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Charlotte Building and Trade Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
Last updated:
Jul 23, 2025
Planning a construction project in Charlotte, North Carolina? You’ll likely need a building permit, whether it’s for new construction, a major remodel, or a system install. But with city and county agencies both involved, navigating Charlotte permitting can get complex fast.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the projects that require a building permit, fees, and requirements for submitting. Working beyond city limits? Check out our Mecklenburg County permitting guide.
Simplify permitting in Charlotte with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Charlotte?
Most construction or trade work in Charlotte requires a permit, especially when it involves structural changes, utility connections, or system installations.
Common projects that require a permit include:
- New commercial and residential construction
- Additions and remodels
- Tenant improvements and shell build-outs
- HVAC system installation or upgrades
- Plumbing installation or rerouting
- Electrical work (including panel upgrades and new circuits)
- Decks, porches, and accessory structures
Work in Charlotte is subject to city zoning review and Mecklenburg County building inspections, as both jurisdictions collaborate through a unified portal.
What doesn’t require a building permit?
You will not need a permit for:
- Projects costing $15,000.00 or less (unless the conditions mentioned above)
- Cosmetic updates (painting, flooring, cabinets)
- Replacing like-for-like appliances (without utility changes)
- Minor repairs or maintenance work
For more information on your specific case, refer to the Residential Permits Quick Guide and Building Permits pages.
Charlotte building permit fees
Charlotte building permit fees are typically charged at a flat rate based on the scope of the project and the work being done.
Individual residential lot permit fees
| Review Type |
Fee Type |
Fee |
| Urban Forestry Review |
Residential Single-Lot Tree Preservation (Tier 1) |
$180 |
| Urban Forestry Review |
Residential Single-Lot Tree Preservation (Tier 2) |
$260 |
| Urban Forestry Review |
Residential Single-Lot Tree Preservation (Tier 3) |
$300 |
| Urban Forestry Review |
Non-Development Heritage Tree Permit |
$265 |
| Stormwater Services Review |
ADU, ADU and Garage, Single Family, Duplex, Triplex, Quadraplex |
$410 |
| Stormwater Services Review |
Additions, Deck, Pool, Retaining Wall, Shed, Detached Structure |
$50 |
| Residential Zoning |
- |
$65 |
| Commercial Zoning |
Triplex and Quadraplex only |
$300 |
| Inspection Fee |
Single Family and Duplex |
$160 |
View the city’s Individual Residential Lot Fee Schedule here.
Commercial and multifamily permit fees
| Service |
Fee |
| Planning, Plan Review, and Inspection | $1,630 |
| CDOT Plan Review | $600 |
| Stormwater Services Plan Review | $1,445 |
| Grading Review & Inspection | $555 per disturbed acre |
| Commercial Tree Ordinance Review & Inspection | $1,545 |
| Tree Preservation Review & Inspection | $1,250 |
| Additional Tree Preservation Inspection | $795 + $100 per disturbed acre |
| Detention Review & Inspection | $6,000 |
Find more information on the User Fee Schedule page.
Charlotte trade permits
If you're an HVAC installer, roofer, electrician, or plumber working in Charlotte, you’ll need to pull trade-specific permits. Below is the trade permit fee schedule from Mecklenburg County’s Section II (effective through June 30, 2014), which applies equally to plumbing, electrical, mechanical (HVAC), roofing, fence, and any other single “trade” permit unless otherwise noted:
| Total construction permit value |
Permit fee (no plan review)
$59.70 min |
Permit fee (commercial w/ plan review)
$79.61 min |
| $1 – $3,000 |
$59.70 |
$79.61 |
| $3,001 – $50,000 |
$59.70 + $12.19 per $1,000 or fraction over $3,000 |
$79.61 + $12.19 per $1,000 or fraction over $3,000 |
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$632.57 + $5.49 per $1,000 or fraction over $50,000 |
$632.57 + $5.49 per $1,000 or fraction over $50,000 |
| $100,001 – $150,000 |
$907.12 + $5.93 per $1,000 or fraction over $100,000 |
$907.12 + $5.93 per $1,000 or fraction over $100,000 |
| $150,001 – $250,000 |
$1,203.52 + $4.59 per $1,000 or fraction over $150,000 |
$1,203.52 + $4.59 per $1,000 or fraction over $150,000 |
| $250,001 – $1,000,000 |
$1,662.37 + $5.05 per $1,000 or fraction over $250,000 |
$1,662.37 + $5.05 per $1,000 or fraction over $250,000 |
| $1,000,001 – $10,000,000 |
$5,445.74 + $2.64 per $1,000 or fraction over $1,000,000 |
$5,445.74 + $2.64 per $1,000 or fraction over $1,000,000 |
| Over $10,000,000 |
$29,214.74 + $1.35 per $1,000 or fraction over $10,000,000 |
$29,214.74 + $1.35 per $1,000 or fraction over $10,000,000 |
Let PermitFlow manage your permits in Charlotte and beyond.
Our team can prepare, submit, and track your permits so you can focus on the build, not the backlog.
How to apply for a building permit in Charlotte
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Before applying, you need to gather the following documents:
- Complete construction drawings (architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, as applicable)
- Energy compliance forms (per NC Energy Code)
- Contractor license and bond information (or homeowner exemption)
- Site plan and any required third-party reports (geo-tech, floodplain, etc.)
Step 2: Submit online via Mecklenburg County’s WebPermit portal
Go to the County’s WebPermit portal (or, for most projects, switch to Accela Citizen Access) and create/log in to your account. Select and fill out “Building Permit” (or the appropriate trade permit) and upload your complete PDF plan set and supporting documents.
Step 3: Wait for plan review
Your submission is routed to Code Enforcement reviewers (Building, Zoning, Fire, Stormwater, etc.). If something is off, you’ll receive electronic “check-sheets” with comments. Revise and resubmit through the portal as needed.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive your permit
Once all check-sheet items are cleared, the system will invoice you for the balance of permit fees (building + trades + any impact or technology charges).
Step 5: Post permit and schedule inspections
Post the printed permit placard visibly on-site as well as request inspections (foundation, rough-in, final, etc.) via the portal or by calling 704-336-8000.
Charlotte permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Charlotte with PermitFlow
Tired of navigating Charlotte’s permitting maze?
Whether you're juggling multiple jobs or building in Charlotte for the first time, securing the right permits can be time-consuming and confusing. That’s where PermitFlow comes in.
PermitFlow is permit management software purpose-built for construction and the trades, designed to simplify the permitting process from start to finish:
Construction and trades teams use PermitFlow because we provide:
- Local expertise: Our specialists know Charlotte’s permitting system inside and out, so your applications are accurate and approvals happen faster.
- One centralized dashboard: Manage all your permits in one place, with full visibility and control.
- Faster turnaround: We get your applications right the first time to help you avoid delays.
Don't let permit problems hold up your projects. Contact our permitting experts now to learn how PermitFlow can help.
Planning a construction project in Charlotte, North Carolina? You’ll likely need a building permit, whether it’s for new construction, a major remodel, or a system install. But with city and county agencies both involved, navigating Charlotte permitting can get complex fast.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the projects that require a building permit, fees, and requirements for submitting. Working beyond city limits? Check out our Mecklenburg County permitting guide.
Simplify permitting in Charlotte with PermitFlow. Learn how.
What requires a building permit in Charlotte?
Most construction or trade work in Charlotte requires a permit, especially when it involves structural changes, utility connections, or system installations.
Common projects that require a permit include:
- New commercial and residential construction
- Additions and remodels
- Tenant improvements and shell build-outs
- HVAC system installation or upgrades
- Plumbing installation or rerouting
- Electrical work (including panel upgrades and new circuits)
- Decks, porches, and accessory structures
Work in Charlotte is subject to city zoning review and Mecklenburg County building inspections, as both jurisdictions collaborate through a unified portal.
What doesn’t require a building permit?
You will not need a permit for:
- Projects costing $15,000.00 or less (unless the conditions mentioned above)
- Cosmetic updates (painting, flooring, cabinets)
- Replacing like-for-like appliances (without utility changes)
- Minor repairs or maintenance work
For more information on your specific case, refer to the Residential Permits Quick Guide and Building Permits pages.
Charlotte building permit fees
Charlotte building permit fees are typically charged at a flat rate based on the scope of the project and the work being done.
Individual residential lot permit fees
| Review Type |
Fee Type |
Fee |
| Urban Forestry Review |
Residential Single-Lot Tree Preservation (Tier 1) |
$180 |
| Urban Forestry Review |
Residential Single-Lot Tree Preservation (Tier 2) |
$260 |
| Urban Forestry Review |
Residential Single-Lot Tree Preservation (Tier 3) |
$300 |
| Urban Forestry Review |
Non-Development Heritage Tree Permit |
$265 |
| Stormwater Services Review |
ADU, ADU and Garage, Single Family, Duplex, Triplex, Quadraplex |
$410 |
| Stormwater Services Review |
Additions, Deck, Pool, Retaining Wall, Shed, Detached Structure |
$50 |
| Residential Zoning |
- |
$65 |
| Commercial Zoning |
Triplex and Quadraplex only |
$300 |
| Inspection Fee |
Single Family and Duplex |
$160 |
View the city’s Individual Residential Lot Fee Schedule here.
Commercial and multifamily permit fees
| Service |
Fee |
| Planning, Plan Review, and Inspection | $1,630 |
| CDOT Plan Review | $600 |
| Stormwater Services Plan Review | $1,445 |
| Grading Review & Inspection | $555 per disturbed acre |
| Commercial Tree Ordinance Review & Inspection | $1,545 |
| Tree Preservation Review & Inspection | $1,250 |
| Additional Tree Preservation Inspection | $795 + $100 per disturbed acre |
| Detention Review & Inspection | $6,000 |
Find more information on the User Fee Schedule page.
Charlotte trade permits
If you're an HVAC installer, roofer, electrician, or plumber working in Charlotte, you’ll need to pull trade-specific permits. Below is the trade permit fee schedule from Mecklenburg County’s Section II (effective through June 30, 2014), which applies equally to plumbing, electrical, mechanical (HVAC), roofing, fence, and any other single “trade” permit unless otherwise noted:
| Total construction permit value |
Permit fee (no plan review)
$59.70 min |
Permit fee (commercial w/ plan review)
$79.61 min |
| $1 – $3,000 |
$59.70 |
$79.61 |
| $3,001 – $50,000 |
$59.70 + $12.19 per $1,000 or fraction over $3,000 |
$79.61 + $12.19 per $1,000 or fraction over $3,000 |
| $50,001 – $100,000 |
$632.57 + $5.49 per $1,000 or fraction over $50,000 |
$632.57 + $5.49 per $1,000 or fraction over $50,000 |
| $100,001 – $150,000 |
$907.12 + $5.93 per $1,000 or fraction over $100,000 |
$907.12 + $5.93 per $1,000 or fraction over $100,000 |
| $150,001 – $250,000 |
$1,203.52 + $4.59 per $1,000 or fraction over $150,000 |
$1,203.52 + $4.59 per $1,000 or fraction over $150,000 |
| $250,001 – $1,000,000 |
$1,662.37 + $5.05 per $1,000 or fraction over $250,000 |
$1,662.37 + $5.05 per $1,000 or fraction over $250,000 |
| $1,000,001 – $10,000,000 |
$5,445.74 + $2.64 per $1,000 or fraction over $1,000,000 |
$5,445.74 + $2.64 per $1,000 or fraction over $1,000,000 |
| Over $10,000,000 |
$29,214.74 + $1.35 per $1,000 or fraction over $10,000,000 |
$29,214.74 + $1.35 per $1,000 or fraction over $10,000,000 |
Let PermitFlow manage your permits in Charlotte and beyond.
Our team can prepare, submit, and track your permits so you can focus on the build, not the backlog.
How to apply for a building permit in Charlotte
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Before applying, you need to gather the following documents:
- Complete construction drawings (architectural, structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, as applicable)
- Energy compliance forms (per NC Energy Code)
- Contractor license and bond information (or homeowner exemption)
- Site plan and any required third-party reports (geo-tech, floodplain, etc.)
Step 2: Submit online via Mecklenburg County’s WebPermit portal
Go to the County’s WebPermit portal (or, for most projects, switch to Accela Citizen Access) and create/log in to your account. Select and fill out “Building Permit” (or the appropriate trade permit) and upload your complete PDF plan set and supporting documents.
Step 3: Wait for plan review
Your submission is routed to Code Enforcement reviewers (Building, Zoning, Fire, Stormwater, etc.). If something is off, you’ll receive electronic “check-sheets” with comments. Revise and resubmit through the portal as needed.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive your permit
Once all check-sheet items are cleared, the system will invoice you for the balance of permit fees (building + trades + any impact or technology charges).
Step 5: Post permit and schedule inspections
Post the printed permit placard visibly on-site as well as request inspections (foundation, rough-in, final, etc.) via the portal or by calling 704-336-8000.
Charlotte permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Charlotte with PermitFlow
Tired of navigating Charlotte’s permitting maze?
Whether you're juggling multiple jobs or building in Charlotte for the first time, securing the right permits can be time-consuming and confusing. That’s where PermitFlow comes in.
PermitFlow is permit management software purpose-built for construction and the trades, designed to simplify the permitting process from start to finish:
Construction and trades teams use PermitFlow because we provide:
- Local expertise: Our specialists know Charlotte’s permitting system inside and out, so your applications are accurate and approvals happen faster.
- One centralized dashboard: Manage all your permits in one place, with full visibility and control.
- Faster turnaround: We get your applications right the first time to help you avoid delays.
Don't let permit problems hold up your projects. Contact our permitting experts now to learn how PermitFlow can help.
