Planning construction work in Gaston County, North Carolina? Whether it's a home addition, commercial development, or plumbing work, most projects need a permit before you start. Getting familiar with Gaston County's permit requirements helps you avoid expensive setbacks.
This guide covers Gaston County's permit requirements, application procedures, and fees, giving you the knowledge to move forward without unnecessary complications.
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What requires a building permit in Gaston County?
Structural work, major renovations, and system installations generally require a building permit in Gaston County.
Common projects that typically require a permit include:
- New construction
- Commercial remodels
- Residential work that meets any of these:
- Total job cost >$40,000, regardless of scope (state rule)
- Accessory buildings/structures that exceed 12 ft in any dimension (on-site or prebuilt delivered). If >400 ft², a permanent foundation is required. (Detached carports have a narrow exception; see next list.)
- Structural changes, change of use, and any regulated system work
What doesn’t require a building permit in Gaston County?
Smaller jobs may not require a permit, such as:
- Small residential projects where the total cost is <$40,000, unless any carve-outs apply (if it touches load-bearing structure, electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC, certain retaining walls, asbestos, etc., then a permit is still required even under $40k)
- Detached carports that are portable/lightweight, <400 ft², and <12 ft mean roof height (this is the County’s stated exception to the “>12 ft in any direction” rule for accessory buildings)
Gaston County building permit fees
Below are fee estimates based on Gaston County’s current fee schedule:
Valuation tiers for commercial and residential projects
Notes: New residential homes have a $990 minimum fee.
Other residential fees
Other commercial fees
Gaston County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Required for new installations, relocations, or major plumbing system changes.
Electrical permits
Needed for panel changes, new wiring, or significant electrical installations.
HVAC permits
Cover heating, cooling, ventilating systems, and ductwork changes.
Special permits
Permits may also be required for roof replacements, fence installations, pools, or other exterior improvements.
For more information on trade permit fees, see the permit fees page.
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How to get a building permit in Gaston County
Step 1: Prepare your plans and documents
Before you start an application in the County portal, gather what the County typically asks for.
Have these ready:
- Completed Gaston County building permit application:
- Construction drawings (PDF) and a site/plot plan (as applicable)
- Contractor license & insurance (or owner-builder info)
- Estimated project valuation (contract price or ICC valuation—used to calculate fees)
- Any required zoning approvals (inside city limits you usually secure city zoning first, then apply to the County for the building permit)
- Floodplain or other prerequisite approvals, if your site triggers them
Step 2: Submit your application
Gaston County uses the Citizen Self-Service (CSS) online portal for permits; that’s where you apply and upload plans.
How to apply:
- Go to Citizen Self-Service (CSS) → create/login → Apply → choose the correct record type
- For single-trade work (one trade only), you may use the Single-Trade Permit path/application. (The “Revize” label you saw is just the County’s website platform; you still apply in CSS.)
Step 3: Plan review and approval
After intake, your application is routed for review. County staff will review for building code and loop in Fire, Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical, etc., as applicable (commercial and many residential scopes). If corrections are needed, you’ll see comments in CSS and can upload revisions there.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive your permit
When approved, fees are assessed in CSS. You can pay online in CSS. Once paid, you can print and post the permit on site before starting work.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
All inspections are requested online in CSS from your permit record.
How to schedule/cancel:
- In CSS → your permit → Inspections → select needed inspections and submit
- Requests in by 3:00 PM are typically scheduled for the next business day; requests at/after 3:00 PM are pushed two business days out
Gaston County permitting resources
- Gaston County Building Inspections / Development Services
- Address: 128 W Main Avenue, Gastonia, NC 28052
- Phone: 704-866-3155
- Gaston County building permit search page
- Fee schedule
- Applications:
- Building inspections page
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