Screened In Porch, Deck or Balcony

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

How do I begin my project?
Permit approval and issuance is required before construction is allowed to begin.

Create a plot plan of the desired project. A plot plan is a drawing to scale of a proposed project which includes property lines and existing structures on the property. Plot plans do not need to be created by a design professional. Plot Plans must be drawn to Engineering scale and be submitted on sheets no larger than 8 1/2 x 14 to include a plot plan stamp. For more information, reference the Residential Plan Submittal Guide.

Tip: Plot plans can be created using the survey drawing that was part of the closing package on your home.

Complete a permit application. A building permit is required on all screened in porch, deck or balcony projects. An electrical permit is required on all screened in porch, deck or balcony projects that are 20 sq. ft. or larger.

Note: If your project is less than 20 sq. ft. and you would like to have an electrical outlet or overhead light fixture, you must apply for an electrical permit.

Bring your plot plan drawing, completed permit application and permit fee(s) payment to:

Inspections Department
8320-130 Litchford Road - Satellite Center
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-996-4200
- Or -

Development Services Customer Service Center
One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2495

Once the permit(s) are issued, you may begin your project!

Why is it important to get a permit for a home improvement project?

• Life/Safety Issues
• Home Resale - If you have added a screened in porch, deck or balcony without the project being permitted and inspected, you will be required to get it permitted/inspected before you close on the house resale. This will require the finished work to be torn out so that the rough in and framing can be properly inspected. This can be a costly mistake that you are strongly encouraged to avoid.

What must I keep in mind when selecting materials for my project?

• Do not use aluminum flashing. Aluminum flashing reacts with the treated lumber and will corrode
• You must use treated lumber or other weather resistant materials. There are many new products that are made out of recycled materials that can be used in place of treated lumber or in combination with treated lumber
• Be sure all fasteners (i.e. nails, screws, etc.) are compatible with the selected building material

Which field inspections are required and when should these inspections be scheduled?

Building:

1. Footing inspections must be made after the trenches are excavated; all grade stakes are installed; all reinforcing steel and supports are in place and appropriately tied; all necessary forms are in place and braced and before any concrete is placed
2. Framing inspections shall be made after the roof, excluding permanent roof covering, wall ceiling and floor framing is complete with the appropriate blocking, bracing and fire stopping in place. Framing inspections must be made prior to a final inspection. If electrical work is being done, the Electrical Rough-In inspection (see below) must be approved before scheduling the Building Framing Inspection.
3. Final inspection must be made for each trade after all pre-requisite inspections are approved (inspections listed above) indicating completion of authorized work as determined by the technical codes.

Electrical:

1. Rough-in inspections must be made before any wall, ceiling finish or building insulation is installed. This gives the inspector an opportunity to view work done that will be hidden from view in the finished building such as building framing, electrical wiring, plumbing, fire protection, or heating ventilation/cooling system. This inspections must be approved prior to scheduling the Building Framing inspection (see above).
2. Final inspection must be made for each trade after all pre-requisite inspections are approved (inspections listed above) indicating completion of authorized work as determined by the technical codes.

*Important! When a final inspection is scheduled, any pending (open) inspections for that permit number will automatically be scheduled for the same date.

Inspections scheduled out of sequence may result in the inspection being rejected with a re-inspection fee charged (see below information regarding re-inspections).

How do I schedule an inspection?

1. Call for staff assistance: 919-516-2500 -Or-
2. Use automated voice response system (EDIFY): 919-857-4412 -Or-
3. Visit staff located at:
   Development Services Customer Service Center
   One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400
   Raleigh, NC 27601
   919-516-2500

What information is required for scheduling inspections?

• Permit number
• Project address

Note: All information required above is provided on the applicant's permit copy.

What are the common reasons for rejecting an Inspection?

See link to the right for the Top 10 Inspection Rejection reasons listed by trade for: Building and Electrical

What should I do if my inspection is rejected? (Re-inspections)

A code violation may result in an inspection status of "rejection". After the code violation is corrected, you may schedule a re-inspection. A re-inspection fee must be paid before scheduling the next inspection. See the Development Fee Schedule for current re-inspection fee information. Re-inspection fees may be paid in cash, MasterCard or Visa or check made payable to: City of Raleigh at either of the following locations:

• Downtown Raleigh: One Exchange Plaza, Suite 400, Raleigh NC 27601 919-516-2500
• North Raleigh: Litchford Satellite Office, 8320-130 Litchford Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 919-996-4200

Re-inspections may be paid over the telephone by contacting a Customer Service Representative at 919-516-2500 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Please have the permit number, project address and credit card information available before you call.

To schedule a re-inspection that was previously paid, contact a Customer Service Representative at (919) 516-2500 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. or use the automated voice response system (EDIFY) which is available 24 hours per day by calling 919-857-4412.

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

• A minimum permit fee is due per trade. The permit fee(s) is due at the end of the review process before the permit(s) is issued
• The permit fee includes the cost of the required trade inspection(s)
• If inspection is rejected, a re-inspection fee must be paid before scheduling the next inspection (see above)
• The following payment types will be accepted: cash, MasterCard, Visa or check made payable to: City of Raleigh
• Refer to the Development Fee Schedule for current fees - See link to the right

How long will this process take?

• Standard Review - Residential Building Plans process is the most commonly used path for reviewing, approving and permitting residential projects being constructed within the City of Raleigh's jurisdiction. This full structural review path takes approximately eight (8) business days per cycle
• If permits are not approved in the first review cycle, it will take approximately 4 - 8 business days for re-submittals (plans previously reviewed with unresolved issues)
• The Residential Stand Alone review option for projects that qualify will significantly speed up the review cycle time. This process takes approximately 30 minutes
• Permit applications that are mailed or dropped off take approximately five (5) business days to process
• Inspections are generally made the next business day after they are scheduled unless requested otherwise
• Re-inspections added to your permit will automatically be scheduled for the next business day once the payment has been processed, unless requested otherwise
• After Hours Inspections At Your Service

Where can I get more information?

• Deck Brochure
• Wood Decks - 2009 Appendix M