New Hanover County sits on North Carolina's coast, so building here comes with extra rules. Between state codes, hurricane standards, and flood zone requirements, permitting can get complicated fast.
This guide breaks down what you need to know about New Hanover County building permits to move your project forward, including applications, fees, inspections, and all the details that keep you compliant and on schedule.
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What requires a building permit in New Hanover County?
The New Hanover County Building Department and Permits & Inspections Division enforce the North Carolina State Building Code. Permits are required for most construction, renovation, or system work that impacts a structure’s safety or use.
Expect to pull a permit for:
- New buildings & additions: New house/townhouse/duplex, detached living space, secondary residence; any rear/side/front (horizontal) addition; second/third-story addition
- Accessory structures: Carports >400 sq ft, garages, gazebos, piers; sheds larger than 12′×12′×12′
- Decks & porches: New deck construction; porch build/roof over existing slab; enclosing a porch or converting to a sunroom/screen room
- Pools: Any pool project (building + electrical + sometimes mechanical/gas)
- Interior structural or layout changes: Creating a new doorway or window opening; removing/adding structural walls; converting attics/garages/patios to living space; full kitchen/bath remodels
- Solar systems: Roof or ground-mount solar arrays and panels
- Mechanical, plumbing, electrical systems: New HVAC systems; HVAC change-outs not “like-for-like”; service changes; new circuits/outlets/lighting; water/sewer connections; new or re-piped plumbing fixtures; water heaters
What doesn’t require a building permit in New Hanover County?
Permits are generally not required for:
- Repairs in kind: Roofing/shingles “using same materials and no structural work,” siding, sheetrock, door replacement same size/location, window replacement same size/location
- Small sheds: <12′×12′×12′ often do not need a building permit, but electrical work still needs an electrical permit; zoning may still apply
- Fences: County zoning does not regulate fences (separate City of Wilmington fees may apply in city limits). Always verify easements/HOA limits. Typical guidance references <6 ft in County FAQ
- Pergolas: A building permit may not be required, but a zoning permit is required if the structure exceeds 12′×12′
For more information on projects that require or don't require a building permit, see the “Do I need a permit?” page.
New Hanover County building permit cost
Costs vary based on project valuation, building type, and scope. Below are common estimates for New Hanover County building permit fees.
Residential fees
Commercial fees
To get more information, refer to the Permit Cost page.
How long do building permits last in New Hanover County?
New Hanover County permits are valid for 6 months from the date of issuance. If construction begins within that time and inspections occur regularly, the permit remains active. A lapse in work for more than 12 months requires reapplication or extension.
New Hanover County trade permits
Plumbing permits
Plumbing permits are needed for all system installations, replacements, or repairs affecting water supply or drainage.
- Residential: $60
- Commercial: $75
Electrical permits
Required for all wiring, service upgrades, or panel changes.
- Residential: $60
- Commercial: $75
HVAC permits
Mechanical permits are required for any installation or change to heating and cooling systems.
- Residential: $60
- Commercial: $75
Find the full list of trade permit fees using the Permit Cost page.
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How to get a building permit in New Hanover County
Step 1: Prepare your documents
Before you open an application in the New Hanover County permit portal, gather the items the County commonly asks for.
- A New Hanover County building permit application
- Construction drawings and a site/plot plan in PDF
- Licensed contractor details (license #) or owner-builder info, plus any required affidavits
- Estimated construction value (used to calculate fees)
- Utility approvals as applicable (e.g., CFPUA or septic/well documentation when your scope triggers utility work or CO/CC inspections)
Step 2: Submit your application
The County accepts applications online and offers guidance for logging in and starting new records.
- Use the COAST (Customer Online Application & Services Tool) portal to apply and upload documents
- If you’re new to COAST, follow the New COAST Login Instructions (you still click “Create an account,” even if you used the old system)
Step 3: Plan review
Once you submit, the Building Safety department coordinates review and may loop in other divisions. The Building Safety team routes your record, checks code compliance, and pulls in Zoning/Planning, Fire, and trade reviews as your project requires. If anything is missing, COAST shows comments/deficiencies so you can upload corrections.
Step 4: Pay fees and receive your permit
When the application is approved, the County will assess fees and release your permit documents. You can pay online in COAST and then print/post the permit per County directions; COAST keeps your record for future inspections.
Step 5: Schedule inspections
You can schedule directly through the portal; the County also posts contact info and options.
How to request inspections:
- Use COAST → Schedule Inspection from your permit record
- For questions or special cases, contact Building Safety, 910-798-7308, or use the County’s Live Remote Inspections resources when eligible
For additional information, you can email Building Safety at Coast@nhcgov.com.
New Hanover County permitting resources
- New Hanover County Building Department
- Address: 230 Government Center Drive, Suite 170, Wilmington, NC 28403
- Phone: 910-798-7308
- Email: Coast@nhcgov.com
- Hours: Mon–Fri, 8 AM – 5 PM
- Permit Portal: Permits & Inspections
- FAQs:
- Building safety
- Permit cost
- Do I need a permit?
- Check permit status
- Schedule inspection
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Permitting in New Hanover County can be complex, with different requirements across Wilmington, Carolina Beach, and unincorporated areas. It’s all too easy for projects to get delayed or bogged down in paperwork.
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