Greensboro, NC
Home MenuResidential Plan Review
Services Available:
Additional Information:
Residential Plan Review includes construction associated with one- and two-family dwellings and townhomes. This includes new home construction, modular homes, additions, interior / exterior renovations, unfinished basement / attic upfits, accessory buildings, porches (open / screened in), and decks. The review does not include a review of plumbing, mechanical or electrical components. Plans are submitted through our electronic plan upload and review system,
Standard Residential Plan Review
Every permit application for structures to be constructed, added to, altered, or repaired under the North Carolina Residential Code must be reviewed and signed by a Plans Examiner before a permit may be issued.Site Plan:
Review of a residential site plan is required for all new residences, additions outside the footprint of an existing residence, and detached accessory structures. Additions include new decks, porches, elevated patios that require retaining walls or foundation walls, and any new roofed areas, including new roofs over existing porches or patios. For details on site plan requirements, contact Planning Department.
Limited Review:
With the approval of the Plans Examiner, the following types of projects, not involving habitable or permanently heated space, may require limited building plans:
- Detached garages
- Attached garages (new, unheated, with no habitable space above)
- Unheated storage rooms, decks and porches
- Added porch roofs with no enclosure wall panels or glazing
- Accessory buildings (storage building, sheds, carports, etc.)
Such projects will be subject to review by field inspectors, who may require additional plans and engineering at the time of inspection.
Mobile Home Installation:
All construction is required to comply with the North Carolina Residential Code and its companion codes, regardless whether plans are required or not.
Review Time:
Five or more business days, depending on Planning Department approval of site plan, if applicable. A permit is issued immediately if no site plan is required.
Residential Application
Residential Accessory Building Application
Building Permit Fee Schedule
Residential Assumed Cost Schedule
Residential Building Plan Submittal Requirement
Full Review:
Plans should be adequate to describe all new work and impacts on existing construction and must be submitted for review and approval before permits are issued for any residential habitable space or heated space.
This Applies To:
Every new single family residence, duplex or townhome with habitable or heated additions enlarging the footprint of an existing residence; habitable or heated additions above the existing structure; conversion of existing non-habitable spaces such as attics, basements, garages and carports; habitable or heated space; interior renovations of habitable or heated spaces; and detached accessory structures, such as accessory buildings, in-law units, pools, pool houses, offices, studios, and sunroom additions.
Review Time:
Ten to 14 business days depending on Planning Department approval of site plan, if applicable. Look for the Design Review Application.
Forms:
Residential Application
Building Permit Fee Schedule
Residential Assumed Cost Schedule
Residential Building Plan Submittal Requirement
Codes Used:
2018 North Carolina Residential Code
1994 North Carolina Modular Home Code
2004 North Carolina Mobile Home Code
2018 North Carolina Plumbing Code
2018 North Carolina Mechanical Code
2017 North Carolina Electrical Code
2018 North Carolina Fuel Gas Code
Fees:
Paid for at time of application. Forms, Fees and Schedules
Designer Requirement:
A designer is not required except in cases of structural issues and for multiple townhome developments.
North Carolina Board of Architecture
Contractor Requirement:
When cost of construction is less than or equal to $40,000, the homeowner can act as his or her own contractor as long as the owner is the sole owner and occupant for at leased one year after the work is completed. If the cost of construction is greater than $40,000 and a contractor is hired, that contractor must be state-licensed.
North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors
Applicable Codes
The 2018 North Carolina Building Code and associated volumes are currently in force throughout the state. The Greensboro Inspections Department does not have copies of these publications for distribution or sale. For copies of the codes, contact the North Carolina Department of Insurance Office of the State Fire Marshal
(NCDOI), or the North Carolina section of the International Code Council’s (ICC). Some code books may also be available at community college bookstores.
Fees
Forms, Fees and Schedules are based on general construction costs (without mechanical, electrical, and plumbing), will be collected upon submittal of the application. Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing permit fees are paid separately by the licensed contractors who obtain those permit.
Development Services
Directions to 300 W. Washington St.
Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 336-373-2155
Fax: 336-333-6056