How much does a building permit cost in Town of Highlands, NC?

Fees are calculated as: zoning certificate fee is based on construction cost; watershed permit and related fees are referenced, but the numeric schedule was not accessible in the captured text.

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Highlands, NC?

1. Obtain a Town of Highlands zoning certificate before construction or remodeling. 2. Submit site plans and construction plans for town review, including watershed permit materials when applicable. 3. After town zoning clearance, apply to Macon County for the building permit. 4. If septic is involved and the project adds bedrooms or otherwise requires it, obtain the environmental health improvement permit first. 5. Town and county inspections occur during construction and at final completion.

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Highlands, NC?

The following work is generally exempt: The town page does not publish a simple exempt-work list; It does state that a zoning certificate may still be required for work that does not require a Macon/Jackson County building permit; Uncovered decks are identified as pervious in the watershed section, but that is not the same as permit exemption.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Highlands, NC?

Inspections can be scheduled via: the general rule is that the general contractor and subcontractors call for inspections as work progresses; at least 24 .

City Building Permits

Town of Highlands, NC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Highlands, North Carolina. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

North Carolina Macon County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Town of Highlands corporate limits; the town handles zoning certificate and watershed-related review, while Macon County issues the building permit for most projects in town

Department: Town of Highlands Planning & Development Office
Address: Town Hall, 210 N 4th Street, Highlands, NC 28741
Phone: (828) 526-2118
Website: https://www.highlandsnc.org/planning-development/page/zoning-certificates-building-permits-town-highlands and https://www.highlandsnc.org/planning-development/page/residents

Application Process

Obtain a Town of Highlands zoning certificate before construction or remodeling.
Submit site plans and construction plans for town review, including watershed permit materials when applicable.
After town zoning clearance, apply to Macon County for the building permit.
If septic is involved and the project adds bedrooms or otherwise requires it, obtain the environmental health improvement permit first.
Town and county inspections occur during construction and at final completion.

Source: Town of Highlands Planning & Development Office

General Requirements

before any construction or remodeling, a zoning certificate must be obtained; some work that does not require a county building permit may still need a zoning certificate

Required Documents

site plan showing lot size, building location, setbacks, parking, driveways, terrain changes, and culverts; construction plans for the nature of the work; floor plans at minimum for most residences

Building code: Macon County enforces the NC State Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire codes in Highlands; the town separately enforces its UDO and ordinances
Contractor requirements: county building permit and NC licensing rules still apply; the town notes the county reviews for compliance with the NC Building Code

Fees

Permit fee formula: zoning certificate fee is based on construction cost; watershed permit and related fees are referenced, but the numeric schedule was not accessible in the captured text

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

The town page does not publish a simple exempt-work list
It does state that a zoning certificate may still be required for work that does not require a Macon/Jackson County building permit
Uncovered decks are identified as pervious in the watershed section, but that is not the same as permit exemption

Inspections

How to Schedule

the general rule is that the general contractor and subcontractors call for inspections as work progresses; at least 24 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: town zoning certificate and watershed permit first, county building permit second, then town and county inspections; footing inspection is required for all additions and new builds, and final inspection is required before certificate of compliance / occupancy

additional inspections may be required by either the town or county; no C.O. until final town and county inspections are complete

Additional Resources

Building code: Macon County enforces the NC State Building, Plumbing, Electrical, Mechanical, and Fire codes in Highlands; the town separately enforces its UDO and ordinances
Zoning information: View zoning info
License lookup guide: North Carolina Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: North Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
North Carolina hub: North Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Highlands Planning & Development Office before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Highlands Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Highlands, NC?: before any construction or remodeling, a zoning certificate must be obtained; some work that does not require a county building permit may still need a zoning certificate
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Highlands, NC?: Fees are calculated as: zoning certificate fee is based on construction cost; watershed permit and related fees are referenced, but the numeric schedule was not accessible in the captured text.
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Highlands, NC?: 1. Obtain a Town of Highlands zoning certificate before construction or remodeling. 2. Submit site plans and construction plans for town review, including watershed permit materials when applicable. 3. After town zoning clearance, apply to Macon County for the building permit. 4. If septic is involved and the project adds bedrooms or otherwise requires it, obtain the environmental health improvement permit first. 5. Town and county inspections occur during construction and at final completion.
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Highlands, NC?: The following work is generally exempt: The town page does not publish a simple exempt-work list; It does state that a zoning certificate may still be required for work that does not require a Macon/Jackson County building permit; Uncovered decks are identified as pervious in the watershed section, but that is not the same as permit exemption.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Highlands, NC?: Inspections can be scheduled via: the general rule is that the general contractor and subcontractors call for inspections as work progresses; at least 24 .

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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