How to get a permit for construction on single-family homes, one- and two-family dwellings, and townhomes. Apartment construction must follow the Non-Residential Permit Process.
Updated: Jun 3, 2024
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All Projects: Required Before Submitting an Application Projects That Don't Need Plans Projects that Require Plans Where + When to Submit Your Paperwork Working without a permit Project Review and Permitting Paying Fees How Long Does it Take to Get a Permit?
If you are starting a construction project and you live in Raleigh, you will likely need a permit for your project. Getting a permit ensures your project will be built safely in accordance with the NC Building Code and Unified Development Ordinance. While construction and home improvement projects require permits, they do not always require plans to be submitted and reviewed by city staff.
Scroll down to learn more about what to consider before you start your project or hire a contractor to perform the work for you.
All Projects: Required Before Submitting an Application
Detailed code review will not begin until application submittals have been deemed complete by customer service staff. It is important that all required information is submitted for a project, and it is the applicant’s responsibility to be informed of the prerequisites below:
- You must be registered in the permit portal before you can manage your project, pay fees, or schedule inspections. Learn more about how to register on ourportal helppage.
- All contractor information (General contractor and sub-contractors) must be entered into the portal when submitting the project.
- If you are a homeowner acting as the contractor for your project, the Owner Exemption Affidavitis required.
- Is your home located in a Historic District or designated as a Raleigh Historic Landmark? If so, you are required to submit aCertificate of Appropriatenessto the Raleigh Historic Development Commission (RHDC). Approval from the RHDC may be required prior to submitting your permit application.
- If your property contains a private well or septic services, approval from Wake County Septic and Wastewater Management is required prior to applying with the City of Raleigh.
- If you have requested a variance, it needs to be approved byBoard of Adjustment.
- The property should have a legally recorded map at theDurhamorWake CountyRegister of Deeds.
- Your property may be subject to Residential Infill Compatibility standards. To learn more, view theResidential Infill Developmentwebpage.
Projects That Don't Need Plans
Projects listed below require a permit but do not require plans.Thislistisnot inclusive of all project work types.If you are planning a project that does not require plans, please complete and submit aResidential Permit Applicationto DowntownDS@raleighnc.govunless otherwise noted below.
| Work Type | Description/Examples |
| Alterations + Repairs | - moving walls |
| Circuits | - electrical service upgrade |
| Fuel Piping | - changing electric to gas |
| Replacements (replacing existing with new) | - water heater replacement NOTE: Installation of new equipment requires a plot plan. |
| Residential Power Turn On | For any single-family dwelling, duplex, or townhome that has been vacant for six months or longer |
Projects that Require Plans
Projects that fall under this category MUST submit a Residential Permit Application along with supporting plans and documentation to DowntownDS@raleighnc.govunless otherwise noted below. All of this information will be reviewed by city staff prior to issuing your permit.
Thislistis not inclusive of all project work types.
| Work Type | Description/Examples | Additional Required Documents |
| Accessory Dwelling Unit | A small, self-contained home that is located on the same lot as a primary dwelling. | View the Building an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) webpage for submittal information. |
| Accessory Structures and Additions | Accessory Structures: Additions: | View the Accessory Structures and Additions webpage for submittal information. |
| Changing Space Inside an Existing Structure | Non-conditioned space to air-conditioned/heated space Uninhabitable to habitable space | Floor plan of an entire floor with changes shown If a new HVAC unit is installed for this purpose, a signed and sealed survey showing existing conditions, and a supplemental drawing showing the purpose of the unit, is required. |
| Decks + Porches | - Covered or screened porches - Decks - Patios - Porticos - Gazebo - Three-season room | Visit the Decks and Patios webpage for submittal information. |
| Demolition | Removal of an existing structure(s). NOTE: Stormwater buffers or tree protection may be required. | Visit the Residential Demolition webpage for more information. |
| Electric Vehicle Charging Station | Electric vehicle charging station | Visit the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation webpage for submittal information. |
| Fences | A zoning permit is required when installing a fence | View the Fences webpage for submittal information. |
| Front Yard Parking Pad | Any parking expansion in the front yard | Visit the Front Yard Parking webpage for submittal information. |
| Home Business | A zoning permit is required to operate a business in your home. | Visit the Home Occupation webpagefor more information. |
| Generator | New or replacement generator | You can apply for a Electrical Generator via our Permit and Development Portal Plot Plan or Survey |
| HVAC | Installation of NEW units | Residential Site Plan Checklist Plot Plan or Survey |
| Manufactured/Mobile Homes | New or Replacing a mobile home(only applicable to mobile home park locations) | Site plan of mobile home park - Sketch of mobile home placement on lot with setback dimensions You can apply for a Mobile (Manufactured) Home Permit via the Permit and Development Portal |
| Moving a House | Moving a home within Raleigh city limits or the Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) | View the House Move and Oversized Equipment Transport webpage for submittal information. - House Move Permit Application - Residential Site Plan Checklist - Residential Permit Data Form |
| New Single-Family Dwelling/Duplex | This does not include decks, porches, screened porches, garages, or alterations/repairs. | Visit the Building a New Single-Family Dwelling or Duplex webpage for submittal information. |
| Pools + Hot Tubs | - Above ground pool - Pool - Spa or hot tub | Visit the Installing a Pool or Spa webpage for submittal information. |
| Residential Driveway Installation | Installing a new driveway or sidewalk - Modifying an existing driveway or sidewalk | Visit the Residential Driveway Installation webpage for submittal information. |
| Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System | Installing photovoltaics New solar equipment on the property | Visit the Residential Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Systemwebpage for submittal information. |
| Tiny Homes | Tiny homes are similar to single-family homes but with just a few differences. | Visit the Tiny Homes webpage for submittal information. |
| Water, Sewer, and Irrigation Services (stubs and meter connections) | New water, sewer, or irrigation services Removal of water and sewer services | Visit the Connecting to Water and Sewer Services webpage for submittal information. - Residential Site Plan Checklist - Copy ofWell & Septic tank permitissued byWake County Health Departmentis required, if a private well and septic system is to be installed. |
Where + When to Submit Your Paperwork
Please submit your completed application and supporting documentation todowntownDS@raleighnc.gov unless otherwise noted above.
To expedite your submittals, please put in the subject line one of the following:
- Land New Submittal
- Residential New Submittal
- Non-Residential New Submittal
- Land Resubmittal
- Residential Resubmittal
- Non-Residential Resubmittal
Working without a permit
There are a range of things that can happen if you choose to work without a permit:
- Citation from the City of Raleigh
- Increased permit costs, including fines, increased fees, and possible court costs
- Potential home hazards
- Removal of work may be required at the cost of the homeowner
- Issues when selling your home in the future
- Homeowner's insurance may not cover issues that occur as a result of the non-permitted construction
Project Review and Permitting
Applicants will be notified by email when a project is processed. Standard review times are available to view online. Plan review comments can be viewed any time via a registered account in the Permit and Development Portal.
Plans that are ready for permit issuance but have incomplete contractor information will be kept at the Planning and Development Customer Service Center for up to six months. After six months, the plans will be considered invalid, and the application will be voided. An administrative fee may be incurred when projects are voided.
Paying Fees
A Plan Review Fee is due prior to project review. All other permit fees are due when permits are ready for issuance.
The Development Fee Guide provides a detailed list of specific development fees.
- It is recommended that fees be paid via the Permit Portal.
- All major credit cards and eCheck payments are accepted.
- If you have questions, please contact the Customer Service Center.
A fee calculator may be used to obtain an estimate of some building and trade permit fees.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Permit?
Please see our development review turnaround times.
