Buncombe County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Buncombe County provides building inspections and permitting services for all unincorporated areas of Buncombe County.

Department

Buncombe County Permits and Inspections

Address

30 Valley Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Phone

(828) 250-5360

Email

permits.inspections@buncombecounty.org

Website

https://www.buncombenc.gov/425/Permits-Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Check parcel zoning and overlays and determine whether a zoning permit or site plan review is needed.
2. Register an account in the Buncombe County Development, Permits, and License Portal.
3. Submit the correct building, trade, or site-related application with plans and supporting forms.
4. Respond to review comments and upload revisions as requested.
5. Pay county fees when the permit is approved for issuance.
6. Post the permit card and keep approved plans on site.
7. Schedule required inspections online through the county portal.

Source: Buncombe County Permits and Inspections

General Requirements

County permits are required for construction regulated by the NC State Building Code in unincorporated Buncombe County. County zoning permits are also required for many parcels with zoning districts or overlays.

Required Documents

• County application forms
• Plans
• Site materials
• Owner-builder forms
• Contractor information
• Specialized support documents for temporary utilities, contractor changes, fire marshal review, or planning clearance

Permit validity

Default state permit expiration rules apply unless the county issues a project-specific condition otherwise.

Building code

2018 North Carolina State Building Code family with state amendments currently in force.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders must comply with NC exemption and affidavit requirements.

Contractor requirements

State contractor licensing rules apply, including general contractor licensing at the current NC threshold and state electrical licensing.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential and commercial trade permits $80; many residential building permit categories start at $150.

Plan check fee

Included as separate review lines in the county fee schedule depending on permit type.

Permit fee formula

Mixed flat, valuation-based, and square-foot-based schedule.

Reinspection fee

Work without permit is double current permit fee; failure to post approved plans is $150 per instance; extra inspection trip and other penalty fees are listed in the county schedule.

Payment note

Payments are handled through the county portal and customer service once applications are approved.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Limited low-cost work exempt under NCGS 160D-1110 in qualifying one- and two-family dwellings, farm buildings, and some commercial buildings
• Like-kind replacement of windows, doors, siding, deck boards, pickets, railings, and similar finish elements where no structural change occurs
• Certain same-size electrical, plumbing, and water heater replacements by properly licensed contractors when statutory conditions are met

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Buncombe County portal (online)
• Fire Marshal: (828) 250-6620 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Footing, under-slab, steel-in-wall, foundation, rough-in, framing, insulation, fire protection where applicable, and finals.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2018 North Carolina State Building Code family with state amendments currently in force.
• Verify contractor license: NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Buncombe County Online Permits Portal
• Permits and Inspections
• Portal Registration Information
• Development Mapper
• License lookup guide: North Carolina Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: North Carolina Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• North Carolina hub: North Carolina Contractor License & Permit Hub