Forms and Applications
Links to paper applications for permits have been placed on this page for your convenience. Note that paper copies, as well as the online application link (where appropriate, have been provided. We recommend that applicants for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits utilize the online link for access to the Land Development Office software to apply for permits, check on the status of permit issuance, schedule inspections, and to monitor the status of all inspection approvals and Certificate of Compliance issuance.
Paper Applications
If you are utilizing the paper applications, complete the form and either mail with a check or fax (if your company has a charge account with the City of Durham where you will be billed) to City-County Inspections. If your company does not have a charge account, you will need to either mail a check or come to the office in order to pay. The fee schedule for all applications can be found using this link. All paper applications submitted for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical will be charged a $5 surcharge unless it is your company’s first permit in which case the fee will be waived. If it is your company’s first time applying for a permit, we ask that you mail in or come in to the office in order for us to set the company up in our system. We will then give you the information you need to apply online for permits. The permit application forms must be viewed and printed using Adobe Acrobat Reader. The form on the website is an application only. The address for mailing applications is City-County Inspections Department, 101 City Hall Plaza Durham, NC 27701, the fax is 919-560-4484.
Application Status
No work may begin until the permit is issued. You can check the application status by using the Land Development Office software. Search the application by the address of the job. Once the application has been approved, under status you will see the word “issued.” You can print a copy of the permit from the Land Development Office for your records.
Fee Schedules
- Building Permits (PDF)
- Change of Impervious on Permit (PDF)
- City Impact Fee Ordinance (PDF)
- Electrical Permits (PDF)
- Mechanical Permits (PDF)
- Plumbing Permits (PDF)
- Sign Permits (PDF)
Fire Protection System Permits
Fire prevention permits are required for any work performed on fire protection systems in all buildings and structures except 1-and-2 family dwellings. This requirement applies to new construction, upfits and renovations as well as system retrofit work in existing buildings.
Plans and specifications, including system calculations as needed, must be submitted to the City of Durham Inspections Department for review and approval/permit prior to commencing work on the system.
Required With the Submittal
Including fire protection system submittals within the building permit plans submittal package is strongly encouraged. This will enable quicker review of submittals and issuance of permits. A fire protection system work permit application for each fire protection system must accompany these submittals. Including the building permit number on the fire protection system permit application will further expedite review in the event fire protection system submittals cannot be included in the building permit plans submittal package.
Fire protection systems include fire alarm, sprinkler/standpipe, smoke detection, cooking equipment fire suppression systems or any other fire protective signaling or suppression system.
Contact
or call 919-560-1199 for any questions regarding this program.