In Durham, North Carolina, even straightforward construction projects can get stuck in permitting limbo if you’re not familiar with local rules. Between city regulations, county inspections, and trade-specific forms, the process can be more complicated than expected.
This guide breaks down how to get a Durham building permit — from what projects require one to how fees are calculated and where to apply.
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What requires a building permit in Durham?
In Durham, permits are required for nearly all structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing work. If you're building, altering, enlarging, repairing, or moving a structure, you’ll need a permit.
Common projects include:
- Accessory structures (sheds, carports, detached garages, pool houses, etc.)
- Charter schools (full building‐permit review)
- Daycare facilities (per NC daycare code)
- Decks of any size or height
- Placement or tie-down of manufactured (mobile) homes
- Swimming pools (above- or below-ground)
- Retaining walls (any height)
- Any structure in a designated floodplain
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some projects are exempt under the North Carolina building code, including:
- Fences and garden walls (standard, non-structural)
- Minor interior finish work (painting, wallpaper, tiling, floor covering)
- Temporary or seasonal uses (e.g., summer day camps) (confirm with Planning for site-use)
To find more information, refer to the permitting guidelines by project type page.
Still unsure? Confirm through the Durham permitting portal or by contacting the City-County Inspections Department at (919) 560-4144.
Durham building permit fees
Durham permitting costs depend on what type of work you're doing and the value of your project. The city calculates most fees based on your project's total construction value, though some permits have flat rates.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Visit the city’s building permit fee schedule for more details.
Durham trade permits
If you're an HVAC installer, roofer, electrician, or plumber working in Durham, you’ll need to pull trade-specific permits.
Plumbing permits
Required for water supply systems, waste lines, gas piping, water heaters, and sewer connections.
Plumbing permit fees
More information can be found in the plumbing permit fee schedule.
Electrical permits
Covers all electrical service upgrades, rewiring, panel changes, lighting installations, and commercial tenant work.
Electrical permit fees
More information can be found in the electrical permit fee schedule.
HVAC permits
Heating and cooling installs, rooftop units, duct system replacements, and exhaust hoods require a mechanical permit.
HVAC permit fees
More information can be found in the mechanical permit fee schedule.
Roofing permits
A permit is required for structural roof work, decking replacement, or re-roofs exceeding a certain percentage of total surface area.
Roofing permit fees
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How to apply for a building permit in Durham
Step 1: Prepare your application
Before applying, start by gathering:
- The Durham building permit form
- PDFs of construction drawings
- Contractor credentials
- Energy and structural documents
- A clear project description and valuation
Step 2: Submit through the Durham permit portal
Visit the Durham County Inspections portal or use the open data permit dashboard to view or verify permit activity. You can submit your Durham building permit application electronically or in person. Call ahead to confirm submission procedures for your project type.
Step 3: Wait for review
Projects are reviewed by:
- Building safety staff
- Zoning and site development reviewers
- Fire marshal and stormwater (if applicable)
- Trade plan reviewers (MEP)
You’ll receive comments and may need to revise plans before final approval.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you’ll receive a fee invoice. Pay online or in person. Your permit will be activated once payment is complete.
Step 5: Start construction and schedule inspections
Print your permit card and post it on-site. Use Durham’s scheduling system to book required inspections (e.g., footings, framing, MEP rough-ins, and final inspections).
Durham permitting resources
- City-County Inspections Department
- Address: 101 City Hall Plaza, Durham, NC 27701
- Phone: (919) 560-4144
- Email: inspections@durhamnc.gov
- Permit application page
- Durham building permit search
- Building permit application form
- Fee schedules:
- Guidelines by project type
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