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Permit Applications

construction site

All permits issued by the Town of Forest City Code Enforcement and Development Department are inspected to ensure compliance with the North Carolina State Building and Fire Codes.

Inspections are requested by calling the Inspections Department at 828.248.5239 or emailing fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com.

Routine fire inspections are performed in accordance with the State of North Carolina's mandated inspections schedule. To schedule a fire inspection, please contact the Town of Forest City Fire Marshal, Chad Allen, at 828.245.2111 or email him at ChadAllen@TownofForestCity.com.

The current building codes in use for the Town of Forest City are set forth by the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina Building Code Council is the authority that oversees the code process. The Residential Code is on a 6-year adoption cycle by statute. The Code Council has also adopted a policy that all other codes except the NEC on a 6-year cycle to match the residential code. 

Local amendments include the: 

  • 2018 NC State Building Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Residential Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Energy Conservation Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Existing Building Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Fire Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Fuel Gas Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Mechanical Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Plumbing Code Amendments
  • 2020 North Carolina State Electrical Code

Building Permits

Verify Licensing for General Contractor

Residential Projects: please allow 24 hours for review and issuance of your permit(s).

Residential Construction/Remodel Application

Required to erect, enlarge, alter, remove, demolish, or repair a structure in the city limits of Forest City. This includes everything from certain storage sheds, decks and garages to commercial construction, signs, and additions.

Commercial Projects: please allow 15 days for plan review and a minimum of 48 hours for issuance.

Commercial Construction/Remodel Application

For new COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION please view, complete, and submit the documents below that pertain to the project you'll be working on.

Completed documentation can be dropped off in person at 128 N. Powell Street, emailed to FCBuilding@TownofForestCity.com, or faxed to 828.245.6143.

Electrical Permit:

Verify Licensing for Electrical Contractor

Required for the installation of new electrical service equipment, existing service relocation and service increases as well as interior and exterior fixed appliances and equipment connections.

Electrical Permit Application

In the instance of an electric service upgrade (panel, meter, combo, etc.) if there is not an outside disconnect present, the electrician will be required to be on site at the time of energizing. All service drops and energizations must be scheduled by calling the Town of Forest City Public Works Department at 828.245.0149. 

For electrical work on a commercial project that receives electrical service from the Town of Forest City, the electric department requires the completion and submission of an Electrical Load Calculation Sheet (PDF, 73.65 KB). This form may be completed and submitted to the Inspections Department at fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com or by fax to 828.245.6143, or dropped off, in person, at the Collections Department (128 N. Powell Street).

The Test in Construction Form is required to be signed and submitted prior to energizing the permanent panel and meter base on any construction or replacement of the exterior electrical service: online form: Temporary Test in Construction Form pdf version: Temporary Test in Construction Form (PDF, 73.17 KB)

 

Mechanical Permit:

Verify Licensing for Mechanical Contractor

Required for the replacement, repair or alteration of mechanical systems in structures. This includes air conditioning, heat, gas lines, gas logs, gaslights, gas grills, propane tanks and associated piping for flammable liquids.

Mechanical Permit Application

 

Plumbing Permit:

Verify Licensing for Plumbing Contractor

Required for all plumbing work including water service, drains, water mains, sewage disposal systems and related fixtures and appliances.

Plumbing Permit Application

 

Accessory Structure Permit

Please allow 24-48 hours for plan/site review and issuance.

Storage buildings, gazebos, detached garages, manufactured carports or any structure that is detached from a principal structure (dwelling) on the same lot and must be in the rear setback of the yard. A permit must be obtained, and the setbacks verified with an approved site plan (PDF, 86.39 KB).

Accessory Structure Permit Application

 

Lien Agent Designation:

NC GENERAL STATUTE: § 44A-11.1. Lien agent; designation and duties

Effective for construction projects beginning on or after April 1, 2013, North Carolina law requires appointment of a lien agent.  Contractors and subcontractors can then give notice they are working on the project. Appointments are not required for (1) improvements under $40,000 or (2) to the owner’s existing residence or (3) for public building projects.  Our office will require the lien agent designation before a permit will be released for commencement of construction, including single trade permits.  You may visit the website LiensNC.com for additional information and a step-by-step guide to completing the designation process online.

Owner Exemption Affidavit:

NC GENERAL STATUTE: § 87-14. Regulations as to issue of building permits. (a)(1)

Property owner's constructing or improving their personal, primary residence can sign this form certifying and attesting to the fact that they will act as the Unlicensed General Contractor adhering to the rules and laws set forth in the North Carolina General Statute 87-14. 

Appendix F Owner Exemption Affidavit (PDF, 130.62 KB)

 

Sign Permit-Please allow 10 days for plan review and 48 hours for issuance.

Sign Permit Application

For any questions or clarification, please see the Town of Forest City Unified Development Ordinance, Part II, Appendix A, Chapter 6 SIGNS, or email the Town Planner.

Please note that payments are not accepted, currently, online or via phone.

In the event you request a pdf version of an application, please contact our office via email at fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com and someone will send you a downloadable version of the application you need. 

Once completed, email the form back to the above listed email address, or drop the application off at the Town of Forest City Collections Department lobby, which is open M-F 8:00am-4:00pm.

How to Submit Permits and Other Information

Email Site, Civil and/or Construction plans digitally to FCBuilding@TownofForestCity.com.

For additional permit applications and required attachments, please see below:

ZONING APPLICATIONS

Online Public Portal***For use by existing contractors only*** 

Please visit the Town of Forest City Public Portal for permits and other information that may be of assistance to you by clinking on the link below: 

Town of Forest City, NC Public Portal