On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cabarrus County
County zoning permits are required for many residential development projects, and county building permits are required for construction activity under the NC State Building Code. Zoning permits are required for items such as sheds, carports, garages, gazebos, and pools.
- Exempt Fence permit from zoning is not required
- Exempt RV occupancy on a residential lot is not permitted as a substitute for a permitted dwelling
Note: Other building-code exemptions should be confirmed with Construction Standards for specific scopes.
- Plot plan or diagram for residential zoning permit submissions
- Plan review PDFs
- Building and trade permit documents
- Lien forms for projects of $30,000 or more
- Septic/zoning materials as applicable
- Homeowner packet or owner exemption materials where relevant
- Building code
- 2018 North Carolina State Building Code with state amendments
- Owner-builder
- County publishes homeowner permit package, electrical-permit homeowner guidance, non-licensed general contractor form, and owner exemption affidavit form.
- Contractor requirements
- NC general contractor license required at $40,000 and above; electrical contractors must be state-licensed.
Source: Cabarrus County Construction Standards; Cabarrus County Planning, Zoning Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Residential plan reviews may take 5 to 7 business days, depending on zoning; commercial reviews 3 to 5 weeks, depending on zoning.
- 01 Confirm zoning permit requirements with the Cabarrus County Zoning Division.
- 02 Assemble plot plan and supporting zoning materials for county zoning permit review.
- 03 For building permits or new residential/commercial work, create an Accela account and start the proper plan review or permit record.
- 04 Upload plans and required PDF documents, including permit forms, lien documents where required, and zoning documents.
- 05 Finish the digital plan room submission and wait for review comments.
- 06 Pay fees, obtain permit issuance, and schedule inspections through Accela or county inspection tools.
Typical processing time: Residential plan reviews may take 5 to 7 business days, depending on zoning; commercial reviews 3 to 5 weeks, depending on zoning.
Source: Cabarrus County Construction Standards; Cabarrus County Planning, Zoning Division ↗
Fee schedule
Cabarrus County building permit fees
Accela supports online payment. Water and Sewer Authority system development fees are handled separately through WSACC where applicable.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Accela Citizen Access (online)
- 704-920-2100 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Source: Cabarrus County Construction Standards; Cabarrus County Planning, Zoning Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Cabarrus County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Cabarrus County, NC? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Cabarrus County, NC? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Cabarrus County, NC? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Cabarrus County, NC? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Cabarrus County, NC? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Cabarrus County, NC? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Cabarrus County Construction Standards; Cabarrus County Planning, Zoning Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.