Local news- Press Release
Durham North Carolina - November 2023 Update New Inspections Scheduling Process 20 November 2023 ( news )
Durham , state North Carolina ( By Press Release office)
Nov 20,2023
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Inspections Department Industry Outreach
New Inspections Scheduling Process
Our automated inspection scheduling line at 919 - 560 - 1500 is no longer available .
To schedule a building , electrical , plumbing , or standard mechanical inspection , use our online service tools in our
Land Development Office ( LDO ) portal
.
Remember you must be the permit applicant and have your login credentials to schedule an inspection for your permit .
Customer Service Lobby Hours
If you have limited internet access , our customer service lobby is
open from 9 a . m . to 3 p . m . Monday through Friday
, and we have computers you can use to schedule your inspections . Our lobby is located on the Ground Floor of City Hall at 101 City Hall Plaza .
Applications and Forms
We have made some important updates to our
applications and forms
. We encourage you to review and download the latest version to ensure successful submittals .
Job Openings
Start your public service career with us where you will find opportunity for growth and advancement while making a real difference in the community you serve .
Visit our
websitefor current full - time job opportunities in our department , including building , electrical and plumbing inspectors and building plans examiners . We offer competitive pay for performance and
one of the best benefit packagesyou ' ll find anywhere .
Upcoming Holiday Closures
We will be closed for Thanksgiving on Thursday , November 23 , and Friday , November 24 .
We will also be closed for the following holidays in December and January:
Christmas: Monday , December 25 , and Tuesday , December 26
New Year’s Day: Monday , January 1
Dr . Martin Luther King , Jr . Day: Monday , January 15
INSPECTIONS DEPARTMENT DIVISION UPDATES
Building Division
Starting October 1 , 2023 , some changes were made to the North Carolina General Statutes 87 - 1 and §160D . These changes mean that if you are planning a construction project that costs $40 , 000 or more , the project will need a general contractor licensed in North Carolina . However , if your project costs less than $40 , 000 , you will not need a general contractor’s license in North Carolina .
The new cost threshold of $40 , 000 also affects Workers’ Compensation , Lien Agent Designations , and permits for improvements that are exempted by law .
This means that if your project costs $40 , 000 or more , you need to consider these factors . If your project costs less than $40 , 000 , these requirements may not apply .
Question #1:
Is a permit required for the like - for - like replacement of windows , doors , etc . if the cost is greater than $40 , 000?
Answer #1:
Yes . § 160D - 1110 ( c ) as amended , starts out by saying that no permit is required for projects costing $40 , 000 or less .
It then lists five things that require permits
even if the cost is $40 , 000 or less
.
In paragraph ( c ) ( 1 ) it states that a loadbearing structure requires a permit even if it is $40 , 000 or less .
It then states that windows , doors , etc . are not considered loadbearing structures when applying the statute .
Windows , doors , and other items listed in § 160D - 1110 ( c ) ( 1 ) all require a permit if the cost of the project is over $40 , 000 .
Question #2:
Is it the intent of §160D - 1110 ( c ) ( 1 ) that deck additions , repairs , or replacement costing $40 , 000 or less be exempt from permitting?
Answer #2:
No . § 160D - 1110 ( c ) only exempts the repair or replacement of deck floorboards ( decking ) for projects costing $40 , 000 or less .
Question #3:
Is it the intent of §160D - 1110 ( c ) ( 1 ) that the repair or replacement of deck guard rails and stair treads be exempt from permits?
Answer #3:
Yes , but § 160D - 1110 ( c ) is only exempting the repair or replacement of deck guard rails and stair treads for projects costing $40 , 000 or less .
Electrical Division
Starting from October 1 , 2023 , you can no longer obtain a Temporary Power Permit for a residential project unless it ' s associated with an active Building Permit . Our department will notify the power company only after the Final Inspection has been successfully completed on the Electrical Permit .
Plumbing Division
The Plumbing Division is currently fully staffed , making it likely that scheduled inspections will be inspected within one business day of being scheduled . If there ' s any delay , you ' ll be notified by email . Utility licensed contractors can apply for plumbing permits . It ' s important for them to secure a plumbing permit for every new water service and sewer before starting any work . It ' s crucial to understand that this permit and inspection process is required and differs from
Public Works Engineering Inspections
. For specific details on the requirements for utility contractors obtaining plumbing permits , refer to the North Carolina Department of Insurance ( NCDOI ) and the 2018 NC Laws and Regulations .
Questions:Call 919 - 560 - 4144 or Email
:
permittechnicians@durhamnc . gov
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