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BlogDurham Building and Trade Permit Guide
Durham Building and Trade Permit Guide
Britain Jacobson
Last updated:
Jul 23, 2025
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.
Simplify permitting in Durham with PermitFlow. Learn how.
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
| Category |
Building permit fee |
Plan review fee |
| Up to 1,200 sq ft |
$146 |
$146 |
| 1,201–1,800 sq ft |
$325 |
$146 |
| 1,801–2,400 sq ft |
$400 |
$146 |
| 2,401–3,000 sq ft |
$456 |
$146 |
| 3,001–3,600 sq ft |
$537 |
$146 |
| 3,601–4,200 sq ft |
$650 |
$146 |
| 4,201–5,000 sq ft |
$740 |
$146 |
| 5,001 sq ft+ |
$810 |
$146 |
| First unit |
$300 |
$450 |
| Each additional unit |
$150 |
No additional fee |
| Without footing |
$50 |
$50 |
| With footing |
$100 |
$50 |
Commercial fees
| Category |
Building permit fee |
Plan review fee |
| $0–$5,000 |
$104 |
$104 |
| $5,001–$50,000 |
$104 + $7.80 per $1,000 over $5,000 |
$104 |
| $50,001–$100,000 |
$456 + $6.60 per $1,000 over $50,000 |
$230 |
| $100,001–$500,000 |
$786 + $4.32 per $1,000 over $100,000 |
$400 |
| Over $500,000 |
$2,513 + $1.25 per $1,000 over $500,000 |
$1,300 |
| Change of Occupancy (no permit needed otherwise) |
$50 |
– |
| Demolition Permits (commercial) |
<5,000 sq ft: $75
5,000 sq ft: $150 |
– |
| Miscellaneous inspection-based and administrative fees |
For details (e.g., reinspection, re-stamp plans,) |
– |
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
| Category |
Fee |
| Surcharge (paper application) |
$5 per plumbing application |
| Schedule A – New Residential |
All dwellings – $170 |
| Schedule B – New Multifamily (3–4 units) |
Per fixture – $6.24; Minimum fee – $127 |
| Schedule C – New Non-Residential |
Per fixture – $7.90;
Min w/out water/sewer – $187;
Min w/ water/sewer – $265
|
| Schedule D – Additions (Res/Non-Res) |
Sewer & water – $65;
1–7 fixtures – $94;
8–15 – $119;
Over 15 – $7.90 each
|
| Permit Violation / Voiding |
Work w/o permit – double fee;
Voiding – 15% of permit (no max)
|
| After-hours Inspection |
$125/hr (2 hr min after hours; 3 hr min if travel required) |
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
| Category |
Fee |
| Surcharge (paper application) |
$5 per electrical application |
| Schedule A – New Residential/Multi-family |
100–200A service – $156;
400A service – $187
|
| Schedule B – Outlets |
1–10 outlets – $21;
Each additional – $0.83
|
| Schedule C – Fixtures |
1–10 fixtures – $21;
Each additional – $0.83
|
| Reinspection Fees |
Not ready / 5+ violations – $100;
2nd – $100;
3rd – $200;
4th – $300
|
| HVAC Replacement Inspections |
One inspection – $65;
Additional – $50 each
|
| Permit Violation / Voiding |
Work w/o permit – double;
Voiding – 15% no max
|
| Minimum Permit Fee (with rough-in) |
Commercial – $150;
Residential – $100
|
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
| Category |
Fee |
| Surcharge (paper application) |
$5 per mechanical application |
| Schedule A – Residential (one/two-family) |
System installation – $125;
Replacement/conversion – $65;
Subsequent – $50
|
| Residential fireplace/floor/wall furnace |
$52 |
| Gas piping & fuel lines |
$65 each |
| Schedule B – Multifamily units |
System installation per unit – $100;
Replacement – $65;
Subsequent – $50
|
| Schedule C – Nonresidential heating/cooling |
$0.058/sq ft (min $98, max $3,000);
Tiered BTU input fees (0–150k: $131; up to >10M: $929)
|
| Replacement of system components |
$70 |
| Reinspection Fees |
Same structure as others: $100, $200, $300 |
| Permit Violation / Voiding |
Double fee / 15% voiding |
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
| Category |
Fee |
| Residential reroofing |
$75 |
| Commercial roofing/reroofing |
$0–$20,000 – $100;
>$20,000 – $150 |
Let PermitFlow handle your Durham trade permits
Reach out to PermitFlow for a faster, easier permitting experience.
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
Simplify permitting in Durham with PermitFlow
Permitting in Durham can be time-consuming and unpredictable — especially if you’re facing tight deadlines or expanding into new territory.
PermitFlow is permit management software that takes the guesswork out of permitting. Our software automates the entire permit workflow from initial planning through final approval, across Durham and every jurisdiction where you operate.
Here’s why builders and contractors rely on us:
- Local expertise: Our team understands Durham’s permitting landscape inside and out.
- Real-time visibility: Track every permit across your portfolio from a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
- Fewer rejections: We catch issues before submission, helping you avoid costly delays.
Don’t let permitting slow you down. Contact PermitFlow today and keep your projects moving.
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.
Simplify permitting in Durham with PermitFlow. Learn how.
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
| Category |
Building permit fee |
Plan review fee |
| Up to 1,200 sq ft |
$146 |
$146 |
| 1,201–1,800 sq ft |
$325 |
$146 |
| 1,801–2,400 sq ft |
$400 |
$146 |
| 2,401–3,000 sq ft |
$456 |
$146 |
| 3,001–3,600 sq ft |
$537 |
$146 |
| 3,601–4,200 sq ft |
$650 |
$146 |
| 4,201–5,000 sq ft |
$740 |
$146 |
| 5,001 sq ft+ |
$810 |
$146 |
| First unit |
$300 |
$450 |
| Each additional unit |
$150 |
No additional fee |
| Without footing |
$50 |
$50 |
| With footing |
$100 |
$50 |
Commercial fees
| Category |
Building permit fee |
Plan review fee |
| $0–$5,000 |
$104 |
$104 |
| $5,001–$50,000 |
$104 + $7.80 per $1,000 over $5,000 |
$104 |
| $50,001–$100,000 |
$456 + $6.60 per $1,000 over $50,000 |
$230 |
| $100,001–$500,000 |
$786 + $4.32 per $1,000 over $100,000 |
$400 |
| Over $500,000 |
$2,513 + $1.25 per $1,000 over $500,000 |
$1,300 |
| Change of Occupancy (no permit needed otherwise) |
$50 |
– |
| Demolition Permits (commercial) |
<5,000 sq ft: $75
5,000 sq ft: $150 |
– |
| Miscellaneous inspection-based and administrative fees |
For details (e.g., reinspection, re-stamp plans,) |
– |
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
| Category |
Fee |
| Surcharge (paper application) |
$5 per plumbing application |
| Schedule A – New Residential |
All dwellings – $170 |
| Schedule B – New Multifamily (3–4 units) |
Per fixture – $6.24; Minimum fee – $127 |
| Schedule C – New Non-Residential |
Per fixture – $7.90;
Min w/out water/sewer – $187;
Min w/ water/sewer – $265
|
| Schedule D – Additions (Res/Non-Res) |
Sewer & water – $65;
1–7 fixtures – $94;
8–15 – $119;
Over 15 – $7.90 each
|
| Permit Violation / Voiding |
Work w/o permit – double fee;
Voiding – 15% of permit (no max)
|
| After-hours Inspection |
$125/hr (2 hr min after hours; 3 hr min if travel required) |
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
| Category |
Fee |
| Surcharge (paper application) |
$5 per electrical application |
| Schedule A – New Residential/Multi-family |
100–200A service – $156;
400A service – $187
|
| Schedule B – Outlets |
1–10 outlets – $21;
Each additional – $0.83
|
| Schedule C – Fixtures |
1–10 fixtures – $21;
Each additional – $0.83
|
| Reinspection Fees |
Not ready / 5+ violations – $100;
2nd – $100;
3rd – $200;
4th – $300
|
| HVAC Replacement Inspections |
One inspection – $65;
Additional – $50 each
|
| Permit Violation / Voiding |
Work w/o permit – double;
Voiding – 15% no max
|
| Minimum Permit Fee (with rough-in) |
Commercial – $150;
Residential – $100
|
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
| Category |
Fee |
| Surcharge (paper application) |
$5 per mechanical application |
| Schedule A – Residential (one/two-family) |
System installation – $125;
Replacement/conversion – $65;
Subsequent – $50
|
| Residential fireplace/floor/wall furnace |
$52 |
| Gas piping & fuel lines |
$65 each |
| Schedule B – Multifamily units |
System installation per unit – $100;
Replacement – $65;
Subsequent – $50
|
| Schedule C – Nonresidential heating/cooling |
$0.058/sq ft (min $98, max $3,000);
Tiered BTU input fees (0–150k: $131; up to >10M: $929)
|
| Replacement of system components |
$70 |
| Reinspection Fees |
Same structure as others: $100, $200, $300 |
| Permit Violation / Voiding |
Double fee / 15% voiding |
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
| Category |
Fee |
| Residential reroofing |
$75 |
| Commercial roofing/reroofing |
$0–$20,000 – $100;
>$20,000 – $150 |
Let PermitFlow handle your Durham trade permits
Reach out to PermitFlow for a faster, easier permitting experience.
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
Simplify permitting in Durham with PermitFlow
Permitting in Durham can be time-consuming and unpredictable — especially if you’re facing tight deadlines or expanding into new territory.
PermitFlow is permit management software that takes the guesswork out of permitting. Our software automates the entire permit workflow from initial planning through final approval, across Durham and every jurisdiction where you operate.
Here’s why builders and contractors rely on us:
- Local expertise: Our team understands Durham’s permitting landscape inside and out.
- Real-time visibility: Track every permit across your portfolio from a single, easy-to-use dashboard.
- Fewer rejections: We catch issues before submission, helping you avoid costly delays.
Don’t let permitting slow you down. Contact PermitFlow today and keep your projects moving.
