On this page 5
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Concord
Concord zoning review is required for development subject to city land use controls, and county building permits are required for construction activity regulated by the NC State Building Code.
Note: State-code ordinary repair and exempt-work rules still apply; confirm with Concord Planning and Cabarrus County for project-specific scope.
- Project-specific zoning and development documents required by Concord
- County plan review uploads in PDF
- Building and trade permit forms
- Lien documents for projects of $30,000 or more
- Zoning documentation as applicable
- Building code
- 2018 North Carolina State Building Code with state amendments
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder filings are handled through county homeowner packet or owner exemption affidavit forms.
- Contractor requirements
- NC general contractor license required for projects of $40,000 and above; licensed electrical contractors required for electrical contracting.
Application process
Typical processing: 5 to 7 business days for residential reviews; 3 to 5 weeks for commercial reviews, depending on zoning.
- 01 Confirm project zoning and local development requirements with Concord Planning.
- 02 Prepare city-required zoning and development documents.
- 03 Create or use an Accela Citizen Access account and submit plan review materials through Cabarrus County.
- 04 Upload plans and required PDFs in the county plan room and finish the review step.
- 05 Wait for review comments and respond if needed.
- 06 Pay applicable fees and obtain issued permit.
- 07 Schedule inspections through Accela or county inspection tools during construction.
Typical processing time: 5 to 7 business days for residential reviews; 3 to 5 weeks for commercial reviews, depending on zoning.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Accela Citizen Access (online)
- 704-920-2100 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Frequently asked
Common questions about Concord permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Concord, NC? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Concord, NC? ▸
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Concord, NC? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Concord, NC? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Concord Planning and Neighborhood Development Department; Cabarrus County Construction Standards before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.