarrus County, building and zoning permits are required for various construction and land-use activities. Below is a summary of projects that typically require permits and those that may be exempt:
New home construction: Zoning and building permits required
Additions to existing structures: Includes rooms, decks, or porches
Accessory structures (e.g., sheds, garages): Permits required for structures not attached to the primary building
Pools: Building permits required for installation
Demolition: Demolition permits required for structure removal
Upfits or remodels: Includes interior renovations
Temporary power installations: Additional permits and fees apply
Signage (permanent and certain temporary): Sign permits required for most signage installations
Projects that do not require permits
Cabarrus County keeps its exemption list short. Projects that don’t require a permit typically include true “like-for-like” swaps — work that doesn’t alter the size, footprint, location, or system type of what’s already there.
Cabarrus County building permit costs
Permit fees in Cabarrus County are most commonly charged as a flat fee. Expect commercial projects to carry a slightly higher fee than residential ones
Fee Type
Amount
Certificate of occupancy – residential
$50
Certificate of occupancy – commercial
$75
Home occupation permit
$75
Residential addition
$75
Residential accessory structure
$75
Floodplain development permit
$75
Residential zoning permit
$50
Site plan review (first acre / each additional acre)
$300 / $15
Architectural review
$150
Single-family attached / multifamily zoning permit (first 5 units / each additional unit)
$150 / $15
Single-family detached
$100
Cabarrus County does not appear to publish MEP (mechanical, electrical, or plumbing) permit fees on its website. Reach out to the Construction Standards Division to get an estimate.
If you do need a permit, you’ll want to set up an account with the county’s Accela Citizen Access Portal. Keep in mind that licensed contractors must complete, sign, and notarize the Accela Citizen Access Form to authorize employees.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation and submit an application
Once you know which permit you’re applying for and what it requires, it’s time to prepare your documentation.
Here’s an overview of generally required documentation for residential and commercial projects:
The Construction Standards Division will review your application and plans. If revisions are needed, you'll be notified to make the necessary changes.
Step 4: Permit issuance
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your building permit. Ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site as required.
Step 5: Inspections
Throughout the construction process, schedule required inspections to verify that work complies with approved plans and codes.
You can schedule an inspection via text — you'll need to include the permit number, the inspection code, and your preferred inspection date in the message.
Need help with scheduling an inspection? Call (704) 920-2128 or email construction2222@cabarruscounty.us.
Watch the county’s helpful video on how to schedule an inspection in 1 minute:
Cabarrus County permitting resources
For assistance and more information, please refer to the following resources:
Streamline Cabarrus County permitting with PermitFlow
Managing permitting within your construction or trades business can feel like trying to shoot a moving target — there are different forms, plan sets, and review timelines in every AHJ (authority having jurisdiction).
Avoid the research rabbit hole and let PermitFlow handle the heavy lifting so you can keep crews in the field, not behind a desk overseeing permit applications.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles permit preparation, submission, and tracking across all municipalities you build in.
With PermitFlow, you get:
Expert guidance: Our team understands local permitting requirements and makes sure your application is complete and accurate every time.
Centralized management: Track all your permits in one place.
Faster approvals: Reduce delays by submitting well-prepared applications that meet all requirements.
Ready to simplify your permitting process? Contact us to learn how PermitFlow can assist with your next project in Cabarrus County or beyond.
When pulling permits in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, one missing document can shove your project to the back of the review line. Whether you’re a GC breaking ground on a multifamily build, a custom home builder tweaking a floor plan, or a trade contractor installing a new HVAC system, navigating the county’s permit maze is non-negotiable if you want to start your project (or get paid) on time.
This guide distills everything you need to know: which projects trigger a permit, the documents reviewers expect on the first pass, fee schedules for both residential and commercial work, and a step-by-step path from application to close-out.
Simplify permitting in Cabarrus County with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Cabarrus County?
In Cabarrus County, building and zoning permits are required for various construction and land-use activities. Below is a summary of projects that typically require permits and those that may be exempt:
New home construction: Zoning and building permits required
Additions to existing structures: Includes rooms, decks, or porches
Accessory structures (e.g., sheds, garages): Permits required for structures not attached to the primary building
Pools: Building permits required for installation
Demolition: Demolition permits required for structure removal
Upfits or remodels: Includes interior renovations
Temporary power installations: Additional permits and fees apply
Signage (permanent and certain temporary): Sign permits required for most signage installations
Projects that do not require permits
Cabarrus County keeps its exemption list short. Projects that don’t require a permit typically include true “like-for-like” swaps — work that doesn’t alter the size, footprint, location, or system type of what’s already there.
Cabarrus County building permit costs
Permit fees in Cabarrus County are most commonly charged as a flat fee. Expect commercial projects to carry a slightly higher fee than residential ones
Fee Type
Amount
Certificate of occupancy – residential
$50
Certificate of occupancy – commercial
$75
Home occupation permit
$75
Residential addition
$75
Residential accessory structure
$75
Floodplain development permit
$75
Residential zoning permit
$50
Site plan review (first acre / each additional acre)
$300 / $15
Architectural review
$150
Single-family attached / multifamily zoning permit (first 5 units / each additional unit)
$150 / $15
Single-family detached
$100
Cabarrus County does not appear to publish MEP (mechanical, electrical, or plumbing) permit fees on its website. Reach out to the Construction Standards Division to get an estimate.
If you do need a permit, you’ll want to set up an account with the county’s Accela Citizen Access Portal. Keep in mind that licensed contractors must complete, sign, and notarize the Accela Citizen Access Form to authorize employees.
Step 2: Prepare necessary documentation and submit an application
Once you know which permit you’re applying for and what it requires, it’s time to prepare your documentation.
Here’s an overview of generally required documentation for residential and commercial projects:
The Construction Standards Division will review your application and plans. If revisions are needed, you'll be notified to make the necessary changes.
Step 4: Permit issuance
Once your application is approved, you'll receive your building permit. Ensure that the permit is posted at the construction site as required.
Step 5: Inspections
Throughout the construction process, schedule required inspections to verify that work complies with approved plans and codes.
You can schedule an inspection via text — you'll need to include the permit number, the inspection code, and your preferred inspection date in the message.
Need help with scheduling an inspection? Call (704) 920-2128 or email construction2222@cabarruscounty.us.
Watch the county’s helpful video on how to schedule an inspection in 1 minute:
Cabarrus County permitting resources
For assistance and more information, please refer to the following resources:
Streamline Cabarrus County permitting with PermitFlow
Managing permitting within your construction or trades business can feel like trying to shoot a moving target — there are different forms, plan sets, and review timelines in every AHJ (authority having jurisdiction).
Avoid the research rabbit hole and let PermitFlow handle the heavy lifting so you can keep crews in the field, not behind a desk overseeing permit applications.
PermitFlow is permit management software that handles permit preparation, submission, and tracking across all municipalities you build in.
With PermitFlow, you get:
Expert guidance: Our team understands local permitting requirements and makes sure your application is complete and accurate every time.
Centralized management: Track all your permits in one place.
Faster approvals: Reduce delays by submitting well-prepared applications that meet all requirements.
Ready to simplify your permitting process? Contact us to learn how PermitFlow can assist with your next project in Cabarrus County or beyond.
