Perquimans County, NC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County building permit and inspection authority for the unincorporated county area; the county page also indicates permits may be coordinated with town zoning letters depending on location

Department

Perquimans County Building Inspector / Inspections Office

Address

P.O. Box 462 / 104 Dobbs Street, Hertford, NC 27944

Phone

(252) 426-8283

Website

https://www.perquimanscountync.gov/departments/building-inspector

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Start with the online permit application portal.
2. Submit the building, electrical, HVAC, or mechanical permit application through the portal.
3. County inspections staff review the submission.
4. After submission, the Inspections Office sets up an appointment for the applicant to come in, sign the permit, and pay fees.
5. If the property is in the county area, a septic approval must be submitted before approval.
6. A zoning letter must be submitted from the Town of Hertford, Town of Winfall, or County Planning Office depending on property location.
7. Permit is issued after the application package is complete and fees are paid.

General Requirements

Required Documents

• At minimum, zoning letter from the applicable zoning authority and septic approval for county-area properties. Additional project-specific drawings or supporting documents may be required depending on permit type.

Building code

North Carolina State Building Code applies. OSFM states the 2018 code remains effective while the 2024 code implementation is delayed.

Contractor requirements

North Carolina general contractor license required for projects valued at $40,000 or more.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Perquimans County Building Inspector / Inspections Office to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Typical inspection sequence: Submit online, then sign and pay in person after the office reviews the application.

Re-inspections are fee-backed; county fee schedule shows a $50 re-inspection charge and a $100 second-negligence charge.

Additional Resources

• Building code: North Carolina State Building Code applies. OSFM states the 2018 code remains effective while the 2024 code implementation is delayed.
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and Zoning
• Zoning complaint form
• Residential zoning permit application
• County zoning ordinance
• Zoning map
• County offices page
• 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

Perquimans County Building Permit FAQ

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

1. Start with the online permit application portal. 2. Submit the building, electrical, HVAC, or mechanical permit application through the portal. 3. County inspections staff review the submission. 4. After submission, the Inspections Office sets up an appointment for the applicant to come in, sign the permit, and pay fees. 5. If the property is in the county area, a septic approval must be submitted before approval. 6. A zoning letter must be submitted from the Town of Hertford, Town of Winfall, or County Planning Office depending on property location. 7. Permit is issued after the application package is complete and fees are paid.