When You Need a Permit

Buncombe County

In Buncombe County permits are not required for any work costing $5,000 or less, unless the work involves:

  • The addition, repair, or replacement of load bearing structures
  • The addition, replacement, repair or change to a structure within the 100-year floodplain
  • The addition or change in the design of a plumbing system
  • The addition, replacement or change in the design of a heating or air conditioning system
  • The addition, replacement or change in the design of an electrical system
  • The use of materials not permitted by the code;
    The addition of roofing, excluding replacement of like grade fire resistance material.

If the total cost of your project exceeds $5,000 or involves any of the items above you are required to obtain the correct permits. A single permit is issued for all work on new one and two family homes. Separate permits are required for building, electrical, heating, air conditioning and plumbing work on all other types of buildings. In Buncombe County, you will have a different inspector for each of these permits. Click here to View Current Permit Fee Schedule for Buncombe County.

When you are required to have a: General Contractor, Licensed Plumber or a Licensed Electrician.

What about a storage building?

If the storage building does not have a foundation then no building permit is required, but you will need to find out if the new zoning laws will allow it. If it does have a foundation and is smaller than 12' x 12' then no building permit is required. If it exceeds 12' x12' then you will need a building permit. Additonally, if you are on a septic system then you will need to contact environmental health to have an Existing System Inspection. This will verify that the new building will not damage existing septic lines. You can reach environmental health at 250-5016. The building department will not issue a permit until this is complete. The builing permit fee up to 400 sq. ft. is $80 and $150 for anything over. Click here for an Existing System Inspection Application

City of Asheville

In the City of Asheville, most jobs will require a permit. However, you can call the permit staff to find out if you will need a permit. Their phone number is 828.259-5846.

The city ordinance states, "No person shall commence or proceed with the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of any building or other structure, or any part thereof, without a written permit." Read the city ordinance concerning permits

What about building an accessory building in the yard?

The City says; "A building permit is required for the construction of accessory buildings with any horizontal or vertical dimension greater that 12 feet. A Zoning Permit is required regardless of the size of the structure. " Therefore, if your design is within the 12' restrictions you do not need a building permit only a zoning permit.

In the City of Asheville, you will have the same Inspector for all phases: building, electrical, plumbing & HVAC.

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Types of Permits in the City of Asheville

The City of Asheville issues two types of permits that address small projects. The Stand Alone Permit and the Small Project Permits. The Stand Alone Permit does not require plans and can often be issued the same day. The Small Projects Permits require plans and can be issued in one to two days.

Stand Alone Permit (No Plan Permits)

Simple projects, such as small plumbing, electrical or mechanical (HVAC) projects that do not require plans but require a permit, can often be issued the same day they are requested. Projects in this category include installing a new electrical circuit, placing a heating system or adding or replacing a water heater. Licensed contractors may fax their stand alone permit application to (828) 259-5676. View Stand Alone Permit Application. The fee is $75 per trade (Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical).

Small Projects Permits (24 to 48 Hour Permits)

Even some uncomplicated projects may require plans but they may be simple to permit. If your project does not entail adding square footage or changing structural components, it may qualify for a Small Project Permit. Examples of small projects are include nonstructural interior alterations to an existing commercial or industrial space or interior residential remodeling like kitchen or bath renovations that entail changing cabinets and fixtures. These projects can often be reviewed while you wait. Simply make an appointment by calling the City of Asheville’s Development Services Center at (828) 259-5846. Please be prepared to describe the project in detail as some projects will not qualify for same day permitting.  

Single Family Permit (One and Two Families)

Typically, a new single-family residence will require a building permit, electrical permit, plumbing permit, gas piping permit, zoning permit, grading permit, sewer service approval, water service approval and a driveway access permit. The City of Asheville’s Development Services Center helps citizens and developers submit the necessary applications to receive these permits. View Single Family Permit Fee Schedule

Permits are not required for construction, alterations, repairs or replacements that will cost five thousand dollars ($5,000) or less in any single-family residence unless the work involves:

  • The addition, repair or replacement of load bearing structures.
  • The addition (excluding same size and capacity) or change in the design of plumbing.
  • The addition, replacement or change in the design of heating, air conditioning, or electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment.
  • The addition (excluding replacement of like grade of fire resistance) of roofing.

If any of these conditions exist, a permit is required.

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City of Asheville Permit Ordinance

No person shall commence or proceed with the construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, removal or demolition of any building or other structure, or any part thereof, without a written permit therefore from the building inspections division. Failure to obtain a such written permit shall constitute a violation of this article and subject the offender to a civil penalty in the amount of $100.00, which may be recovered by the city in a civil action in the nature of a debt if the offender does not pay the penalty within a prescribed period of time after he has been cited for violation of the ordinance, but shall not subject the offender to the penalty provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. sec. 14-4. (Code 1965, § 8-4; Ord. No. 2242, § 1, 9-26-95)

Links to Buidling Departments

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Contact Numbers

    Buncombe County

  • Permits and Inspections: 250-5360
  • Planning and Development: 250-4830
  • Environmental Health (Well & Septic): 250-5016
  • Building Department & Inspections: 250-5367
  • Electrical Department & Inspections: 250-5372
  • Mechanical Department & Inspections (HVAC): 250-5382
  • Plumbing Department & Inspections: 250-5378
  • Erosion Control: 250-4848

    City of Asheville

  • Development Services: 259-5846
  • Housing Code Department: 259-5967
  • MSD: 254-9646

    • City Residential Inspectors

  • Erik Hagen: 259-5665 (Supervisor)
  • Jerry Reese: 259-5679 (Field Supervisor)
  • Jodi Campbell: 778-0767 Area 1 (West)
  • Brandon Riddle: 778-0752 Area 2 (West)
  • Anne Graham: 777-5719 Area 3 (North)
  • Garrett Gates: 775-4684 Area 4 (Central/East)
  • Eric Evans: 778-0773 Area 5 (South)
  • Terry Melton: 778-0754 Area 6 (North/West)

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