Building and construction work in Greensboro, North Carolina, requires permits from the city. Greensboro follows North Carolina state building codes along with local policies that help keep construction safe and legal.
This guide covers the Greensboro building permit process from start to finish. You’ll find information about which types of work need permits, the application steps, permit costs, and important deadlines.
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What requires a building permit in Greensboro?
In Greensboro, NC, a building permit is required for nearly all new construction, reconstruction, alterations, repairs, demolitions, moves, or changes in occupancy.
Specific examples include:
- Residential construction: Building a new single-family home, duplex, townhome, or accessory structure requires a permit.
- Commercial projects: New construction, additions, upfits, or alterations for offices, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, and other commercial spaces require a building permit and plan review.
- Trade work: Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical (HVAC) projects require separate trade permits.
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some smaller or minor projects are exempt from permit requirements if they do not affect structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems.
Based on Greensboro's building permit FAQ, projects that typically don’t require a permit include:
- Minor interior modifications that do not alter load‐bearing walls or change structural elements
- Replacing fixtures like light switches/receptacles in certain cases, provided they’re the same rating and configuration, and done by licensed trades or under specific thresholds
- Replacing certain non‐structural elements (siding, trim, windows) if no change to structural framing and under cost/value thresholds
- In residential settings, small repairs that do not involve structural or major system work
Greensboro building permit cost
Greensboro building permit fees depend on several factors, like the overall value of the project and the type of work involved.
Here’s what you can expect:
Residential fees
Commercial fees
Note: If work is started before a permit is issued, the building permit fee is doubled.
For more information on permit fees, refer to the City of Greensboro building permit fee schedule.
How long do building permits last in Greensboro?
Once issued, the permit generally remains valid as long as work begins within six months of issuance. If you don’t start work within that window, or if work is abandoned, you may need to reapply or renew. You can renew the permit by visiting the local Building Department:
- Address: 300 W. Washington St., Greensboro, NC 27401
- Phone: 336-373-2155
- Fax: 336-333-6056
- Hours: Mondays to Fridays, 8 am to 5 pm
Greensboro trade permits
Plumbing permits
Any installation, alteration, or extension of sanitary drainage, waste, vent systems, fixtures, water heaters, sewer and/or water service, etc., requires a plumbing permit in Greensboro.
To get the full list of fees, refer to the plumbing permit fee schedule.
Electrical permits
Electrical work beyond simple replacements/replacements done by licensed electricians, including temporary service, new service, upgrades, etc., requires an electrical permit in Greensboro.
More information can be found on the electrical permit fee schedule.
HVAC / Mechanical permits
Any heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration system, or mechanical system alteration or installation requires a mechanical / HVAC permit. Applies to gas‐fired heating, boilers, cooling systems, ductwork, etc.
Find the full list of fees on the mechanical permit fee schedule.
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How to get a building permit in Greensboro, NC
Step 1: Prepare your plans & documents
First, you’ll need to gather:
- Completed Greensboro building permit application:
- Drawings: Architectural, structural, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, etc., depending on project
- Sealings: For commercial projects, many plans must be sealed by a licensed engineer or architect
- Confirmation of zoning compliance, floodplain or watershed impact, compliance with Land Development Ordinance, NC Building Code
- Additional documents such as site/plot plan (if required), contractor license(s), insurance, energy compliance documents, etc
Step 2: Submit your application
Use the city’s plan review & tracking system to submit your Greensboro building permit application. Pay initial plan review or application fees as required upon submission.
Step 3: Plan review
City staff will review the application for adherence to Greensboro codes: building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, zoning, accessibility, etc. If the reviewer identifies issues, they’ll issue correction requests. Resubmissions may be required until approval. Once approved, plans are either stamped or digitally approved.
Step 4: Pay final fees & permit issuance
After plan approval, pay all outstanding fees (building, trade permits, inspections, etc.). Check if contractor licensing and required insurance or other documentation are in order. Once you receive the permit, post it on the jobsite.
Step 5: Begin work & schedule inspections
Work should begin after the permit is fully issued. During the construction process, you should schedule any required inspections.
Schedule inspections via:
- GSO BI Scheduler for applicable trades (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical)
- Automated Response Systems (APRIL). You can reach APRIL by calling 336-373-2400
Inspections are required at appropriate stages: foundation/footings, framing/rough, trades, final, etc.
Greensboro permitting resources
- Engineering & Inspections Department
- Address: 300 West Washington Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
- Phone: 336-373-2155
- Fax: 336-333-6056
- Greensboro Permit portal
- Automated Response Systems
- Applications:
- Fees:
- Building permits FAQs
Greensboro building permit search
If you need to look up an existing permit (e.g. status of plan review, status of inspections, permit history), here’s how to do it:
- Use the City of Greensboro’s Plan Review & Tracking System via their Development Services website
- You may also be able to search by address, parcel number, or permit number to see inspection history or permit status
- For trade permits, sometimes separate permit numbers and separate inspection records exist.
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