Do I Need A Permit?
I am building a barn. Do I need a permit?
According to NC codes, certain uses of farm buildings do not require permits. This does not include a farm building in a municipality. "Farm building" means any building that is not open to the general public and is used primarily for a bona fide farm purpose. Farm buildings do not include such buildings used for purposes of education and research. Any farm building use for a residence must also be permitted.
I am building a storage building. Do I need a permit?
If your project is GREATER than 12 feet in any dimension, then you will need a building permit.
I am building a carport or buying a metal carport. Do I need a permit?
If you are setting up a pre-fabricated metal carport, you do not need a permit. If you are building a carport, you will need a building permit.
I am putting in a swimming pool. Do I need a permit?
Yes, you will need a building permit for any swimming pool--whether in-ground or above-ground-- and an electrical permit to run the appliances necessary to clean the pool or to have lights. Code now requires a barrier (fence) around the pool.
I am putting up a sign for my business. Do I need a permit?
Yes--you will need a building permit for your sign and an electrical permit if it is lighted.
I am tearing down an old house before starting my new one. Do I need a permit?
Yes--you will need a permit to demolish your old building. We also require a $500 deposit to be left with our office. Once the site is inspected and found to be completely clean, your deposit will be returned.
I am setting up a mobile home. Do I need a permit?
Yes--a single wide mobile home permit will cost $150, a double wide or triple-wide mobile home permit will cost $175. This includes inspection of the set-up, plumbing connections, electrical connections, and installation of heat system.
Do I have to underpin my mobile home to pass an inspection?
No--underpinning is not required for a final inspection in rural Rutherford County. However, it you live in a subdivision or municipal limits that require underpinning, that will take precedence.
I am building a porch/stoop onto my mobile home. Do I need a separate permit for this?
If your porch is 6 x 6 or larger, you will need an additional building permit and it must be built to NC State Code for one and two-family dwellings.
I am installing gas logs. Do I need a permit?
Yes--but the person who is installing the gas supply line will usually get this.
I am building a sea wall or retaining wall. Do I need a permit?
If you are building or renovating a sea wall or retaining wall, you will need a permit. If you are building a sea wall, you are likely in Lake Lure and, if so, will also need a zoning permit from the Town. A boat house, retaining wall greater than 5 feet tall, or dock will require an engineered design.
I am only changing my electrical service. Do I need a permit?
Yes--you will need to have this inspected before the power company will begin your service.
I am installing water lines to hook onto a water system. Do I need a permit?
Yes--you will need to have this inspected before the water system will begin your service.
Can anyone get a permit to set up a modular home and sell it?
If you are not a licensed contractor (this includes all the contractors--general, electrical, plumbing, mechanical), you must either be the homeowner and live in the house for 12 months from the completion date or you must get a $5,000 surety bond. An unlicensed builder CANNOT hire licensed subcontractors. Thus, an unlicensed builder cannot have subs on their permit.
I am moving an existing house. Do I need a building permit?
Yes. Rutherford County also requires a $500 deposit to hold as surety. If the lot has been cleaned satisfactorily, the deposit will be returned.
I am wanting to start a day care. Do I need a permit?
Yes. Any newly-started day cares must be classified as to (1) Day Care Home or (2) Day Care Center. A call to our office will explain all necessary requirements and permit fees for inspection.
I am installing underground fuel tanks. Do I need a permit?
Yes. The required pressure test on tanks and piping will require a plumbing permit, as well as an electrical permit for the pumps. A permit is also necessary for above ground tanks.
I would like to have a fireworks display at special events and on certain holidays. Do I need a permit?
Yes. Application should be made to the Fire Inspector's office several days before the scheduled event. The application will include proof of liability insurance, the certification of shooters, date, time, and location.
I am considering starting a therapeutic home, group house, or family care home. What do I need to do?
Any home that has to be licensed by the DFS (Department of Facility Services)needs to contact Raleigh for rules and regulations. A permit is required by our office for inspectors to check for compliance to all building requirements before being licensed.
I am doing water and sewer pipeline in your county. On these projects, we occasionally encounter rock that has to be blasted. Do we need to contact your office regarding blasting permits?
The fire code requires a permit after proof of liability insurance, certification of shooters, date, and time of blasting are given.
I am planning to burn some yard debris. Do I need a permit?
Yes. This permit will not cost any money and there are several places in the county that have burning permits--you can also get these online. Click on the "Fire Inspections" page to see a link for this.
Burning Permit Agents
