Permits
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Residential Permit Application Procedure
Permits for small projects can be obtained using our SPOT (Small Project One-hour Turnaround) program. Applicants can visit the Inspections and Permits office with all required information (plot plan, building plans, contractor information, etc.,) and receive a permit within one hour. Staff members help correct any problems with plans or paperwork while you wait, saving phone calls and delays. Eligible projects include decks, porches, storage buildings, additions of less than 500 square feet and conversions of attic or basement space of less than 1,000 square feet. Complex projects may require a more extensive plan review and may not be appropriate for a SPOT review. A plans examiner will advise the applicant if a project is too complex to be reviewed as a SPOT.
SPOT Hours - Weekdays, 8 - 11 a.m.
(Exception: On first Wednesday of each month, SPOT hours are 9:30 - 11 a.m.)
One and two family homes require a completed application, available at our customer service counter. (See the Forms page for a sample application.) Provide us with two or three copies of the plans, a completed application, and a copy of the plot plan showing the house at exact scale. Review usually takes one to two weeks. We will verify contractors’ licenses and ensure compliance with the Town zoning code and state building code. If all
is approved, we will call you to pick up your permit.
Building plans for one and two family homes that have an architect’s or engineer’s seal are not reviewed by our Plan Review Division. Instead, code enforcement officials check for compliance at the construction site, after the permit has been issued. This procedure also applies to residential additions and alterations such as decks, sun rooms and porches.
Residential plans without the seal of design professional licensed in North Carolina are checked by the Plan Review Division.
Residential Deck Permit Procedure
Residential decks are wooden structures supported on posts that measure larger than 5 feet by 5 feet. Decks always require a building permit. Plans and an updated plot plan should be submitted for review before beginning work. See the Deck Design Assistant for more information.
Residential Plan Submission Requirements
The N.C. Residential Building Code requires that plans verify compliance with the state Energy Code.
Single-Family Home Site Inspections
Certificates of occupancy for single-family homes require site inspections.
As-Built Foundation Surveys
All residential structures and accessory buildings require a sealed as-built foundation survey by a land surveyor registered in North Carolina.
Commercial Permit Application Procedure
A Commercial Plan Submittal Guide is available to provide information that is required to be included on or with your plans. Permits for Commercial or Multi-family construction require that a site plan be approved for the project by the Planning Department. When the site has been approved, the applicant submits four sets of plans and a completed application, and the review process usually takes three to four weeks. However, commercial construction can be a simple fit-up, or a major shopping center. The more complex permits will require a longer review time. During the review process, the Fire Department will verify life safety requirements, contractors' licenses will be verified, and plans will be scrutinized by building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical plans examiners. Any problems found during the process are communicated by fax, e-mail or telephone to the project contact for updates or corrections. Upon approval, two sets of plans are returned to the applicant.
Real Estate Plats Procedure Real Estate Plats recombining property, subdividing property, or recording easements or right of way dedications are submitted to the Inspections and Permits Department. For more details, see the Real Estate Plat Procedure. The Town of Cary requires that site plans and real estate plats clearly identify the names of all streets. These street names must be approved in advance by the Town of Cary and Wake County. To obtain approval for street names, please complete the Road Name Approval Form. Express Review for Building Permits Express Review is a service that allows payment for faster examination of some commercial construction plans, usually resulting in permits the next day. Multiple Permit Use The Multiple Permit Use program allows builders to obtain approval for a single set of plans, then build on several lots without going through plan review each time. Irrigation Water Meters Irrigation-only water meters are required on all new irrigation systems. See the fee schedule. Irrigation Systems The Town of Cary encourages landscapers to use native and drought tolerant plants wherever possible. When irrigation systems are necessary, they must meet guidelines found in the Community Appearance Manual. Read more about design requirements, permitting and inspection of irrigation systems.
