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Permitting & Inspections
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Planning To Build Or Renovate?
Some projects require permits before work starts to support safer construction. Click to learn more about New Construction Permits.
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Buying A Manufactured Home?
Permits and approvals must be obtained before placing a manufactured home on a lot. Click to learn about Modular Home Requirements now.
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Office Hours Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location 1717 W 5th Street, Greenville, NC 27834
Phone 252-902-3150 | Fax 252-830-4974
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Helping Promote Safer Construction From Start to Finish
Most construction projects require a building permit to help reduce risk and support safe, consistent development in Pitt County. Projects move through plan review, permitting, and inspections to confirm compliance with building codes and local standards.
Residents and contractors can view and manage permit records through Pitt County’s online permitting portal, including building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, manufactured home, and gas piping permits. To link an existing permit to a new account, contact the appropriate department with your name, email address, and project or permit number.
⚠️ This department's website is currently under construction. ⚠️ Some information may be temporarily unavailable or inaccurate as we work to improve this site. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this update process.
Planning Ahead for Permit Requirements
Before starting a project, review the examples below to see whether a building permit is needed. Contacting staff early with questions can help reduce delays and keep the permitting and inspection process on track.
These lists may not cover every situation. Permit needs can depend on the type of work and where the property is located. Residents are encouraged to check with the Permitting and Inspections office before starting work to confirm required approvals.
Work That Typically Does Not Require a Permit
- Asphalt or gravel driveways
- Non-residential farm buildings owned by a working farmer
- Non-structural interior or exterior work under $15,000
- Non-structural slabs without footers for future buildings
- Painting or carpeting in private residences
- Pasture, wire mesh, or split-rail fencing
- Uncovered sidewalks
- Wall-mounted awnings
Work That Requires a Building Permit
- Additions or changes to existing buildings
- Finishing unfinished space
- Mobile or modular homes (additional requirements apply)
- New construction
- Permanent sign installation
- Placement of prefabricated or pre-constructed buildings
Some projects may also need extra reviews or approvals based on location or project details, including:
- Floodplain review: A Flood Development Permit is required if any part of the property is in a mapped floodplain.
- Septic systems: Environmental Health approval is required before submitting a building permit, including an Improvement Permit and Authorization to Construct.
- Zoning approval:Required for all building permits.
- Farmville, Winterville, and Greenville: Issue their own building permits; septic approvals still apply when required
- Municipal limits or ETJ: Issued by the town or city
- Unincorporated areas: Issued by Pitt County
Get Started With Your Permit Application
Incomplete applications cannot be reviewed. Having the information below ready can help reduce delays:
- Property owner contact information and project address
- Utility providers (if known)
- Number of bedrooms (residential projects)
- Heated and unheated square footage
- Primary building and roofing materials
- Two sets of building plans (foundation, wall, and floor layouts)
- Any required site-specific permits or approvals
Building Permit Application Process
- Apply for permit through the online portal
- Submit plans, fees and all required documentation.
- Plans are reviewed for zoning, building code, and floodplain compliance.
- Approved plans move forward to permit issuance
- Revisions are requested if corrections are needed
- Commercial projects also receive Fire Marshal review
- The applicant is notified of next steps once the review is complete.
Inspections That Help Safeguard Property Investment
Inspections are required at key stages of construction, including footing, framing, rough-in, insulation, and final inspection. Each stage must be approved before work can continue.
Each trade permit holder is responsible for requesting inspections related to their work. Inspections are requested and scheduled through the online permitting portal, along with any required inspection details. Some inspections or approvals may not apply, depending on the project.
Building Permit Cards and approved plans must be posted on-site and remain available to inspectors until all final inspections are approved.
A Certificate of Occupancy is required before a building can be occupied or a change in use occurs. Temporary certificates may be issued in limited situations when approved areas are suitable for use.
If serious violations or safety concerns are identified, enforcement actions may be taken to reduce risk and address hazards.
- Stop-work orders for unsafe or non-compliant construction
- Permit revocation for unresolved violations or false information
- Orders to repair, vacate, or remove unsafe structures when needed
Property owners are notified and provided appeal options as required by state law.
Please Note: Inspection requests do not include time slots. All inspections must be ready at the start of business on the requested inspection day.
Questions or need to reschedule an inspection?
Submit a Request Through Your EPL Public Portal Account
or Call 252-902-3150