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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cary
Required for new buildings, additions, alterations, accessory structures, and trade work regulated by the NC code and Cary permit rules.
Note: Cary's public permit pages indicate some home improvement projects require permits and others do not; confirm current exempt-work details with the specific project page before work starts. Typical NC exempt categories may include certain cosmetic interior finishes and ordinary repairs that do not affect structure or life safety systems.
- Application
- Full plans drawn to scale
- Site/civil information as applicable
- Contractor information
- Discipline-specific documents listed in Cary submittal guides
- Building code
- 2018 NC State Building Code family with NC amendments; Cary's 2025 commercial guide expressly says plans are reviewed using the 2018 edition
- Owner-builder
- Owner applicants may apply where allowed, but trade and code compliance requirements still apply.
- Contractor requirements
- NC general contractor license generally required at $40,000 or more; licensed trade contractors required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Review the applicable residential or commercial plan-submittal guide and fee estimation guide.
- 02 Prepare complete plans and supporting forms for the project scope.
- 03 Submit the permit package online through Cary's portal.
- 04 Staff reviews for completeness and code compliance; incomplete plans may not be accepted.
- 05 Pay permit and development fees when or before permit issuance.
- 06 Receive permit issuance and schedule inspections.
Fee schedule
Cary building permit fees
Building permit, development, and water/sewer related fees are collected when or before permit issuance
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Cary's permit system (online)
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation, slab/under-slab, rough framing and rough trades, insulation, finals, and closeout.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cary permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cary, NC? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cary, NC? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cary, NC? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cary, NC? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Inspections and Permits Department, Town of Cary before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.