City of Kannapolis

City zoning permit, driveway permit, erosion control permit, utility applications, and county building permit are required for a new residence.

Note: Permit triggers should be confirmed with Kannapolis Planning because the city packet is application-focused rather than exemption-focused.

Building code

2018 North Carolina State Building Code with state amendments

Owner-builder

County homeowner and owner exemption forms apply where the owner is acting under the owner-builder exemption.

Contractor requirements

NC general contractor license required at $40,000 and above; electrical contractors must be state-licensed.

1. 01
   Request water/sewer verification or septic/well approvals as applicable.
2. 02
   Assemble the city-required submittal package, including plot plan and required city permit applications.
3. 03
   Submit digital documents through Accela Citizen Access as a Plan Review, Building record.
4. 04
   Pay all applicable city fees before permit issuance.
5. 05
   Submit plans to Cabarrus County to obtain the building permit.
6. 06
   During construction, request engineering and county inspections through Accela.

Typical processing time: Utility verification response within 3 working business days. County review timing depends on county review workload.

Source: City of Kannapolis Planning Department; Cabarrus County Construction Standards ↗

All applicable fees per current city fee schedule must be paid before permit issuance. Water and Sewer Authority system development fees are collected by the county.

• Accela Citizen Access (online)

Inspection hours

7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical sequence: Kannapolis Engineering packet lists driveway pipe review, driveway/sidewalk review, drainage review, and water/sewer review; county trade inspections are also required before final utility meter setting.