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Residential Building Under Construction

Standard Review - Residential Building Plans


Single Family and Duplex


 

Process Description
The Standard Review - Residential Building Plans process is the most commonly used path for reviewing, approving and permitting One & Two Family Dwelling projects being constructed within the City of Raleigh’s jurisdiction.  This full structural review path takes approximately eight (8) days per cycle.  The City of Raleigh also offers other residential review options for projects that qualify which will significantly speed up the review cycle time. You may wish to consider these Residential review options: Certified Review, Redi Review and Residential Stand Alone.

When does a project require a plan review and/or permits?

According to the State Administrative Code, no person may commence or proceed with:

  1. The construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement to another site, removal, or demolition of any building;
  2. The installation, extension, or general repair of any plumbing system;
  3. The installation, extension, alteration or general repair of any heating or cooling equipment system; or
  4. The installation, extension, alteration or general repair of any electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment...

without first securing from the Inspections Department with jurisdiction over the site of the work each permit required by the North Carolina State Building Codes and other State or local law or local ordinance or regulation applicable to the work. (General Statute 153A-357 and 160A-417). For more details, reference the specific technical code for each trade as provided by the Department of Insurance.  If you are still unsure if your project warrants a review and permitting, please reference the Pony Express process for more information or contact Leon Skinner at (919) 516-2191 for assistance.

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

Are there any prerequisites to this process?

  • If property is on a state road then all NCDOT driveway or encroachment permits must be obtained prior to building permit issuance.
  • Contractor must be licensed by the State of North Carolina unless construction cost is under $30,000.00 or homeowner is building his/her own home
  • Recorded map must be approved and filed with the Department of City Planning  and Wake County Register of Deeds
  • Well and/or septic tank permit from Wake County Environmental, if City water and/or sewer is not already available on the property
  • If a structure already exists on a lot proposed for new construction, a Building Permit for demolition work must be issued and the structure must be demolished prior to submitting plans for review
  • Certificate of Appropriateness (.doc) or (.pdf), if applicable (Historic Districts and Landmarks)
  • Board of Adjustment approval, if applicable
  • For any previously developed property, it is suggested that the client contact the City of Raleigh Housing and Environmental Division at (919) 807-5110 or use the  Public Access  web tool to investigate potential active housing cases. If an active case is found, Housing/Environmental staff will provide instructions to the client for resolving all pending issues and closing the case
  • Client must comply with the City of Raleigh Tree Conservation process


How do I start the process?


What do I need to submit to the City?

Standard Submittal Package


What additional documents may be needed?


Where can I find detailed information regarding submittals?
Residential Plan Submittal Guide 

Where do I submit my application?
Office:               City of Raleigh
Department:    Inspections
Division:           Permits
Address:          8320-130 Litchford Road, Raleigh, NC 27615 
Phone #:          (919) 713-4200
Hours:              8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Submittal packages may be dropped off at the address below and they will be couriered daily to the Litchford Satellite office location:

Office:              City of Raleigh
Department:   City Manager Development Services
Division:          Customer Service Center
Address:         One Exchange Plaza, Suite 404, Raleigh, NC 27601
Adjacent to:    219 Fayetteville Street
Phone:            (919) 516-2495
Hours:             8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

What are the keys to success?


What are the top ten common oversights that result in Plan Review Unresolved Issues?

  1. Plot plan dimensions do not match recorded map and/or building dimensions omitted
  2. Well & Septic permits from Wake County Environmental omitted from submittal package
  3. Footings undersized for loads imposed, piers and/or wall footings
  4. Point loads not identified
  5. Truss layout and/or truss profiles omitted from submittal package
  6. Pre-Manufactured beams not designed & sealed by N.C. Engineer or Architect
  7. Header schedule and/or supporting studs for beams/headers omitted from submittal package
  8. Load(s) imposed by Girder truss, if truss system,  not identified on roof framing plan
  9. Walk-up attic floor plan and square footage omitted
  10. Seal date on plans exceeds one year and/or plan font reduction reduces clarity of plan data

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

  • Fee is due at the end of  the process before permit is issued
  • Payment types accepted are cash, MasterCard, Visa or check made payable to: City of Raleigh
  • All permit fees are processed by the Development Services Customer Service Center cashiers at the same location you chose to drop off your submittal package


How long will this process take?

  • Approximately eight (8) business days for the standard review process
  • Approximately eight (8) business days for re-stamp plans (plans that have been lost or stolen)
  • Approximately eight (8) business days for Field Revisions  
  • Approximately 4 - 8 business days for re-submittals (plans previously reviewed with unresolved issues)


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For More Information Contact:
Customer Service Center
Development Services
City Manager Department
One Exchange Plaza Suite 404
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2495

David Mortimer
Building Plans Examiner
Inspections Department
8320-130 Litchford Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-713-4204

Martin Velie
Building Plans Examiner
Inspections Department
8320-130 Litchford Road
Raleigh, NC 27615
919-872-4127