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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Franklin County
County permits are required for construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement, removal, demolition, and covered plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work under G.S. 160D-1110 unless the project qualifies for a statutory exemption.
Like-kind construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration costing $40,000 or less in a single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building when the work does not involve load-bearing changes, plumbing design changes, HVAC or electrical redesign beyond statutory like-kind replacement, prohibited materials, added roofing, or Fire Code work
Replacement of windows, doors, exterior siding, and the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks under the statutory exemption conditions
Specific same-location, same-or-less-capacity replacement water heater connections in one- and two-family dwellings meeting G.S. 160D-1110
Like-kind repair or replacement of lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches, and similar devices in one- and two-family dwellings by a properly licensed electrical contractor under G.S. 160D-1110
- Exempt Like-kind construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration costing $40,000 or less in a single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building when the work does not involve load-bearing changes, plumbing design changes, HVAC or electrical redesign beyond statutory like-kind replacement, prohibited materials, added roofing, or Fire Code work
- Exempt Replacement of windows, doors, exterior siding, and the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks under the statutory exemption conditions
- Exempt Specific same-location, same-or-less-capacity replacement water heater connections in one- and two-family dwellings meeting G.S. 160D-1110
- Exempt Like-kind repair or replacement of lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches, and similar devices in one- and two-family dwellings by a properly licensed electrical contractor under G.S. 160D-1110
Required documents
- County portal applications by permit type
- Project plans, trade information, zoning materials, septic or well information, and affidavits or licensure proof where applicable
- Building code
- 2018 North Carolina State Building Code family with current state amendments
- Owner-builder
- Owners claiming exemption from general contractor licensure at the $40,000 threshold must execute the affidavit required by G.S. 87-14 and be personally present for required inspections unless sealed plans are used.
- Contractor requirements
- NC general contractor license generally required at $40,000 and above unless exempt; county cannot issue covered permits without proof of licensure or exemption under G.S. 87-14.
§ 03
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm zoning and planning requirements with Franklin County Planning for the parcel and project scope.
- 02 If applicable, submit zoning or planning applications and pay current planning fees.
- 03 Create or log into the county OpenGov portal and choose the correct application type for building permit, electrical/HVAC/plumbing, zoning permit, septic/well, or fire inspection.
- 04 Upload plans and supporting materials, including any required zoning approvals, site plans, or other supporting documents.
- 05 Wait for review, address any corrections, pay fees, and receive permit issuance.
- 06 Request inspections through the portal and track inspection history and comments online until final approval.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Franklin County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30 for some planning approvals and $65 for many county miscellaneous residential trade permits
02
Plan check fee
$30 residential accessory plan review; $55 residential plan review; $105 per trade commercial plan review
03
Permit fee formula
Residential new homes are square-foot based, modular and manufactured housing fees are flat by type, accessory structures use square-foot formulas, many trade permits are flat or cost-based, and commercial permits use cost-of-construction formulas
04
Trade permit fee
$65 minimum for many miscellaneous residential trade permits
05
Reinspection fee
$65 second inspection, $125 third inspection, $225 fourth inspection and over, $65 late cancellation fee
06
Penalty (no permit)
Building without permit is original permit fee x 2 plus zoning plus plan review fee
County notes that fees must be paid before inspection can be scheduled
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- OpenGov Portal (online)
Typical sequence: Permit issuance, staged trade and building inspections, corrections if needed, final inspection and closeout.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Franklin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NC? ▸
County permits are required for construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement, removal, demolition, and covered plumbing, HVAC, and electrical work under G.S. 160D-1110 unless the project qualifies for a statutory exemption.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Franklin County, NC? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Franklin County, NC are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $30 for some planning approvals and $65 for many county miscellaneous residential trade permits. Fees are calculated as: Residential new homes are square-foot based, modular and manufactured housing fees are flat by type, accessory structures use square-foot formulas, many trade permits are flat or cost-based, and commercial permits use cost-of-construction formulas. Plan check fee: $30 residential accessory plan review; $55 residential plan review; $105 per trade commercial plan review.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NC? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NC, follow these steps: 1. Confirm zoning and planning requirements with Franklin County Planning for the parcel and project scope. 2. If applicable, submit zoning or planning applications and pay current planning fees. 3. Create or log into the county OpenGov portal and choose the correct application type for building permit, electrical/HVAC/plumbing, zoning permit, septic/well, or fire inspection. 4. Upload plans and supporting materials, including any required zoning approvals, site plans, or other supporting documents. 5. Wait for review, address any corrections, pay fees, and receive permit issuance. 6. Request inspections through the portal and track inspection history and comments online until final approval.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Franklin County, NC? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Franklin County, NC. The following work is generally exempt: Like-kind construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration costing $40,000 or less in a single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building when the work does not involve load-bearing changes, plumbing design changes, HVAC or electrical redesign beyond statutory like-kind replacement, prohibited materials, added roofing, or Fire Code work; Replacement of windows, doors, exterior siding, and the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks under the statutory exemption conditions; Specific same-location, same-or-less-capacity replacement water heater connections in one- and two-family dwellings meeting G.S. 160D-1110; Like-kind repair or replacement of lighting fixtures, receptacles, switches, and similar devices in one- and two-family dwellings by a properly licensed electrical contractor under G.S. 160D-1110. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, NC? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, NC via: OpenGov Portal.
last verified April 2026
source Franklin County Planning and Inspections ↗
entry id permits/north-carolina/franklin/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Franklin County Planning and Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.