Frequently-Asked Questions
How do I determine if a building permit is needed?
Work that involves alterations to the structure, additions, extensions or replacement of insulation, wiring, plumbing, heating and air conditioning require permits & inspections. The scope of your project will determine if additional permits are required.
Extension or replacement of all technical trades requires permits and inspections.
The scope of your project determines what permits are required. All new construction, additions, or placement of a Mobile Home will require the following permits:
- Zoning
- Watershed (if applicable)
- Environmental Health (if applicable) or Paid Water and Sewer Tap Receipts
- Building
Can I start to move in or store furniture my house before the certificate of occupancy is issued?
No.
When will the power company be notified to turn on my power?
The certificate of occupancy will be sent to your power provider the day after your very last inspection has been passed. It is your responsibility to apply for power with the power company prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy. Notification is sent one time daily at 10:00 a.m. This is the only time of day we can send certificates of occupancy to the power company.
Duke Energy Progress of NC : 1-800-777-9898 or www.dukepower.com
Progress Energy : 1-800-452-2777 or www.progress-energy.com
If your property is located in one of the municipalities the certificate of occupancy is sent to the municipal zoning office of where property is located. It is then the responsibility of that zoning office to send to your power company.
Where can I get a copy of my certificate of occupancy?
If you are in Henderson County's zoning jurisdiction you may pick up a copy of your Certificate of Occupancy at the Permit Center located at 100 N King St, suite 220; office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00am - 4:30pm.
If your property is located in one of the municipalities you will need to get a copy from your municipalities zoning office.
When is a licensed contractor required?
Except as exempted by NC General Statutes 87-1, 87-21 and 87-43 and NC Contractor Licensing laws all General Construction projects with the value $40,000.00 or greater and all trade construction (electrical, mechanical and plumbing) regardless of value shall be performed by appropriately licensed contractors. Being an employee of a licensed contractor does not qualify an individual to do work outside of the business of the employer. When a license is required, it is not legal for any person to work a licensed contractor unless that person is a legitimate employee and under direction of that licensed contractor. It is not legal for any licensed contractor to allow any employee to perform work that requires a license, if that work is not directly under his/her control and/or the work is not legitimate part of the business of that licensed contractor. Violations of licensing laws carry significant penalties.
What happens if a person fails to obtain the proper permits, licenses and inspections?
Failure to comply with laws requiring permits, licensing and inspections is a criminal act that may result in fines, penalties and criminal prosecution. A building can be condemned or utilities disconnected for violations of these codes. Illegal construction, renovation and/or occupancy of any building not complying with these requirements are prohibited by state law. (See NC G.S. 153A-371 & VC P&D Fee/Policy, section1.3) Penalties in Henderson County can also include $200 + permit fee.
How do I determine what costs to include on my Commercial Building Permit Application?
Permit fees are assessed and calculated per trade and per building for new commercial projects, renovations, and additions. Construction cost will be assessed on total contract cost including but not limited to labor, materials, supervision, overhead, profit, architectural/engineering plans, and specifications; or the most current International Code Council's (ICC) "Building Valuation Data", whichever is greater.
Building Permits expire six (6) months after applying for permit if no inspections have been completed; If inspections have been made permit will expire twelve (12) months from the date of the last inspection.
Do I need a permit to replace a deck or add a new deck to my house?
Yes.
I want to cover and enclose my existing deck, do I need a permit?
Yes.
Where do I go to get a permit?
Permits are obtained by the property owner, property owner's agent, or contractor from the Permit Center located at 100 N King St in Hendersonville. Permits are issued between 8:30a.m. and 4:00 a.m., Monday through Friday.
When is a building inspection required?
Building inspections are required during each stage of construction to ensure compliance with construction codes and building plans.
Where can I obtain a copy of the Building Code?
The Building Code is available from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Please call 919-661-5880 or visit their website www.ncdoi.com.
How do I request an inspection?
You will need your permit number for any and all requests.
Inspections may be scheduled online, phone, or in person. Phone requests are accepted by calling 828-697-4830. All requests are scheduled for the next business day.
- We cannot provide you with a time that your inspection will occur as the inspector plans his schedule based on his assigned inspections each day.
- Incorrect or incomplete information will not be scheduled for inspection.
- Inspection requests sent via Email or voice mail messages will not be accepted.
What is a Certificate of Occupancy, and how do I obtain one?
The Certificate of Occupancy is the document that states that a building or home may be legally occupied and conforms to zoning, environmental health (if applicable), and NC State Building Code requirements as of the date Certificate of Occupancy was issued. An owner or his representative can obtain a copy of the CO from the Permit Center or the zoning jurisdiction in which the structure is located.
Do I need a permit to finish or remodel my upstairs or basement?
Yes.
Am I required to obtain a permit for a fence?
No, a building permit is not required for a fence. Check with the zoning jurisdiction where property is located to inquire if they require a permit.
Septic systems are sized by the number of bedrooms in a home. The Environmental Health Department (828-694-6060) will need to verify that the septic system is adequately sized for the number of bedrooms in your home. If the septic system is not adequately sized you will be required to obtain permits to increase your septic system to accommodate the correct number of bedrooms in your home.
Do I need a permit for a storage shed?
Storage sheds that are over 12 feet in any direction require permits. If the shed is less than 12 feet you will need to check with both the Environmental Health Department (if you have a septic tank) and the zoning jurisdiction where the property is located to ask if a permit is required from their office.
Do I need a building permit to install a pool? Am I required to put a fence around it?
Yes, swimming pools require a building permit and a barrier is required for all in-ground pools.
How do I hook up to public water and/or sewer service?
A plumbing permit is required and may be obtained at the Permit Center located at 100 N King St, Hendersonville NC. Permits are issued 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Contact the Hendersonville Water & Sewer Department @ 828-697-3063 or Cane Creek Sewer District @ 828-694-6608 for information regarding tap fees.
How do I get a "Perk Test" or septic system site evaluation/permit?
Most people refer to this as a "Perk Test" but the correct name is Site Evaluation. You will need the following to apply for a site evaluation permit:
- Zoning permit from jurisdiction where property is located
- Land Survey if parcel is less than 2 acres
- Site Plan
- Written authorization from owner, if applicant is NOT the property owner
See the Septic Application for details on these requirements.
How do I get a permit to set up a mobile home?
- Submit plans to Inspection Department for approval at 100 N King St., Hendersonville NC 28792
- Obtain a zoning permit from zoning jurisdiction where property is located (some jurisdictions may require an additional set of plans for approval)
- Once the above criteria has been completed & approved you may apply for your sign permit at the Permit Center located at 100 N King St., Hendersonville NC 28792. Permits are issued 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Monday thru Friday.
I run a business out of my home. Am I required to comply with the commercial codes?
If the portion of your residence used as a home business involves employees or direct dealing with the public at large, that portion of your residence must comply with the same requirements as any other business, including requirements for firewall, separation, handicap parking, accessibility requirements and handicap restroom facilities. Home businesses must also comply with the zoning restrictions for the property. A private home office that is used solely for personal use is not required to meet commercial construction standards.
How do I verify that a contractor is licensed in the State of NC?
The following links allow you to verify NC licensing information.
- NC Licensing Board for General Contractors. http://www.nclbgc.org
- NC Board of Examiners for Plumbing, Heating, Fire Sprinkler and Refrigeration Contractors. www.licensing.org
- NC Board of Examiners for Electrical Contractors. www.ncboeec.org
How do submit a complaint on construction work being performed without a permit?
The Building Inspections Complaint Form may be used by our citizens to report a violation or a hazardous condition that may need the attention of the Building Inspections Department.
Completed and signed form may either be submitted in person or by mail to: Henderson County Permit Center, 100 N King St, Suite 220, Hendersonville NC 28792.
Henderson County Inspections Office will assess the situation and take the appropriate action.
Who do I contact About Asbestos?
Call NC State Health Hazards Control (919-707-5950) in Raleigh.
