Permitting
Beaufort County Building Permits
Building Permits issued by the Beaufort County Building Inspection Department can be found at:
Permit Applications & Downloads | Beaufort County, NC
In addition to issuing building permits the Beaufort County Building Inspections Department inspects all building and structures and work therein for which a permit of any kind has been issued as often as necessary in order to determine whether the work complies with guidelines set forth in the North Carolina State Building Codes. These guidelines apply to the location, design, materials, equipment, construction, alteration, repair, moving, demolition, removal, and occupancy of all buildings or structures. The duties of the inspections department include enforcing state and local laws as well as local ordinances within the county's jurisdiction. When deemed necessary by the inspector, materials and assemblies may be inspected at the point of manufacture or fabrication in order to ensure the maintenance of buildings in a safe, sanitary and healthful condition.
City of Washington Building Permits
Projects needing a building permit include but are but not limited to:
- Additions
- Demolitions
- Electrical Systems
- Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) Systems
- New Buildings
- Piers
- Plumbing Systems
- Renovations
- Temporary Buildings
The Building Permit is the basic administrative device used in enforcing the laws that relate to building construction, repair or alteration. It is used to enforce the State Building Code, the National Electrical Code, the various plumbing codes, fire-limits ordinances, zoning ordinances, sign ordinances, and many other local ordinances relating to such activities. The permit system is enforced to protect the public health, safety and welfare.
The Building Permit provides the means for the inspector to ensure that the building project meets the minimum requirements according to the technical standards of the code. Generally, the following is the required sequence for obtaining a Building Permit.
Application
Complete an application describing the type of project, location, size, contractor's name, etc. This information will assist the department in deciding what type permit(s) you will need and allow the Zoning Department, Electrical Department, Public Works Department, Fire Marshall, and the Health Department opportunity to review your project for placement and type compliance.
Issuance
Most building permits can be issued without delay, however, occasionally the permit review system may take up to three days, depending on the complexity of the project, before the permit can be issued.
Fee (Residential, Commercial & General Inspections)
Once the permit has been approved you will pay a fee that is used, in part, to help defray the cost of the inspector's time spent in the application process, the review process and the on-site inspection process.
Permit
Once the permit has been issued you will need to post it in a window or other conspicuous place that is accessible to the inspector. The drawing(s) will remain available at the job site, and any changes must be brought to the attention of the inspector immediately.
Inspections
Each and every required phase of construction, rough-in for each trade, other in-process inspections and final inspection, must be made in a timely manner by the inspector to make certain the work conforms to the applicable Code, the Building Permit, and the approved plans.
Certificate of Occupancy
Final inspection determining the code compliance is a valuable and necessary part of the construction process. Once code compliance is determined, the inspector will issue a Certificate of Occupancy which establishes that your project is completed. This document gives you permission to occupy the building knowing it has met the minimum safety standards.