Scotland County, NC - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Scotland County unincorporated area only; county page states that property inside municipalities must obtain zoning permits from the municipality instead

Department

Scotland County Inspection Department

Address

517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352

Phone

910-277-2415

Website

https://www.scotlandcounty.org/438/General-Information-Inspections

Application Process

1. Confirm zoning and environmental health prerequisites before the permit is issued.
2. For county property not inside a municipality, obtain the zoning permit from the county Inspection Office.
3. Provide deed, plat, and PIN number for the zoning permit, unless the property is in an approved subdivision and no plat is needed.
4. Submit 2 sets of plans in 14 x 17 format with the building permit application.
5. County page says drawings can be prepared by anyone if the project is less than 2,500 square feet, less than $90,000 in value, or residential.
6. County inspection staff review the application and plans.
7. No inspection work is done until all permits for the proposed construction are obtained.

General Requirements

county page says no person may erect, construct, enlarge, install, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, or demolish a building or structure system without first obtaining a permit from the Inspection Department.

Required Documents

• environmental health improvement permit for water and sewer systems where applicable; zoning permit; deed, plat, and PIN number; 2 sets of plans.

Building code

county page defers to the North Carolina State Building Code

Contractor requirements

county page does not state the contractor rules, but North Carolina requires a licensed general contractor for projects of $40,000 or more, per the user brief

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$10 permit recovery fee for all residential and contractor permits

Plan check fee

Not separately published on the county fee schedule

Reinspection fee

$30 first extra trip, $40 second extra trip, $60 third extra trip

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Use the NC State Building Code and state exemption rules for final determination

Inspections

How to Schedule

Additional Resources

• Building code: county page defers to the North Carolina State Building Code
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Fee schedule
• Inspections staff directory
• 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

Scotland County Building Permit FAQ

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

county page says no person may erect, construct, enlarge, install, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, or demolish a building or structure system without first obtaining a permit from the Inspection Department.

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

The minimum permit fee is $10 permit recovery fee for all residential and contractor permits. Plan check fee: Not separately published on the county fee schedule.

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

1. Confirm zoning and environmental health prerequisites before the permit is issued. 2. For county property not inside a municipality, obtain the zoning permit from the county Inspection Office. 3. Provide deed, plat, and PIN number for the zoning permit, unless the property is in an approved subdivision and no plat is needed. 4. Submit 2 sets of plans in 14 x 17 format with the building permit application. 5. County page says drawings can be prepared by anyone if the project is less than 2,500 square feet, less than $90,000 in value, or residential. 6. County inspection staff review the application and plans. 7. No inspection work is done until all permits for the proposed construction are obtained.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Use the NC State Building Code and state exemption rules for final determination.