Locate Brunswick County Building Permits

If you're looking to obtain a building permit in Brunswick County, North Carolina, you'll need to determine whether your project requires one. Building permits are necessary for various construction-related activities, such as locating, erecting, enlarging, or altering a structure. The county provides a helpful list of scenarios that do and do not require a building permit. Once you've determined that you need a permit, you can visit the Brunswick County website to create an account and manage your application. The website also offers resources such as permit reports, which provide data on past and present permits, and information on other types of permits, like zoning development, environmental health, and fire permits.

When are building permits required?

Building permits are required for most construction or remodelling projects. Their purpose is to ensure the safety of the work and compliance with building, construction, and zoning codes, for both the homeowners' personal safety and public safety.

In Brunswick County, NC, a building permit is required for the following:

• Locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, demolishing, relocating, or changing the occupancy of a structure.
• Installing, extending, relocating, replacing, or performing general repairs of a plumbing system.
• Installing, extending, relocating, replacing, or performing general repairs of a heating, air-conditioning, or venting system.

A building permit is not required in Brunswick County, NC, for the following:

• Non-structural work where the cost is less than $15,000 in any single-family residence.
• Farm buildings outside the jurisdiction or municipality.
• Residential building structures (other than decks and gazebos) where no dimension exceeds 12 feet.
• The replacement of windows, doors, and exterior siding in residential structures.
• The replacement of pickets, railings, star treads, and decking of residential porches and exterior decks.

In addition to building permits, there are also electrical and plumbing permits that may be required, depending on the scope of the project. For example, an electrical permit is required for any installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment. A plumbing permit may be necessary for installing, extending, relocating, replacing, or performing general repairs to a plumbing system.

It is important to note that each municipality has its own building code with unique permitting requirements. Therefore, it is essential to consult the local building and permit office to determine the specific permits needed for a project in Brunswick County, NC.

When are electrical permits required?

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, an electrical permit is required for the installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of any electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment. This includes work such as fixing a busted outlet, adding extra light switches, or installing a new lighting system.

Electrical permits are not required for the repair or replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices, such as receptacles and light switches, in one- or two-family dwelling units, provided that the work is performed by a licensed professional and the voltage and amperage remain the same or are reduced.

To secure an electrical permit, you must contact the local building department in your area. While it is possible to obtain a permit without the assistance of a professional, it is recommended that you work with a certified professional who is familiar with the process.

In addition to electrical permits, Brunswick County also requires building permits for certain types of construction projects. A building permit is necessary when locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, demolishing, relocating, or changing the occupancy of a structure. However, there are some exemptions, such as non-structural work with a cost of less than $15,000 in a single-family residence, farm buildings outside the municipality's jurisdiction, and residential structures where no dimension exceeds 12 feet.

When are plumbing permits required?

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, a plumbing permit is required for the installation, extension, relocation, replacement, or general repair of any plumbing system. This includes manufactured homes, which must adhere to the NC Residential Plumbing Code 2018.

A plumbing permit is not necessary for minor repairs or replacements of plumbing fixtures, provided these repairs do not disrupt the original water supply, waste, or ventilation system. For example, a permit is not required for the replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices if the work is carried out by a licensed professional and adheres to the relevant building code.

In the case of wastewater permitting, there are several options for applicants to obtain the necessary permits. One option is to submit a Brunswick County Improvement Permit Application to the Brunswick County Environmental Health Services (BCHS). Another option is to work with a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) and a Licensed Soil Scientist (LSS) or Licensed Soil Geologist (LG) to complete the common form for the Engineered Option Permit. A third option is to work with a Licensed Soil Scientist or Licensed Soil Geologist certified by the North Carolina Septic Tank Association as an Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) and submit the relevant common form.

For public swimming pools, a permit is required for construction and operation, and this must be obtained from the local health department. There are two types of permits: Seasonal Pool Permits, which are valid from April 1 to October 31, and Year-Round Pool Permits, which are valid for one year from the date of issue. All public swimming pools must have a certified pool operator (CPO) to monitor and document compliance with safety and sanitation standards.

When are mechanical/HVAC permits required?

A Mechanical/HVAC permit is required for any work related to the installation, extension, relocation, replacement, or general repair of heating, air-conditioning, or venting systems. This includes work on equipment such as HVAC units, dryer vent ducts, ductwork, and line sets.

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, a Mechanical/HVAC permit is necessary for the following scenarios:

• Installation of new HVAC equipment: When installing any new heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system, a permit is required to ensure compliance with local codes and regulations.
• Extension of existing systems: If you are extending or adding to your current heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system, a permit is necessary to ensure that the extension meets local codes.
• Relocation of HVAC equipment: Moving HVAC equipment to a new location within a building or to a different site requires a permit to ensure proper installation and compliance with local codes.
• Replacement of HVAC systems: Upgrading or replacing an old heating, ventilation, or air conditioning system with a new one necessitates a permit to ensure the safe removal of the old system and the proper installation of the new one.
• General repairs and maintenance: Any significant repairs or maintenance work on HVAC systems requires a permit to ensure that the work is performed correctly and complies with safety standards.

It is important to note that specific requirements and regulations may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the nature of the project. Therefore, it is always advisable to consult with local authorities or a licensed contractor to confirm the exact permit requirements for your particular situation.

How to apply for a burning permit

To apply for a burning permit in Brunswick County, NC, you must first determine whether a burn ban is in effect. When weather or other conditions make controlled burns dangerous, the North Carolina Forest Service or local authorities may issue a burn ban or burning restrictions. You can check the Brunswick County website or contact the Fire Marshal's Office to inquire about any current burn bans.

If no burn ban is in effect, you can proceed with the application process for a burning permit. The Brunswick County website provides information on how to apply for a burning permit, including relevant forms and contact information. You may need to create an account on the Brunswick County website to access certain features and services related to permit applications.

The North Carolina Forest Service issues burn permits, and you can find the application on their website. You will need to select your county and follow the instructions to complete the application process. It is important to carefully review the permitting procedures and regulations to ensure compliance and avoid any fines for illegal burning.

Additionally, Brunswick County is considered a “High Hazard” county, which may require special provisions and restrictions for burning activities. If your burn is for land-clearing purposes and involves more than five acres, you will need to obtain a special permit that is not available online.

For further information, you can contact the North Carolina Forest Service - Brunswick County Ranger or refer to the Brunswick County website's FAQs section on burn bans and open burning.

Frequently asked questions