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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Brunswick County
Required for work regulated by the county building program and applicable municipal inspection authorities.
Nonstructural work under $40,000 in a single-family residence
Farm buildings outside the jurisdiction or municipality
Residential accessory buildings where no dimension exceeds 12 feet
Replacement of windows, doors, and exterior siding in residential structures
Replacement of pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of residential porches and exterior decks
- Exempt Nonstructural work under $40,000 in a single-family residence
- Exempt Farm buildings outside the jurisdiction or municipality
- Exempt Residential accessory buildings where no dimension exceeds 12 feet
- Exempt Replacement of windows, doors, and exterior siding in residential structures
- Exempt Replacement of pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of residential porches and exterior decks
Note: Confirm edge cases with Brunswick County Code Administration before proceeding.
- Building code
- North Carolina State Building Code family with North Carolina amendments
- Contractor requirements
- North Carolina licensing rules apply; a licensed general contractor is generally required for projects of $40,000 or more.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm the property is in Brunswick County and identify whether county or municipal inspection authority applies.
- 02 Create or log into the Brunswick County permit portal.
- 03 Submit the permit application, plans, and supporting information through the portal or county forms.
- 04 Respond to review comments and provide any requested corrections or approvals.
- 05 Pay required fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work.
- 06 Schedule and complete inspections through the portal.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Brunswick County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$100 building minimum
02
Permit fee formula
New residential construction is Sq. Ft. x ICC Chart Value x .004. Remodel or renovation is Gross Sq. Ft. x $60 per Sq. Ft. x .0045. Commercial formulas vary by occupancy and size.
03
Reinspection fee
Re-inspection fee $75 for residential; failed final inspections $100 first offense; expired permit re-activation is $100.
04
Penalty (no permit)
Working without a permit is 2x permit fee, $200 minimum; occupying a structure before CO is $100/day.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Brunswick County Permit Portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection cancellations must be made in the portal by 2 pm the previous business day.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing, under slab, monolithic slab, foundation, floodplain under construction, rough-in, framing, and final inspections.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Brunswick County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC? ▸
Required for work regulated by the county building program and applicable municipal inspection authorities.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $100 building minimum. Fees are calculated as: New residential construction is Sq. Ft. x ICC Chart Value x .004. Remodel or renovation is Gross Sq. Ft. x $60 per Sq. Ft. x .0045. Commercial formulas vary by occupancy and size..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property is in Brunswick County and identify whether county or municipal inspection authority applies. 2. Create or log into the Brunswick County permit portal. 3. Submit the permit application, plans, and supporting information through the portal or county forms. 4. Respond to review comments and provide any requested corrections or approvals. 5. Pay required fees and obtain permit issuance before starting work. 6. Schedule and complete inspections through the portal.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC. The following work is generally exempt: Nonstructural work under $40,000 in a single-family residence; Farm buildings outside the jurisdiction or municipality; Residential accessory buildings where no dimension exceeds 12 feet; Replacement of windows, doors, and exterior siding in residential structures; Replacement of pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of residential porches and exterior decks. Note: Confirm edge cases with Brunswick County Code Administration before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Brunswick County, NC via: Brunswick County Permit Portal. Inspection cancellations must be made in the portal by 2 pm the previous business day..
last verified April 2026
source Brunswick County Code Administration ↗
entry id permits/north-carolina/brunswick/brunswick-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Brunswick County Code Administration before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.