Stand Alones - Commercial

Process Description:
The Stand Alone - Commercial Review is a single trade plan review such as electrical, plumbing, mechanical or fire protection. This review is used only for commercial minor repairs, replacements, fire damage and adding equipment to an existing building in accordance with the North Carolina Administrative & Enforcement Requirement Code, Volume 1-A. These reviews will not include building or site review. These reviews are not the same as a "Walk-Thru" review.

(Walk-Thru or Walk-Through reviews are permits that clients can wait for such as SFD deck, additions, alterations, stubs, street cuts or signs.)

Report Fire Protection and Fire Alarm equipment emergency repairs to Fire Department staff by using this email link: repair@raleighnc.gov. This includes repair requests for Fire Sprinklers, Pumps, etc. Using this link will ensure that all necessary staff is properly notified and the permitting process can begin sooner. When repair requests are reported using this email link, the client will receive an automated reply with instructions and quick links for permitting and inspections. This process is only intended for repairs that are replacing "like for like" systems. If repairs require a system upgrade, plans will be required for the permitting process.

See the City of Raleigh Development Services Glossary for any unfamiliar terms.

Exceptions to the process:

• If property is confirmed to be zoned in a flood plain, the project must be routed with plans and can not be processed as a walk-thru
• Changes in the use and/or occupancy of the property (business, storage, mercantile, residential) can not go through the Commercial Stand Alone Process. You must use with one of the following Commercial Building Processes:

Standard Review (Also includes Condos, Townhomes, and Apartments)

Express Review

Pony Express Review

Are there any prerequisites/requirements for this process?

• Contractor information (contractor license, contact information, business license, workers compensation, certificate of liability insurance, etc.) must be complete, current and valid in the City of Raleigh Contractor file
• Contractor must have a City of Raleigh Business License, if work is being done within the City Limits of Raleigh
• Permit issuance for properties with Fire Damage must schedule an inspection prior to submitting Stand Alone building permit requests. To schedule a Fire Inspection, call the Development Services Customer Service Center at (919) 516-2500. This inspection will provide the property owner with a list of required areas and materials that will need to be replaced to meet current building code
• When requesting a permit to change out a HVAC roof top unit or to add a roof top unit, a zoning and mechanical review are required. Effective July 1, 2011, plans will be required to install or change out roof top units and must include a drawing of the screening around the unit. Also effective on this date, Zoning reviewers also require the issuance of a zoning permit.

How do I start the process?

• Complete an on-line ePermits application using the Online Development Center. Contractors may use the on-line application to process permits only for electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing permits for minor alterations and repairs. Contact the Development Services Customer Service Center at (919) 516-2495 for information needed to create a new account for the Online Development Center

- OR -

• Complete a City of Raleigh Permit Application and submit it to the City of Raleigh Development Services Customer Service Center located at One Exchange Plaza Suite 400, Raleigh, NC
  

What do I need to submit to the City?

What additional documents may be needed?

• Commercial Plan Review Contact List
• Cut sheets on all equipment. A cut sheet is a document supplied by the manufacturer describing the product as well as installation requirements
• Details, computations, stress diagrams or documentation sealed by a North Carolina Registered Design Professional and other data necessary to describe the construction or installation of a system. Please refer to the North Carolina Administrative & Enforcement Requirement Code, Volume 1-A Section 302.1, 302.1 and 302.3
• Certificate of Appropriateness (Historic Districts & Landmarks), if site is in an historic district
• Special Inspections

Where do I submit my application?

Complete an on-line e-Permits application using the Online Development Center. Contractors may use the on-line application to process permits only for electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing permits for minor alterations and repairs. Contact the Development Services Customer Service Center at (919) 516-2495 for information needed to create a new account for the Online Development Center.

- OR -

What are the keys to success?

• Make sure above prerequisites are met
• Provide a detailed description of proposed work on City of Raleigh Permit Application

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

• Permit fees are due at the end of the review process before permits are issued
• If you choose to process your permit request using the e-Permits application - Online Development Center, payment by either MasterCard or Visa is accepted electronically at the end of the process
• If you choose to process your permit request in the Development Services Customer Service Center, located at One Exchange Plaza Suite 400, the following payment types will be accepted: cash, MasterCard, Visa or check made payable to: City of Raleigh
• See Development Fee Schedule

How long will this process take?

• Stand Alone reviews take approximately three (3) days to process
• Walk-Thru reviews take approximately 30 minutes and are processed the same day while the client waits
• Applications that are mailed or dropped off take approximately five (5) business days to process