Many small businesses require a building permit before any construction can take place. Permits are needed for the following situations:

Renovation Project

If you would like to renovate an existing building anywhere within the City of Greenville you will need a building permit. This would include any structural changes, new roofs, load bearing repairs, mechanical systems, etc. These permits can take anywhere between 3-5 days for smaller projects and upwards of 2 weeks larger projects. Click here to see permit pricing.

New Construction

Building permits are also required for constructing a new addition to an existing building or a new building. In either one of these situations, the applicant would also need to go through the “Site Plan Process” with the City.  The site plan process involves a variety of entity’s reviewing the plan, including multiple City of Greenville departments, Greenville Utilities, NCDOT, Pitt County Soil Conversation, etc. Building permits for new construction typically take 1-2 weeks depending on the required length of the site plan process. Click here to see permit pricing.

Construction Trades

Permits are required for any system change-outs, in-depth modifications, or new systems. These permits typically take one day or less to process. Click here to see permit pricing. Here are the permits that apply to construction trades:

• Mechanical Permits (examples include HVAC, gas fireplaces, exhaust/ventilation systems)
• Plumbing Permits
• Fire Alarm/Suppression Systems
• Electrical Permits – (examples include adding or extending circuits, service changes or modifications, and new system installs)

Change of Building Occupancy

Whenever a new user occupies a building, a building permit is required to ensure that the new user meets the applicable building codes and regulations. These permits typically take 3-5 days to process. Click here to see permit pricing.

Signage

Installing a “fixed” business sign also requires a building permit.  Part of the building permit process includes a zoning review to ensure compliance with City Zoning regulations. For details on sign permit instructions click here.  Sign permits usually take 3-5 days to process. Click here to see permit pricing.

Utility Safety Inspection

A courtesy permit is required to ensure building safety in structures that have had the utilities (natural gas & electric) disconnected for 6-months or longer. To schedule this inspection, call (252)-329-4466.

Roofing

A building permit is required installing a new roof or making substantial repairs to an existing roof. Roofing permits usually take 1-2 days to process. Click here to see permit pricing.

For more information contact:
City of Greenville Inspections Division
201 West Fifth Street
Greenville, N.C. 27834
(252) 329-4466

** The City of Greenville is currently revising the permitting and plan review process. We expect to launch an online building permit application, payment, and submittal process towards the end of 2018.**