Work Done without a Permit

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We’ve established a process that will help you bring a completed project up to compliance:

Our Multi-Trade Inspectors (MTI), can inspect all associated trades on each visit. This promotes a big-picture approach where correcting one item may affect something else in another trade.
This process addresses most scenarios, but each project is different and additional steps may be required.
If the cost of the project is $40,000 or more, or if the building is not occupied solely by the person and their family for at least 12 months, following the completion of the work an NC Licensed General Contractor is required per NC General Statutes 87-1.
Please note that for this type of permit, licensed contractors are required. Their job is to evaluate your space and correct non-code-compliant issues prior to your first conference or inspection.

Print a PDF copy of "Work Done without a Permit" guide.

Apply for a Permit

Information needed to apply for your permit

Complete a permit application online through our electronic plan review site. Include all licensed contractors’ information if applicable. A North Carolina licensed general contractor is required if the cost of project is $40,000 or more.
Provide a dimensioned drawing and show square footage.
Label all rooms with use (bedroom, office, gym, etc.). Bedrooms will need to meet egress requirements.
Locate and size all windows and doors, show stairs, plumbing fixtures and appliances.
Indicate ceiling height on the drawing.
Double permitting fees apply for all “Work Done Without a Permit” projects.

Provide a plot plan if applicable:

If you are permitting any of the following, a proposed plot plan with the construction dimensioned to the property lines will be required: addition, deck, conversion of a deck to a porch or enclosed room.
The plans examiner may require a sealed survey to show the work meets the required setbacks.

Provide sealed engineer’s letter if applicable:

Address any load bearing walls that were removed or altered, new roof dormers added, new beams installed, point loads that do not transfer to the foundation, etc. Your field inspector can help determine if engineering is required at the onsite conference.

Schedule an Onsite Conference

Schedule an onsite conference prior to other inspections

Have all reports onsite from your licensed contractors. At a minimum, ALL items from the “Common Issues Found” should be addressed at this point.
Contractors are required to be onsite for the conference/inspection.
This is the time (up to one hour) to discuss any additional issues or concerns you may have. The field inspector will let you know what needs to be done to move forward with the inspections.

How to schedule an inspection

Schedule inspections online, or by phone . If you do not have access to a computer and need to schedule an inspection, call 311 within Cary or 919-469-4000 weekdays from 7 a.m.-7 p.m.
The day of your inspection, visit Who’s My Inspector on the morning of your scheduled inspection. You will find your assigned inspector’s name and contact information. Call between 7 a.m.–7:30 a.m., while inspectors are compiling their routes. You can get an ETA or discuss special circumstances or time restrictions.
Have all trades ready and scheduled for the same visit.
The contractors may be required to be onsite for all inspections.

Common Code Issues Building/General

Common Building/General Issues

Fire stopping and fire blocking verification may require opening sample areas in ceiling or walls.
Smoke/CO alarm, smoke detectors required in all bedrooms and carbon monoxide detectors are required to be on every floor and outside bedroom areas – existing and new.
Emergency egress opening. Emergency egress windows on 3rd floor renovations and basements must meet minimum dimensions per R310.1 in NC Residential Code.
Headroom of 6’8” minimum required at stairs and bathroom fixtures.
Steps must meet current code; risers (8 ¼” max), treads (9” min) and width (36” min), minimum landing 3’x3’ at top and bottom of stairs.
Fall protection (guardrail minimum 36” high) handrail height 34” to 38” handrails are required where four or more risers.
For framed walls, the cavity insulation shall be enclosed on all sides with rigid material or an air barrier material. Areas in question; tubs, showers, stairs, knee walls and fireplaces.
Floor joist; minimum size and span.
Safety glass requirements for impact areas.
Improper swing of door over stair without a landing.
All insulation R values for wall/ceiling insulation must meet current code. Insulation contractor to verify and provide ResChek as needed. This may require opening sample areas for verification.
Structural work done will require a letter from a PE addressing all aspects of removed or added components.
Insufficient footing/foundation (i.e., patio to sunroom). PE letter to address these items.
Framing must meet current code.

Common Code Issues Plumbing

Common Plumbing Issues

Ejector pump not separately vented.
Groundwork covered and may require to be viewed by camera.
Plumbing tied into vent stack.
Plumbing not vented or plumbing not vented properly.
More than three water closets on 3” sewer pipe.
Plumbing systems in the floor usually result in boring, notching and drilling (must be visually inspected).
Plumbing must meet current code.

Common Code Issues Mechanical

Common Code Issues Electrical

Common Electrical Issues

Receptacles not spaced per Article 210.52 in the 2017 NEC.
Arc fault protection not installed.
Tamper resistant outlets not installed.
Wires not terminated properly.
Gas pipe not bonded per code.
Grounds not mechanically connected in devices.
Ceiling fans installed in boxes not rated for ceiling fans.
Electrical work must meet current code

Town of Cary