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Building Permits and Inspections FAQs

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1. Is the building code in Black Mountain the same building code as Buncoombe County?

Yes, the building code is established at the state level.

The Town cannot create its own building code.

2. How do I determine if a permit is needed?

Work that involves alterations to the structure, additions, extensions, or replacement of insulation, wiring, plumbing, and heating and air conditioning require permits and inspections. 

Extension or replacement of all technical trades requires permits and inspections. 

All new construction, additions, or placement of manufactured or mobile homes will require the following permits in addition to the building permit:

• Zoning
• Septic or Sewer Permit
• Paid Water Tap and System Development Fee

The scope of the project will determine which specific permit(s) is required.

3. What does the Town do if a builder violates the requirements of their permit?

The Building Inspector enforces the requirements of the building permit.

4. Can I start to move in or store furniture in my house before the certificate of occupancy is issued?

No.

5. When will the power company be notified to turn on my power?

The release for power will be sent to the power company after the very last inspection has been passed. 

It is your responsibility to apply for power with the power company prior to the issuance of the certificate of occupancy.

6. Where can I get a copy of my certificate of occupancy?

You may pick up a copy of your certificate of occupancy at Town Hall, 160 Midland Avenue, Black Mountain, NC 28711; office hours are Monday - Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm

You may also email jennifer.tipton@tobm.org and request a copy of your certificate of occupancy.

7. When is a licensed contractor required?

Except as exempted by NC General Statutes 87-1, 87-21, and 87-43 and NC Contractor Licensing Laws, all general construction projects with the value of $40,000 or greater and all trade construction (electrical, mechanical, and plumbing) regardless of value shall be performed by appropriately licensed contractors. 

Being an employee of a licensed contractor does not qualify an individual to do work outside of the business of the employer. 

When a license is required, it is not legal for any person to work as a licensed contractor unless that person is a legitimate employee and under the direction of that licensed contractor. 

It is not legal for any licensed contractor to allow any employee to perform work that requires a license if that work is not directly under his/her control and/or the work is not a legitimate part of the business of that licensed contractor. 

Violations of licensing laws carry significant penalties.

8. What happens if a person fails to obtain proper permits, licenses, and inspections?

Failure to comply with laws requiring permits, licensing, and inspections is a criminal act that may result in fines, penalties, and criminal prosecution. 

A building can be condemned or utilties disconnected for violations of these codes. 

Illegal construction, renovation, and/or occupancy of any building not complying with these requirements are prohibited by state law (see N.C.G.S. §160D-1110).

Penalties can also include a $250.00 fine.

9. When does a permit expire?

Building permits expire six (6) months after applying for the permit if no inspection have been completed. 

If inspections have been made, the permit will expire twelve (12) months from the date of the last inspection.

10. Do I need a permit to replace a deck or add a new deck to my house?

Yes.

11. I want to cover and enclose my existing deck, do I need a permit?

Yes.

12. Where do I go to get a permit?

Permits are obtained by the property owner, property owner's agent, or contractor from the Permit Office located at 160 Midland Avenue, Black Mountain, NC 28711. 

Permits may also be obtained through the Development Portal.

13. When is a building permit required?

Building inspections are required during each state of construction to ensure compliance with construction codes and building plans.

14. Where can I obtain a copy of the Building Code?

The Building Code is available from the North Carolina Department of Insurance. 

Please call 919-661-5880 or visit their website at www.ncdoi.com.

15. How do I request an inspection?

You may call the inspection request line at 828-419-9372 or request an inspection through the Development Portal. 

All inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. to be scheduled for the next business day. 

Inspection requests submitted after 4:00 p.m. are scheduled for the following business day. 

We cannot provide a time that the inspection will occur as the inspector plans his scheduled based on his assigned inspections each day. 

Incorrect or incomplete requests will not be scheduled for inspection.

16. Do I need a permit to finish or remodel my upstairs or basement?

Yes.

17. Am I required to obtain a permit for a fence?

Yes.

18. Do I need a permit for a storage shed?

Storage sheds that are over twelve (12) feet in any direction require a building permit along with zoning approval. 

If the shed is less than twelve (12) feet, a zoning approval permit is required.

19. Do I need a permit to install a pool? Am I required to put a fence around it?

Yes, swimming pools require a building permit and a barrier is required for all in-ground and above-ground pools.

20. How do I hook up to public water and/or sewer service?

Contact the Town of Black Mountain Water Department at 828-419-9300, option 3 for water service information.

21. How do I get a sign permit?

Submit plans and sign permit application to the Permit Office at 160 Midland Avenue, Black Mountain, NC 28711. 

Plans will be reviewed by the Zoning Administrator for zoning compliance and by the Building Inspector for building code compliance. 

Once plans have been approved then the permit will be issued.

22. How do I verify that a contractor is licensed in the State of NC?

The following links allow you to verify NC licensing information: 

• NC Licensing Board for General Contractors
• NC Board of Examiners for Plumbing, Heating, Fire Sprinkler, and Refrigeration Contractors
• NC Board of Examiners for Electrical Contractors

23. How do I submit a complaint on construction work being performed without a permit?

You may submit a violation complaint online or in person to report a hazardous condition that may need the attention of the Building Inspector. 

The Building Inspector will assess the situation and take the appropriate action.

24. Who do I call about asbestos?

Contact WNC Air Quality at 828-250-6777.