Building Permits: Brunswick County Nc Cities

If you are planning construction work in Brunswick County, NC, you may need a building permit. A building permit is required for locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, demolishing, relocating, or changing the occupancy of a structure. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, including non-structural work costing less than $15,000 in a single-family residence, residential buildings where no dimension exceeds 12 feet (excluding decks and gazebos), and farm buildings outside the jurisdiction. In addition to building permits, Brunswick County also offers permits for plumbing, electrical work, mechanical/HVAC installation and repair, and zoning development.

When are building permits required?

In Brunswick County, NC, a building permit is required when an individual or corporation is locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, demolishing, relocating, or changing the occupancy of a structure. This includes most types of renovations, additions, or general home improvements. For example, you will need a permit for finishing a basement or attic, kitchen and bathroom renovations that involve altering or moving services for sinks, refrigerators, ovens or stoves, building or replacing a deck, and installing a pool, among other things.

Building permits are not required for non-structural work that costs less than $15,000 in any single-family residence, farm buildings outside the jurisdiction or municipality, and residential building structures (other than decks and gazebos) where no dimension exceeds 12 feet. You also don't need a permit for replacing windows, doors, and exterior siding in residential structures, or for replacing the pickets, railings, star treads, and decking of residential porches and exterior decks.

It's important to note that sometimes a zoning permit is required before a building permit can be requested and issued. This is because all land development projects require a review of the project and permit(s)/approval(s). The purpose of the Development Permit is to guide the applicant in carrying out their improvement plans and avoid potential problems by ensuring that the appropriate approvals are obtained efficiently and effectively.

When are building permits not required?

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, building permits are not required for the following:

• Nonstructural 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.
• Repair or replacement of any amount of existing roof covering on detached one- or two-family dwellings.
• Repair or replacement of any existing siding except polypropylene siding.
• Interior and exterior painting, wallpapering, paneling, and replacement of trim or moldings.
• Replacement of kitchen cabinets, flooring, or carpet.
• Repair of an uncovered porch or stoop, and repairs to existing steps or stairs.
• Replacement of screens, leaders, or gutters.
• Ordinary plumbing maintenance, including faucet repair or replacement, trap repair or replacement, replacement of shower valves with minor piping modification, and replacement of hose bibs with an approved atmospheric vacuum breaker.
• Ordinary electrical maintenance, including replacement of non-GFI receptacles, switches, and lighting fixtures that do not require emergency battery packs. Installation and repair of doorbells, replacement of thermostats, and repairs or installations of telephone or cable lines are also exempt.
• Ordinary fire protection maintenance, including the repair or replacement of smoke detectors, smoke alarms, or heat detector heads with a like device, and the installation of battery-operated or plug-in smoke detectors or carbon monoxide detectors.

It is important to note that this list pertains specifically to building permits and does not include non-building permits that other departments may require, such as zoning permits. Additionally, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical/HVAC permits may be required for certain types of work.

Electrical permits

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. However, an electrical permit is not mandatory if a one- or two-family dwelling unit needs a repair or replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices, such as receptacles and light switches, provided that the voltage and amperage remain the same or decrease, and the work is carried out by a person licensed under G.S. 87-43.

For all other electrical work, including installations, construction, maintenance, or repairs involving electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment, a licensed electrical contractor is required. Homeowners in Brunswick County are permitted to perform their own electrical work, but only if they own the land and intend to personally occupy the structure.

To apply for an electrical permit in Brunswick County, NC, individuals can visit the Brunswick County website to create an account and manage notification subscriptions and form progress. While specific details regarding the electrical permit application process are not readily available, the website provides contact information for scheduling inspections and requesting information.

It is important to note that electrical permits are distinct from building permits, which are required for significant structural changes to a property, such as locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, or demolishing a building. Building permits are also managed by Brunswick County, but the requirements may vary depending on the jurisdiction or municipality. Therefore, it is advisable to consult the Brunswick County website or local authorities for detailed information on electrical and building permit requirements and application procedures.

Plumbing permits

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, a plumbing permit is required for the installation, extension, relocation, replacement, or general repair of any plumbing system. However, a plumbing permit is not necessary for minor repairs or replacements of plumbing fixtures, as long as these repairs do not disrupt the original water supply, waste, or ventilation system.

For example, a permit is not required for the replacement of water heaters in one- or two-family dwellings, as long as the energy-use rate or thermal input is not greater than that of the water heater being replaced, and there is no change in fuel, energy source, location, routing, or sizing of venting and piping. Additionally, the work must be performed by a licensed plumbing contractor and installed in accordance with the North Carolina State Building Code.

Homeowners in Brunswick County are permitted to perform their own plumbing work if they own the land and will personally occupy the structure. However, a licensed plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor is required to alter, replace, or relocate plumbing or heating and air conditioning systems.

To apply for a plumbing permit, you can visit the Brunswick County website to create an account and manage notification subscriptions and form progress. The website also provides contact information for assistance with the online permitting application.

HVAC permits

In Brunswick County, North Carolina, a Mechanical/HVAC permit is required for the installation, extension, relocation, replacement, and general repair of any heating, air-conditioning, or ventilation system. HVAC permits are distinct from building permits, which are required for the location, erection, construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, relocation, or change of occupancy of a structure.

To apply for an HVAC permit in Brunswick County, NC, you can visit the county's website to create an account and manage notification subscriptions and form progress. The website provides access to the Permit Portal, where you can register and schedule inspections to avoid any delays. The Permit Portal website offers various applications, forms, and documents related to permits.

The HVAC Change-Out Application is specifically mentioned as a permit application related to HVAC permits. This application is available on the Brunswick County, NC website, along with other permit applications such as the Commercial/Residential Application, Septic/Well Permit Application, and Trade Only Application.

It is important to note that HVAC work may require a licensed contractor, depending on the scope and cost of the project. In Brunswick County, NC, a licensed plumbing, heating, and air conditioning contractor is required to alter, replace, or relocate plumbing or heating and air conditioning systems. However, homeowners may perform their own HVAC work if they own the land and will personally occupy the structure.

Additionally, electrical work associated with HVAC systems may require a licensed electrical contractor. A licensed electrical contractor is necessary for all installation, construction, maintenance, or repair of electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment. Again, homeowners are permitted to perform their own electrical work if they own the land and will personally occupy the structure.

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