Unincorporated Yancey County

County page states permits are required for additions, remodeling that affects structural portions, electrical plumbing heating and cooling changes except normal repairs, and all new structures including houses, garages, and shops, except small storage buildings that do not exceed 12 feet in any dimension.

• Exempt County page says normal repairs to electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems do not require a permit.
• Exempt County page says small storage buildings that do not exceed 12 feet in any dimension are excluded from the residential permit list.
• Exempt County checklist notes the county has no zoning ordinance in its jurisdiction.

Building code

County pages do not publish a separate county code adoption. County inspections administer the North Carolina mandated building codes. Practically, this means the statewide NC code in force locally.

Owner-builder

County publishes an owner exemption affidavit. It states the owner must personally superintend and manage construction, be on site regularly, be present for inspections, and occupy the building for 12 months after completion and not offer it for rent, lease, or sale during that period.

Contractor requirements

The county directs applicants to verify licensed contractors through the NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. For projects at or above the state threshold, a NC licensed general contractor is required under state law.

1. 01
   Confirm the project is in county jurisdiction, not Burnsville limits.
2. 02
   If the site is in a mapped flood hazard area or watershed, obtain floodplain and or watershed permits first.
3. 03
   If a new well or septic system is needed, obtain those approvals from Yancey County Health Department Environmental Health.
4. 04
   Obtain an E911 address from the county addressing department.
5. 05
   Submit the building permit application with proof of septic approval, address, and flood or watershed permits if applicable.
6. 06
   County staff review the submittal and issue the permit once required approvals are in place.

• By phone at 828-682-7833. (phone)

Typical sequence: County inspection guidance lists footing, under-slab, steel in wall, foundation, framing, rough-in trades, insulation, fire protection, temporary power, and final inspection / CO.

The county guidance says the permit holder or agent must notify the inspections office when work is ready. Final CO is issued only after applicable trade approvals and other local requirements are complete.