How do I apply for a building permit in Burlington, NC?

1. Review the city's planning and permit requirements. 2. Use Burlington Smart to submit the permit request and any required attachments. 3. Complete plan review if required. 4. Obtain permit issuance before starting work. 5. Schedule inspections through Burlington Smart.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Burlington, NC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Burlington Smart.

City Building Permits

Burlington, NC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Burlington, North Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

North Carolina Alamance County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

City of Burlington and its jurisdictional development area.

Department
Website: https://www.burlingtonnc.gov/52/Planning

Online Permit Portal

Open Burlington Smart

Platform: Burlington Smart • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

Review the city's planning and permit requirements.
Use Burlington Smart to submit the permit request and any required attachments.
Complete plan review if required.
Obtain permit issuance before starting work.
Schedule inspections through Burlington Smart.

Source:

General Requirements

Building permits are required for applicable work within Burlington.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Burlington Smart (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Permit application, plan review if needed, permit issuance, inspection scheduling in Burlington Smart.

Additional Resources

Zoning information: View zoning info
UDO
Pre-application conference
License lookup guide: North Carolina Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: North Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
North Carolina hub: North Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Burlington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Burlington, NC?: Building permits are required for applicable work within Burlington.
How do I apply for a building permit in Burlington, NC?: 1. Review the city's planning and permit requirements. 2. Use Burlington Smart to submit the permit request and any required attachments. 3. Complete plan review if required. 4. Obtain permit issuance before starting work. 5. Schedule inspections through Burlington Smart.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Burlington, NC?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Burlington Smart.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Burlington can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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