Building Code
Construction Management
print info
Building Code Enforcement Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the purpose of the Building Inspection program?
The Building Inspection Division is the Town’s regulatory organization for assuring that construction work is conducted in compliance with related Town of Apex Ordinances and the building codes of the State of North Carolina.

What is a building permit?
A building permit is the basic administrative device required by the State of North Carolina that must be obtained prior to construction or alteration of any building or structure, or plumbing, mechanical, or electrical system. In some cases, exemptions from requirements for building permits are applicable, and the Building Inspection Division should be contacted to determine if a project is exempt. (G.S. 160A-417)

How do I obtain a building permit?
The process for obtaining building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical permits begins with completing and filing a Permit Application for One and Two Family Dwellings or a Permit Application for Single Trade Construction. Additionally, applications for “building” permits (new buildings or additions) must be accompanied by a completed One and Two Family Dwelling Checklist. These documents are available at the Building Inspections Office, 73 Hunter Street, Apex, NC and online.

How long does it take to receive a permit?
Upon receipt of a permit application and/or plans, the plan review staff will review the information for technical content and completeness. After determining that all necessary information has been supplied, approval for the issuance of the permit will be authorized and the applicant will be notified that the permit is ready to be purchased and picked up. The review process may take only a few minutes to review the application for a single trade mechanical or electrical permit, and as long as one to ten working days for review of building construction plans for decks, porches, additions, and new homes depending on work load. In every case the review time will be as short as possible.

What is the job of the contractor?
Once a permit has been obtained, authorization to commence construction within the scope of the permit is granted. It is the responsibility of the contractor to conform to the building and technical codes for all installations or repairs of a building or service system and to schedule all the required inspections. (NC Administration and Enforcement Requirements Code, 304.1) A homeowner acting as general contractor assumes the same responsibility for code compliance as a licensed general contractor.

What inspections are required?
Because construction projects vary greatly as to their type and scope, no one set of guidelines can offer in-depth detail of the inspection process for all projects. A basic room addition requires footing; foundation; rough-in; insulation; and final inspections; in that order. Details of the required components for each of these inspections are listed in the NC State Building Codes. Additionally, information identifying the readiness of projects for inspection and how to schedule inspections is listed in the publication “One and Two Family Dwelling Construction Policies & Inspection Procedures”. Authorization must be obtained from the Code Enforcement Officer after each inspection to proceed to each subsequent step of construction.

When is a permit required?
Typical construction projects requiring permits and inspections include: room additions; decks; roofs over decks; swimming pools greater than 42” deep; finishing basements; bonus rooms and attics; lawn irrigation systems; accessory buildings (see next paragraph); all installations or modifications to electrical, plumbing, or heating or air conditioning systems. For more information please contact the Building Inspection Permit Office. (919) 387-3090.

Accessory Buildings
A building permit is required for accessory buildings located on one or two family dwelling lots, however; accessory buildings with no dimension greater than 12 feet are exempt from the building permit requirement. (NC Residential Code, Section R101.2). This exemption from the requirement for a building permit is not applicable for any associated plumbing, electrical wiring or mechanical system installations. Town of Apex Zoning Code regulations pertaining to set backs and yard lines are also applicable as indicated in the zoning regulations for particular subdivisions or parcels. Subdivision covenants are legal agreements that may, at times, be more restrictive than the state or local ordinances. The covenants are not governed by the Town but must be considered with any project.

Can I as homeowner do my own work?
In most cases NC State laws pertaining to contractors allow homeowners to obtain permits and perform construction work on their personal home. Please contact the Building Inspection Division for more detailed information.

What are the office hours?
Our business hours are from 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.

How can I schedule an inspection?
Inspections must be scheduled the day before the intended inspection, prior to 3 pm. They may be scheduled in person at the Building Inspection desk or may be phoned in at (919) 249-3388. The inspection request should include the type of inspection desired, the permit number assigned to the project, the street address, and/or the subdivision and lot number.

How much does a permit cost?
Please see our Fees Page for permit costs.

How can I obtain a copy of the NC Building codes?
The NC State Building Codes are available for purchase through the NC Department of Insurance Engineering Division, 410 N Boylan Avenue, Raleigh, NC. (919) 733-3901. And, may be viewed online at the NC Building Inspectors Association website.

What should I consider when selecting a contractor?
Consumer Awareness information is provided by the NC State Board of examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors. To read information about selecting a contractor, contracts; permits; and other helpful information, follow the links on the side or bottom of each page.

What other Town of Apex services or departments are involved with my construction project?
Throughout the normal building construction process the Building Inspection Division works closely with the Engineering Division (oversees construction and design of the Town’s infrastructure. 294-3394); Planning and Zoning Departments (enforces ordinances related to property setbacks, retaining wall limitations, property use, etc. 362-4191); the Electrical and Utilities Divisions of the Public Works Department (maintain electrical distribution systems; streets, water and sewer utility service; etc. 362-8166); and the Finance Department (provides metering and billing services. 362-8676).