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Building Inspections

The Building Inspections Division

enforces the mandated NC State Building Code and conducts inspections during construction of buildings, mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems to ensure code compliance. Inspections issues occupancy permits upon compliance with state building codes and local regulations and issues zoning and building permits. The Inspections Division inspects Foster Homes, Day Care Centers, Family Care Homes and Schools; inspects abandoned structures and takes proper corrective action; and informs contractors of building code changes.

To check on the status of your permit and/or inspections:

• Current Permit and Inspections Inquiry

• Ask an Inspector

List of Most Commonly Rejected Items

Brochure for converting from Private Septic to Public Sewer

Building Fees Information for the following:

• Residential and Commercial Fees

Building Permit Application Information for the following:  

• Commercial Permit Application Requirements
• Recyclable Materials Permit Information (Residential / Commercial)
• Residential Permit Application Information

Building Permit Application Forms for the following:

• Commercial Permit Application
• Demolition Permit Application

• Generator Permit Application (Use "Simple Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing Permit Application")

• Recyclable Materials Permit
• Residential Permit Application
• Residential Manufactured Home (single and multiwides) Permit Application

• Residential Pool Permit Application
• Simple Electrical, Mechanical, & Plumbing Permit Application
• Temporary Power Permit Application

Related Web Links:

• North Carolina Department of Insurance
• National Fire Protection Association
• NC State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors
• NC State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
• NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
• International Conference of Building Officials
• Orange County Environmental Health Inspections
• Town of Carrboro, NC
• Town of Chapel Hill, NC

For more information contact the Building Inspections Divsion of the Orange County Planning and Inspections Department - (919) 245-2600 or (919) 245-2601

News & Updates:

Erosion Control/Stormwater Divsion

Internal Review Procedure and Remedy for Disagreement

(S.L. 2014-120 Senate Bill 734)

PSCN Class B Special Use Permit

Approved at August 27, 2014 Special Board of Adjustment Meeting

Chestnut Ridge Class B Special Use Permit

Approved at August 11, 2014 Board of Adjustment Meeting

Central & Rural Orange County Future Bus Service Public Outreach -

Click here for more information

Proposed Efland Zoning Overlay Districts -

Click here for more information

Erosion Control Division Receives 2014 Local Erosion & Sedimentation Control Programs Award - Click Here

Agricultural Support Enterprises

Floodplain Mapping Update – Changed in Floodplain Locations(s) for properties in Orange County

Stormwater Rules

New stormwater rules related to development in watersheds for Falls and Jordan Lake were implemented June 1, 2012. Please click here for Fact Sheet and here for a flyer related to the new rules. For more information contact Erosion Control.

UDO now available!

The Unified Development Ordinance is now online and ready to use.