City of Raleigh

Required for most new construction, additions, structural alterations, trade work, and many site-related improvements regulated by the NC State Building Code and Raleigh development rules.

Note: Minor work exempt from permit follows NC statutory exemptions and Raleigh guidance by project type; confirm on the current Raleigh exempt-work pages before proceeding. Examples commonly treated as exempt under NC law include certain non-structural finish work and ordinary repairs not affecting life safety systems.

Building code

2018 NC State Building Code family with NC amendments

Permit validity

Check project-type rules in portal and Raleigh permit guidance; no single citywide expiration rule was clearly published on the help-center page reviewed

Owner-builder

Owner applicants can apply, but Raleigh still requires code-compliant plans and applicable affidavits/forms; verify owner occupancy and contractor disclosure requirements by permit type.

Contractor requirements

NC general contractor license generally required for projects of $40,000 or more; licensed electrical, plumbing, and mechanical contractors required for those trades.

1. 01
   Confirm zoning, use, and submittal requirements through Raleigh permit pages and project-type guidance.
2. 02
   Create or log into a Permit and Development Portal account.
3. 03
   Start the permit record, enter property and contractor information, and upload plans and supporting documents.
4. 04
   Respond to staff review comments and pay invoiced fees through the portal.
5. 05
   After approval, the permit is issued in the portal; inspections are then scheduled through the same system.

Source: Planning and Development Department, City of Raleigh ↗

Portal accepts credit card payments up to $20,000 and eCheck payments; eCheck payments greater than $95,000 cannot be accepted per portal help center

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• Permit and Development Portal (online)

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/foundation, slab or under-slab trades, framing/rough-ins, insulation, finals, then certificate-related closeout as applicable.