Columbus County, NC — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Columbus County Building Inspections

Street address

127 W. Webster St, Whiteville, NC 28472

Phone

910-640-6619

inspections@columbusco.org

Coverage

Unincorporated Columbus County and county-administered building permits.

Online portal

SmartGov NC Public Portal

SmartGov

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Columbus County

Columbus County publishes permits for multiple classes of construction including residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, manufactured home, solar, signs, and more.

Note: The building permit scope does not include separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, or other permits that may also be required.

Required documents

County permit packet
Address slip
Project-specific supporting documents
Deed
Legal description
Site control documentation where required

Building code: 2018 North Carolina State Building Codes
Contractor requirements: Projects valued at $40,000 or more require compliance with North Carolina statewide general contractor licensing rules.

Source: Columbus County Building Inspections ↗

§ 03

Application process

Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final

01

Start with the county permit packet and county permitting portal.
02

For new single-family homes, print and complete the Single Family Home Packet and supporting forms.
03

Prepare required documents, including the address slip and project-specific supporting documents.
04

Ensure all required taxes are paid before a building permit is issued.
05

Submit the permit application to Columbus County Building Inspections for review.

Source: Columbus County Building Inspections ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Columbus County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Plan check fee

Commercial work plan check/plan review is listed as $100.

Permit fee formula

Residential and commercial fees are largely square-foot or project-type based. Residential examples include $0.47/sq ft for single family and $0.65/sq ft for duplex/apartment new. Plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and other permits use separate formulas.

Reinspection fee

Initial reinspection $75 with each additional reinspection $50.

Penalty (no permit)

Work started without a permit is charged double. Occupying without a certificate of occupancy incurs $50/day for the first 5 days and $150/day after 5 days.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

910-640-6619 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: No permits are issued after 4:00 PM.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical sequence: Permit issuance precedes inspections. Separate trade permits are required where applicable. Wall sheathing inspection is required in this high-wind zone.

After-hours inspections are charged separately.

Source: Columbus County Building Inspections ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Columbus County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Columbus County, NC? ▸

Columbus County publishes permits for multiple classes of construction including residential, commercial, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, insulation, manufactured home, solar, signs, and more.

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Columbus County, NC? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated Columbus County, NC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Residential and commercial fees are largely square-foot or project-type based. Residential examples include $0.47/sq ft for single family and $0.65/sq ft for duplex/apartment new. Plumbing, mechanical, electrical, and other permits use separate formulas.. Plan check fee: Commercial work plan check/plan review is listed as $100..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Columbus County, NC? ▸

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Columbus County, NC, follow these steps: 1. Start with the county permit packet and county permitting portal. 2. For new single-family homes, print and complete the Single Family Home Packet and supporting forms. 3. Prepare required documents, including the address slip and project-specific supporting documents. 4. Ensure all required taxes are paid before a building permit is issued. 5. Submit the permit application to Columbus County Building Inspections for review.

04 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Columbus County, NC? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Columbus County, NC via: 910-640-6619. No permits are issued after 4:00 PM..

last verified April 2026 source Columbus County Building Inspections ↗ entry id permits/north-carolina/columbus/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Columbus County Building Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.