Camden County, NC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Countywide building permit and inspection authority for Camden County under the county unified government.

Department

Planning and Building Department, Building and Inspections Department

Address

133 US Hwy 158 W, Ste B, Camden, NC 27921

Phone

252-338-1919 ext. 235

Email

permits@camdencountync.gov

Website

https://www.camdencountync.gov/231/Building-Permits-Inspections

Application Process

1. Select the permit type from the county Building Permits and Inspections pages and download the linked fillable PDF application and any required supplemental forms.
2. Complete the permit application and required attachments, which may include site plans, building plans, septic approval, elevation certificate, trade affidavits, fill permit forms, or other permit-specific documents.
3. Submit the complete packet by email to permits@camdencountync.gov, or deliver or mail it to 133 US Hwy 158 W, Ste B, Camden, NC 27921.
4. County staff review the complete packet; the county states processing takes 10 to 15 days after the complete application packet is received.
5. If approved, permit fees are due at issuance; the county states all building permit fees must be paid in full at issuance and no permit is issued without payment.
6. Work may begin only after permit issuance and any required preconstruction conditions are met.

Typical processing time: 10 to 15 days after the complete application packet is received

Source: Planning and Building Department, Building and Inspections Department

General Requirements

Permit required when work falls under the NC State Building Code and local permit rules; county pages specifically flag mechanical, plumbing, electrical, gas, demolition, additions, decks, porches, pools, signs, fill, and similar work types.

Required Documents

• Application packet
• Site plans
• Building plans
• Septic approval
• Elevation certificate
• Trade affidavits
• Fill permit forms
• Other permit-specific documents

Permit validity

No permit is issued without payment, and no refund after issue was identified in the county research.

Building code

North Carolina State Building Code; county materials cite the 2018 North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies for enforcement, and OSFM states the 2018 NC Codes remain currently effective while the 2024 code implementation is delayed.

Owner-builder

For new single-family dwelling applications, Appendix F is used only if the owner is acting as general contractor and is unlicensed.

Contractor requirements

Trade affidavits are required for listed subcontractors, and the county notes permits should identify the subcontractors and their license information; the fill permit form states applications must be signed by the owner of record, contract purchaser, or another person with a recognized property interest.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Residential new single-family dwelling: $0.25 per sq. ft. over 400 sq. ft.; residential additions: $0.37 per sq. ft. over 405 sq. ft.; residential alterations/renovations: $0.25 per sq. ft. over 400 sq. ft.; commercial new construction/additions: $0.60 per sq. ft.; commercial alterations/repairs/improvements: $0.30 per sq. ft.; commercial detached accessory buildings: $0.50 per sq. ft.; commercial projects not otherwise classified: up to $5,000 gross cost is $100, over $5,000 is $20 per $1,000 gross cost.

Trade permit fee

Utility trade single permit minimum fee $75; commercial electrical, plumbing, and mechanical minimum fee $100 each per suite.

Reinspection fee

Inspection negligence fee $100; wind turbine reinspection fee $100 each.

Penalty (no permit)

Double permit fee when work is performed without first obtaining and paying for a permit.

Payment note

Building permit fees are due in full at issuance; the county states no permit is issued without payment and no refund after issue.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• A building permit is exempt on a qualifying bona fide farm unless electrical installation is performed.
• A building permit is exempt on a qualifying bona fide farm unless part of the building is used for sleeping quarters.
• A building permit is exempt on a qualifying bona fide farm unless the building is used for business rather than personal use of the farmer and immediate family.
• Fill is exempt for bona fide farm.
• Fill is exempt for single family residence gardening or planting landscaping materials.
• Fill is exempt for placement of underground utilities.
• Fill is exempt for filling or grading by an authorized agency during an emergency.
• Gravel, crushed concrete, and asphalt millings additions to property are treated as a courtesy application with no fee.

Important: The county pages do not present one consolidated exempt-work list; exemptions are distributed across permit forms and the fee schedule.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 252-338-1919 ext. 235 (phone)
• permits@camdencountync.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

All inspections must be scheduled by 3:00 PM the day prior.

Inspection hours

County posts a daily inspection schedule by 5:00 PM for the following day.

Time windows

Inspection times are blocked in 2 hour windows and are estimated only.

Typical inspection sequence: Specific sequence requirements vary by permit type and inspection stage; the county performs inspections in the listed 2 hour windows.

Additional Resources

• Building code: North Carolina State Building Code; county materials cite the 2018 North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies for enforcement, and OSFM states the 2018 NC Codes remain currently effective while the 2024 code implementation is delayed.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Unified Development Ordinance
• Land use applications
• Code enforcement
• Stormwater fee page
• NC codes and amendments
• License lookup guide: North Carolina Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: North Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• North Carolina hub: North Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Camden County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Camden County, NC?

Permit required when work falls under the NC State Building Code and local permit rules; county pages specifically flag mechanical, plumbing, electrical, gas, demolition, additions, decks, porches, pools, signs, fill, and similar work types.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Camden County, NC?

Fees are calculated as: Residential new single-family dwelling: $0.25 per sq. ft. over 400 sq. ft.; residential additions: $0.37 per sq. ft. over 405 sq. ft.; residential alterations/renovations: $0.25 per sq. ft. over 400 sq. ft.; commercial new construction/additions: $0.60 per sq. ft.; commercial alterations/repairs/improvements: $0.30 per sq. ft.; commercial detached accessory buildings: $0.50 per sq. ft.; commercial projects not otherwise classified: up to $5,000 gross cost is $100, over $5,000 is $20 per $1,000 gross cost..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Camden County, NC?

1. Select the permit type from the county Building Permits and Inspections pages and download the linked fillable PDF application and any required supplemental forms. 2. Complete the permit application and required attachments, which may include site plans, building plans, septic approval, elevation certificate, trade affidavits, fill permit forms, or other permit-specific documents. 3. Submit the complete packet by email to permits@camdencountync.gov, or deliver or mail it to 133 US Hwy 158 W, Ste B, Camden, NC 27921. 4. County staff review the complete packet; the county states processing takes 10 to 15 days after the complete application packet is received. 5. If approved, permit fees are due at issuance; the county states all building permit fees must be paid in full at issuance and no permit is issued without payment. 6. Work may begin only after permit issuance and any required preconstruction conditions are met.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Camden County, NC?

Typical processing time is 10 to 15 days after the complete application packet is received.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Camden County, NC?

The following work is generally exempt: A building permit is exempt on a qualifying bona fide farm unless electrical installation is performed.; A building permit is exempt on a qualifying bona fide farm unless part of the building is used for sleeping quarters.; A building permit is exempt on a qualifying bona fide farm unless the building is used for business rather than personal use of the farmer and immediate family.; Fill is exempt for bona fide farm.; Fill is exempt for single family residence gardening or planting landscaping materials.; Fill is exempt for placement of underground utilities.; Fill is exempt for filling or grading by an authorized agency during an emergency.; Gravel, crushed concrete, and asphalt millings additions to property are treated as a courtesy application with no fee.. Note: The county pages do not present one consolidated exempt-work list; exemptions are distributed across permit forms and the fee schedule.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Camden County, NC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 252-338-1919 ext. 235, permits@camdencountync.gov. All inspections must be scheduled by 3:00 PM the day prior..