Unless specifically exempted in § 150.32 and G.S. § 160D-1110, the following work requires permits:
(A) The construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building or structure.
(B) The installation, extension, or general repair of any plumbing system except that in any one- or two-family dwelling unit a permit is not required for the connection of a water heater that is being replaced if:
(1) The work is performed by a person licensed under G.S. § 87-21 who personally examines the work at completion and ensures that a leak test has been performed on the gas piping, and
(2) The energy use rate or thermal input is not greater than that of the water heater that is being replaced, there is no change in fuel, energy source, location, capacity, or routing or sizing of venting and piping, and the replacement is installed in accordance with the current edition of the State Building Code.
(C) The installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of any heating or cooling equipment system.
(D) The installation, extension, alteration, or general repair of any electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment, except that in any one- or two-family dwelling unit a permit is not required for repair or replacement of electrical lighting fixtures or devices, such as receptacles and lighting switches, or for the connection of an existing branch circuit to an electric water heater that is being replaced if all of the following requirements are met:
(1) With respect to electric water heaters, the replacement water heater is placed in the same location and is of the same or less capacity and electrical rating as the original.
(2) With respect to electrical lighting fixtures and devices, the replacement is with a fixture or device having the same voltage and the same or less amperage.
(3) The work is performed by a person licensed under G.S. § 87-43.
(4) The repair or replacement installation meets the current edition of the State Building Code, including the State Electrical Code. However, a building permit is not required for the installation, maintenance, or replacement of any load control device or equipment by an electric power supplier, as defined in G.S. § 62-133.8, or an electrical contractor contracted by the electric power supplier, so long as the work is subject to supervision by an electrical contractor licensed under Article 4 of Chapter 87 of the General Statutes. The electric power supplier shall provide such installation, maintenance, or replacement in accordance with (i) an activity or program ordered, authorized, or approved by the North Carolina Utilities Commission pursuant to G.S. § 62-133.8 or G.S. § 62-133.9 or (ii) a similar program undertaken by a municipal electric service provider, whether the installation, modification, or replacement is made before or after the point of delivery of electric service to the customer. The exemption under this division applies to all existing installations.
(E) Mobile homes. A permit is required for setting up and installation of mobile homes.
(F) Signs and marquees. A permit is required to install signs, marquees, awnings, etc. when required in accordance with the North Carolina State Building Code.
(G) Change of use. An inspection is required whenever the use of an existing building is changed. If the building must be altered or repaired, a permit will need to be obtained so the building may be altered or repaired in order to meet the requirements of the North Carolina State Building Codes with respect to the new use.
(Ord. passed 6-21-21)