- Home
- Government
- Permitting and Inspections
- New Construction Permits & Inspections
New Construction Permits & Inspections
From Planning to Approval: What to Know Before You Start a Build
Building a new structure, home, or accessory building (such as a detached garage or storage building) requires permits and inspections to help reduce risk and support consistent construction standards. This information explains the basic steps, common inspections, and key contacts involved in the Permitting & Inspections process.
For Questions or Additional Information
Call 252-902-3150
Getting Started With Your Permit Application
These steps explain what to submit and what to expect during plan review in Pitt County.
- Obtain an Improvement Permit and Authorization to Construct from Environmental Health if the property is, or will be, served by a septic system.
Learn More About Septic System Site Evaluations Now - Submit two sets of plans, a completed application, lien agent documentation (for projects over $30,000), and Environmental Health paperwork, if required.
- If the property is located within a municipality or its extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ), also submit a Municipal Zoning Compliance Permit.
- After a complete application package is received, plans are reviewed for zoning compliance, building code requirements, and floodplain compliance.
- The building permit is issued once plans are approved and required fees are paid.
- Building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas permits must be issued to the contractor performing the work unless the owner completes the work. In those cases, an owner affidavit is required.
Residential Permit Fees
Fees listed below reflect common permit types. Additional fees may apply based on project scope and inspection needs. Work that begins without a permit may be subject to double permit fees.
Applying State Building Standards for Consistent Development
Building Codes Enforcement Ordinances help reduce risk and support consistent development across Pitt County and participating municipalities. These standards set minimum construction requirements for safety, accessibility, and responsible land use.
The County enforces the North Carolina State Building Code, which applies to most construction, renovation, repair, and demolition projects. Permits and inspections are used to verify compliance at key stages of each project.
Work started without required approvals may result in stop-work orders, permit revocation, or other enforcement actions.
Key building code requirements and responsibilities include:
- Code Coverage: Structural, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, energy, accessibility, manufactured homes, and changes of use
- Who Must Comply: Property owners, contractors, and authorized agents
- Jurisdiction: County planning jurisdiction and approved participating municipalities
- Contractor Registration: Required before performing regulated work
- Planning Support: Early coordination is encouraged for new construction, remodels, or changes of use
Inspection Steps From Start to Final Approval
The inspection phase begins after permits are issued and construction starts. Inspections must be completed in the order listed below. Depending on the project scope, some inspections may not be required.
Each trade permit holder (building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas piping, etc.) is responsible for requesting inspections. Inspections move forward once all required permit holders request a rough-in or final inspection.
Environmental Health inspections are handled separately.
Required Inspections
- Footing Inspection
- Plumbing Under Slab Inspection (if required)
- Slab or Mono Slab Inspection (if required)
- Sub-Floor Inspection
- Sheathing Inspection
- Rough Inspections
- Rough Frame Inspection
- Rough Electrical Inspection
- Rough Mechanical Inspection
- Rough Plumbing Inspection
- Rough Gas Piping Inspection
- Insulation Inspection
- Environmental Health Operation Permit (if a septic system is installed)
- Septic Tank Pump Control Panel Permit (if required)
- Final Inspections
- Final Building Inspection
- Final Electrical Inspection
- Final Mechanical Inspection
- Final Plumbing Inspection
- Final Gas Piping Inspection
- Final Septic Tank Pump Control Panel Inspection (if required)
- Certificate of Occupancy Issued
Key Contacts for Your Project
Use the contacts below to reach the right team based on your question or project stage.
- Building Inspections
Building code requirements, inspection questions, and compliance during construction.
252-902-3150 - Environmental Health
Septic systems, wells, improvement permits, and authorizations to construct.
252-902-3200 - Fire Marshal
Fire code review, life safety requirements, emergency access, and required fire inspections when applicable.
252-902-3160 - Permitting Center (24-hour hotline)
General permit questions, application status, inspection scheduling, and help connecting with the correct department.
252-902-3150 - Permitting Center Fax
Submit supporting documents or forms when fax delivery is required.
252-830-4974 - Planning Department
Zoning requirements, land use questions, setbacks, and municipal or ETJ compliance.
252-902-3250 - Tax Administration
Property records, address assignment, and updates related to new construction.
252-902-3400