You’ll need to submit your custom home building permit through Davidson’s Planning Department with detailed site plans, upfront fee payment per the FY 2026 Fee Schedule, and compliance documentation. Applications require printed forms with plot plans showing setbacks, utilities, and trees over 12″ DBH, submitted online or in-person at Town Hall. After town approval, you must forward permits to Mecklenburg County for additional review before scheduling inspections. Understanding the complete process guarantees smoother project approval.
Understanding Davidson Building Permit Requirements
Before you can break ground on your custom home in Davidson, you’ll need to navigate the town’s specific building permit requirements, which differ from standard residential applications. Your Building Permit submission must include a detailed plot/site/sketch plan printed and attached to your application. The Town of Davidson requires all permit applications be submitted through the Planning Department Submittal Form or delivered directly to Town Hall—fax and email submissions aren’t accepted.
You must pay all permit fees upfront using the Town of Davidson Fee Schedule FY 2026 before submitting your application. Once approved by the town, your Building Permit requires additional review by Mecklenburg County. The final approved permit will be emailed to the address you provided on your original submittal form.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Once you’ve gathered your documentation and reviewed the permit requirements, you’ll begin by printing the appropriate Building Permit form for new residence construction from the Town of Davidson’s official permit list. Include a detailed site plan showing lot lines, setbacks, existing and proposed structures, driveways, and trees ≥12″ DBH. Scan your completed building permit with all attachments and submit through the Planning Department Submittal Form website—fax and email aren’t accepted. Pay required fees per the FY 2026 Fee Schedule before clicking submit. After approval, you’ll receive the permit via email and must forward it to Mecklenburg County. Projects in the Village Infill Planning Area requiring demolition need approved replacement permits first, while tree removals exceeding 12″ DBH require separate permits.
Required Documentation and Site Plans
When applying for your custom home building permit in Davidson, NC, you’ll need to prepare thorough documentation that demonstrates regulatory compliance with local ordinances. Your site plan must include property lines, proposed structure footprint, setbacks, driveway locations, utilities, drainage systems, and any trees exceeding 12″ DBH that construction will affect.
The documentation must prove compliance with Davidson Planning Ordinance requirements, including setback distances, lot coverage limits, and floodplain restrictions. If your project involves Village Infill conditions, additional replacement dwelling rules apply.
For demolition projects within the Village Infill Planning Area, you’ll need an approved building permit showing residential replacement before proceeding. Submit your completed permit application and site plans through the Planning Department Submittal Form, available online, by mail, or in-person at 251 South Street.
Inspection Scheduling and Compliance
After your permit receives approval, you’ll coordinate all inspections through Davidson’s Inspections / Central Permitting office located at 912 Greensboro Street in Lexington. Schedule next-day inspections by calling between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.—requests after 4:00 p.m. won’t be accepted for next-day service.
Inspectors verify compliance with your approved plans, Davidson Planning Ordinance, and NC State Building and Technical Codes. You must present required site plans, tree locations for trees exceeding 12″ DBH, and your approved permit from the town during each inspection. Missing documentation will delay the inspection process.
For building and sign work, keep in mind that Davidson’s approved permits require separate Mecklenburg County review before county-level inspections proceed. This dual-jurisdiction process guarantees thorough regulatory compliance throughout your custom home construction project.
Fees and Timeline Expectations
Building permit fees for custom homes require payment at submittal, with exact amounts detailed in the Town of Davidson Fee Schedule (FY2026) available on the Finance & Budget webpage. You’ll complete payment through the Planning Department Submittal Form website before clicking submit.
| Timeline Stage | Duration | Your Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Review | After full payment | Wait for town approval |
| County Submission | Post-approval | Submit to Mecklenburg County |
| Building Inspections | Next-day requests | Schedule 8 a.m.–4 p.m. |
The review process begins only after complete submittal and payment. Once approved, you’ll receive email notification and must separately submit your building permit to Mecklenburg County for additional review. Inspection scheduling follows NC State Building Code enforcement, with permits issued between 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
FAQ
What Permits Are Needed to Build a House in NC?
Picture blueprints aligning perfectly with regulatory requirements—you’ll need a Building Permit covering structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work under NC State Building Code. You must also obtain septic permits for wastewater systems, verify zoning setbacks on your site plan, check floodplain restrictions with local authorities, and coordinate construction inspections throughout the building process. Additional tree permits may be required for removals over 12″ diameter before concealing any work.
How Big Can You Build Without a Permit in NC?
You can’t build any permanent residential structure without permits in NC, regardless of lot size. Only accessory structures under 30 square feet typically avoid permitting (though Davidson may differ). Temporary shelters like camping structures don’t require permits, but anything with foundations, utilities, or habitability does. Even small buildings must meet setback rules and height restrictions. Structural, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work always requires permits. Check Davidson’s specific thresholds before proceeding.
What Is Exempt From a Building Permit in North Carolina?
Permits primarily protect properties, but you’re exempt from building permits for minor repairs like patching drywall or storm damage fixes, small decks under 30 inches high, and temporary structures used less than 180 days. You won’t need permits for interior finish work, portable appliances, or non-structural maintenance. However, you must verify local Davidson ordinances since municipalities can impose stricter requirements than state code mandates for regulatory compliance.
Do I Need a Permit to Renovate My House in NC?
Yes, you’ll need permits for most house renovations in NC involving structural, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical changes. Your project must meet zoning compliance requirements and additional restrictions if you’re in a historic district. Energy upgrades like HVAC modifications require permits, while temporary structures during construction may need separate approval. Cosmetic work like painting doesn’t require permits. Submit detailed plans, pay fees upfront, and coordinate with local permitting offices for regulatory compliance.