The Town of Holly Springs, North Carolina
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1/28/04

Permits Required for Major Home Improvement Projects
Obtain the Permit Before You Build, Says Town Official

Here's one scenario all homeowners want to avoid. Your house is for sale, and you have a buyer. The closing date is set and boxes are being packed when the home inspection fails. Your buyer begins to back out of the deal. Your house's foundation isn't sinking; the roof isn't leaking. The reason for the failing inspection is a missing permit on a recently completed home improvement project.

Many people may not realize that permits are required for different home improvement projects including screening in a deck, installing a hot tub, or finishing an attic or basement to make it into a livable space.

"When a property owner goes to sell their home and doesn't have a permit for something, a lot of times buyers won't purchase the home until that permit is secured," said Ricky Blackmon, director of the Town's Building Codes Enforcement Department.

Some common home improvement projects that require permits include: . Building a shed, gazebo, garage, playhouse, swing set or accessory structure

  • Installing a pool or hot tub
  • Screening in or constructing a partial roof over a deck
  • Finishing a room (attic/basement) originally built for storage space
  • Building a retaining wall that is 4 feet or higher
  • Moving or adding more than 20,000 square feet of earth
  • Replacing an air-conditioning unit
  • Landscaping or timbering in a natural stream buffer area or in a floodplain

Home improvement projects that don't require a permit but must follow Town ordinances include:

  • Installing a fence
  • Widening a driveway
  • Installing a satellite dish
  • Posting signs for a yard sale

"Permits are for the homeowner's own protection and safety to make sure whatever they are installing meets the North Carolina codes," Blackmon said.

Many of the regulations also protect neighboring property, Blackmon said. Other regulations protect the environment and preserve the Town's aesthetics.

"Every person wants to live in a clean, healthy, attractive place, and if people don't follow ordinances, the Town won't be as attractive," said Heather Keefer, environmental inspector with the Town.

To determine whether a home improvement project needs a permit, or to secure a permit, contact the Building Codes Enforcement Department at 557-3914. Blackmon said his team of inspectors is often willing to go out to properties and meet with residents if they have questions about whether or not they need a permit, or about building codes. Blackmon said the time for residents to ask questions and obtain necessary permits is before the home improvements are made. If a contractor is used in a project, often the contractor will obtain the permit, Blackmon said.

In addition to building and environmental permits, a license is needed if a resident is planning on starting a home-based business or running a home office. Home occupations include running a photography or art studio, teaching or tutoring, tailoring or dressmaking, consulting, operating a beauty shop, baking or decorating, and managing a personal office.

For more information about the home occupation registration process, contact the Department of Planning and Zoning at 557-3908.

 

 

 
   

Town of Holly Springs - PO Box 8 - 128 South Main Street - Holly Springs, NC 27540 - (919) 552-6221 - Holly.Springs@hollyspringsnc.us