Transylvania County


Building and Permitting



2011 Annual Report

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Welcome

The Building Permitting and Enforcement website offers a wide array of services.  ChasewoodThis site is intended to create a new level of customer service 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.  General information from our downloadable forms to our frequently asked questions is available.  Guests may utilize the Permit and Inspection System to view permit information.  Contractors may utilize the system for online inspection requests, inspection status checks, viewing of inspector scheduling, and an online mechanical/plumbing/electrical permit application.
 
Purpose

We administer and enforce all State building codes, the flood damage prevention ordinance and sign ordinance.

Our Mission Statement

Gomez home

 

Our goal is to ensure the quality of life of those who live, work and visit Transylvania County by promoting safety in the regulation of the construction, use and occupancy of buildings and by taking a customer oriented approach to finding educated, cost effective solutions.

 



Building Code

HospitalTransylvania County’s Building Code is mandated by the State of North Carolina and administered through the Engineering Division of the NC Department of Insurance. It is the same code that is used throughout the state. In NC, as in every area of the world, codes continually evolve in response to changes in materials, technologies and methods of construction. Principally, tragic and disastrous events influence changes to building codes. Such events that have influenced building code requirements in NC include hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, and fire. The County currently enforces the 2009 North Carolina Building Codes and the 2008 National Electrical Code. Code may be viewed online at www.ncbuildingcodes.com .

 

Check Status of Inspections and Permits Online


Pay Permit and Inspection Fees Online
 

Click Here for Transylvania County GIS Services

 


Residential Form Catalog


Commercial Form Catalog

Amend Permit Application
Change of Contractor
Energy Efficiency Certificate
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Fee Schedule
Floodplain Development Cost Information

General Contractor and Owner/Builder Responsibilities
General Contractor Exemption Application
Illegal Immigrant Labor Bulletin
Inspections Required

Inspections Flow Chart
Manufactured Home & Park Model Permit Application

Manufactured Home Permitting Requirements 
Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical/Special Application
NCMA TEK 15-lb
OSHA Residential Requirements
Park Model Requirements
Residential Building Permit Application
 
Residential Building Permitting Requirements
 

Residential Construction Worksheet

Superior Wall Foundation Requirements
Temporary Heat Application
Using Our Website Brochure
Workers Compensation Compliance

 

Amend Permit Application
Appendix B
Change of Contractor
Commercial Building Permit Application

Commercial Building Permitting Requirements
Erosion and Sedimentation Control Ordinance
Fee Schedule
Festival, Tent & Stage Requirements
Floodplain Development Cost Information

General Contractor and Owner/Builder Responsibilities

General Contractor Exemption Application 
Illegal Immigrant Labor Bulletin
Inspections Required
Mechanical/Plumbing/Electrical/Special Application
Sign Permit Application
Sign Permitting Requirements
Temporary Heat Application
Temporary Power Application

Using Our Website Brochure
Workers Compensation Compliance

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: When is it necessary to obtain a building permit?
A: A permit is required anytime work is being done involving the structure, plumbing, mechanical, electrical and signs. North Carolina State Building Code states: “No person, firm, or corporations shall erect, construct, enlarge, install, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert or demolish any building, structure, or service system without first obtaining a permit for such from the Building Department having jurisdiction.” A permit is also required whenever there is a commercial change of occupancy irregardless of whether alterations are planned or not.

Q: Are plans required?
A: Yes; For commercial provide two sets; three sets if Health Department review is required; and one additional set if a sprinkler system is required. One set of plans is required for conventionally framed homes. One set of sealed plans is required for timber frame, log, alternative construction methods, and architectural and engineered designed construction. One set of plans with the mark of an approved agency is required for modular construction.

Q: What is needed to obtain a building permit?
A: For residential permits -- see residential form catalog, residential building permitting requirements.
For commercial permits -- see commercial form catalog, commercial building permitting requirements.

Q: How long does it take to get my permit?
A: Review for a commercial permit can take as little as a few days to several weeks, depending on the size of the project. Review for a residential permit usually takes around three days. Manufactured home and mechanical plumbing, electrical permits are usually issued immediately or within 24 hours.

Q: As a homeowner can I be my own Contractor?
A: Yes, as owner of the property you may act as the general contractor, but with careful consideration of the laws governing you in such capacity. You will sign documents and answer a written questionnaire. Failure to comply with the requirements shall result in revocation of the permit and possible fines. The owner does not have to be licensed by the state, but will need to sign an owner/builder statement. By doing so you will be as responsible and knowledgeable of the codes as would a general contractor. As an owner builder you may also do your own electrical, mechanical, and plumbing. You must first pass the test for each trade, given in our office at 1:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Q: How long is my permit valid and what is the cost to renew?
A: Your first inspection must be within 6 months from the date the permit is issued. In addition, the permit will expire if the time between the last inspection exceeds 12 months. If your permit expires, the renewal cost is half the cost of the permit fee.

Q: What is the County code requirements for?:
A:
Wind Zone: 90 mph
Snow Load: 15 psf
Insulation: Zone 4
Frost Line: 12 inches

Q: What building codes are used? Are there any local ordinances? How do I obtain a copy of the codes?
A: We currently are using the 2009 North Carolina Building Codes and the 2008 NEC. The local ordinances apply to floodplain and sign permits. You may obtain a copy of the codes through the International Codes Council online at www.iccsafe.org.

Q: Is there any zoning?
A: Zoning is limited within the County, but more restrictive in the city limits and its extra territorial jurisdiction. There may also be sub-division restrictions.

Q: What is the height for a guard rail on a deck? What is the maximum space between pickets?
A: The height railing for a deck is 42” for commercial and 36” for residential. The maximum space between pickets shall be 4”.

Q: How do I request an inspection?
A: Inspections requests may be made by telephone, or by fax, by 4:00 PM the day prior. You are required to have the permit number and job name with the request.

Q: How do I file a complaint?
A: We have a complaint form in our office to be completed.

Q: When do I get my Certificate of Occupancy?
A: The certificate of occupancy is issued for new structures only. The certificate of occupancy is issued after all required inspections have been approved, any additional fees are paid, and all required documentation is provided.

Q: How do I obtain a site address?
A: Call the Communications Department at 884-3108 for your site address. Your driveway must be cut in at street.

Q: What doesn't have to be completed for a residential certificate of occupancy to be issued?
A: Floor coverings, interior paint, interior doors (excluding garage and doors separating unheated spaces), gutters.
 

Helpful Tips and Links

Home Improvement
Illegal Immigrant Labor Bulletin
North Carolina Dept. of Insurance
N.C. Licensing Board of General Contractors
N.C. State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors
N.C. State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating & Fire Sprinkler Contractors
 

Homeowners Association

Disaster Repair Tips

Home Equity Scams

Log Home Kits

Inspections
 
98 E. Morgan Street
 Brevard, NC 28712
 Inspection Requests:
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 1:00 PM - 4:30 PM
 Phone: 884-3209  Fax: 884-3275

 Permit number required
 Letterhead with signature and permit number required
 

Code Enforcement Officials:
Office hours: 8:00 AM - 8:45 AM
                   3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
 Field hours: 8:45 AM - 3:30 PM

 
 Permits Issued

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
 

 

© Transylvania County All rights reserved.

last updated January, 2012