Plot Plans for Building Permits

Process Description:
All residential and commercial projects require a plot plan. A plot plan is a general plan used to verify that the proposed work meets the city zoning codes for any of the following: any type of construction, moving, reconstruction, extension, repair or alteration of any building, structure, sign, parking facility, use of land or change in occupancy.

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

Are there any prerequisites to this process?
Refer to the City Code Part 10 Chapter 2 Section 2132.1 to confirm that the work qualifies as a plot plan. Make sure the plot plan includes all the information for other trades, if applicable (Electrical, Building, Mechanical, etc.).

How do I start the process?
Complete a City of Raleigh Permit Application.

A plot plan must include the following:

Plot Plan Stamp
North Arrow
Location of the lot including street names, lot size, and dimensions
Dimensions of proposed and existing buildings or structures
A scale, date of drawing, signature of the person preparing the document, and recorded lot number and address
Zoning boundaries
Required yards and easements
Landscaping
Include a recorded map for commercial projects
All this information can be found in the zoning City Code in Part 10 Chapter 2 Section 2032.1 (b)

What do I need to submit to the City?

Standard Submittal Package

Completed City of Raleigh Permit Application
Three (3) sets of Plot Plans for Commercial projects
Two (2) sets of Plot Plans for One & Two Family Dwellings projects
One (1) copy of Plot Plan required for Historic Districts and Landmarks COA application, if applicable

What additional documents may be needed?

Based upon the specifics of your project, you may need to submit the following:

A Unity of Development plan clearly identifies the building color, materials, building styles, etc. Unity of Development applications (.doc) & (.pdf ) are reviewed and approved by the Department of City Planning. If your project has a previously approved Unity of Development plan, please include it with your plot plan submittal
A lighting plan, if exterior lights are going to be installed as part of the project
Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) is required if the property is located within the historic districts - refer to the Historic Districts map

Where can I find detailed information regarding submittals?

The City Code Chapter 10 Section 2032 will help you determine what type of plan you have and if you need to submit a Plot plan versus a Site plan
Refer to the Commercial Submittal Guide and the Residential Submittal Guide for a detailed explanation of each trade and what is required for plans review
Driveway Cut Permitting Requirements

Where do I submit my application?

Commercial plan submittal packages may only be submitted at the following location:

Office:               City of Raleigh
Department:    Inspections Department
Division:           Permits
Address:          One Exchange Plaza, Suite 404, Raleigh, NC 27601
Adjacent to:     219 Fayetteville Street
Phone #:          (919) 516-2575
Hours:              8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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

Office:               City of Raleigh
Department:    Inspections Department
Division:           Permits
Address:          8320 Litchford Road Suite 130, Raleigh, NC 27615
Phone:             (919) 713-4200
Hours:              8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Note: Dropping off submittal packages at this location will result in a one business day delay in processing to allow for courier time.

What are the keys to success?

Review your submital to ensure that all information is complete, accurate, legible and complies with submittal requirements
Make certain the plot plan stamp is included and accurately completed

What fees are involved and when do I pay them?

There is no separate fee for plot plans. It is part of the building review process
Re-review fees may be assessed after the second review if prior plan review comments are not corrected
See Fee Schedule

How long will this process take?
Each review cycle takes approximately 10-15 business days.

Guide Home Page

For More Information Contact:
Rene Haagen
Site Review Specialist
Inspections Department
One Exchange Plaza Suite 504
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2551

Patrick O'Neal
Site Review Specialist
Inspections Department
One Exchange Plaza Suite 504
Raleigh, NC 27601
919-516-2557

Mitch Haley
Site Review Specialist
Inspections Department
One Exchange Plaza Suite 504
Raleigh, NC 27591
919-516-2554

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