Inspections & Permits

Wake County Inspections & Permits provides building inspections and permitting services for all unincorporated areas of Wake County and, through contractual agreements, provides inspections services to the towns of Knightdale, Rolesville, Wendell and Zebulon.

Contact Wake County Inspections and Permits

Hours of Operation

• Office Hours: 8:15 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday–Friday
• Field Inspection Hours: 7:15 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Monday–Friday

Frequently Asked Questions About Inspections

When is a permit not required?

• Nonstructural work where the cost is less than $40,000 in any single-family residence unless the work involves new or altered plumbing systems, mechanical systems or electrical systems.
• Farm buildings outside the jurisdiction of any municipality.
• Residential accessory buildings where no dimension exceeds 12 feet.
• The replacement of windows, doors and exterior siding in residential structures.
• The replacement of pickets, railings, stair treads and decking of residential porches and exterior decks.
• Replacement of a water heater in one or two-family dwellings, provided:
  • The energy use rate or thermal input is not greater than that of the water heater which is being replaced.
  • There is no change in fuel, energy source, location, routing or sizing of venting and piping.
  • The work is performed by a licensed plumbing contractor and installed in accordance with the current edition of the North Carolina State Building Code.

  When is a permit required?

  Building Permit Required

  No person or corporation shall locate, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish or relocate any building, or change the type of occupancy without first obtaining the required permits for the specific work from the Inspections Department having jurisdiction.

  Electrical Permit Required

  An electrical permit is required for the installation, extension, alteration or general repair of any electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment except that in any one or two-family dwelling units a permit shall not be required for repair or replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices, such as receptacles and lighting switches having the same voltage and the same or less amperage as long as the work is performed by a person licensed under G.S.87-43.

  Plumbing Permit Required

  A plumbing permit is required for the installation, extension, relocation, replacement or general repair of any plumbing system. Plumbing permits shall not be required for minor repairs or replacements of plumbing fixtures provided such repairs or replacements do not disrupt the original water supply, the waste or ventilation system.

  Mechanical/HVAC Permit Required

  Mechanical/HVAC permit is required for the installation, extension, relocation, replacement and general repair of any heating, air-conditioning or venting system. A PTAC (Package Terminal Air Conditioner) requires a mechanical permit be obtained before installation; however, a licensed mechanical contractor is not required to install the unit. If any electrical wiring is added for the unit, an electrical permit will be required as well. A licensed electrician would be required for the wiring.

  A permit is required to convert a gas appliance to a different type of gas, such as converting a Liquid Propane (LP) appliance to natural gas.

  When should I request an inspection?

  It's important to schedule your inspections at the right times during your project. See More Information on Inspections