How Does CIRC Help?
- Technical assistance on the NC State Building Codes
- Approval of single trade or maintenance permits on commercial projects
- Process demolition permit on commercial projects
- Process fire restoration permits that do not require plan review (see Fire Repair and Restoration section on this page for more information)
Here are some examples of the kind of questions we are happy to help with every day:
How are plumbing fixture
requirements calculated for a project? The first step is to
determine Occupancy load of the space using Table 1004.1.2 in the NC Building
code. Once this is established, review Section 403 of the NC Plumbing Code
along with table 403.1 to determine your minimum fixture count.
Do I need a permit to
install low voltage wiring (phone & data, fire alarm, HVAC control wiring,
etc.) in Mecklenburg County? Yes, you will need to
submit an Electrical permit application. If there are different contractors
installing low voltage wiring, each contractor will need to submit separate
permit applications. If this wiring is part of a larger overall project under
construction, the Electrical permit application will need to have the six (6)
digit county project number of the larger project.
How do I obtain a permit to
set up a temporary sales center? Go to
the Electronic Plan Submittal & Review on small commercial projects web
page for detailed information.
How do I call in for an
inspection on my project? Call the
inspections department at 704-336-8000. Have your permit number ready.
Do I need a permit to build
an ADA Accessible Ramp? Yes. This type
of project may go through the Small Commercial Project review process. The
drawings should include an Appendix B, a site plan, and details of the ramp,
handrails, etc.
Can I submit a project for
Small Commercial Project review if my project is still out for bid (i.e.: contractors have not been
selected)? No, you must list your
General Contractor and P, M, & E sub-contractors on your Building permit
application when you submit for Small Commercial review.
What will my permit cost? Follow this link to the Helpful
Links web page and click on
Permit Fee Estimator to calculate an estimated building permit fee. ***
Additional Zoning, Health and Fire fees may apply.
How do I change the general
contractor (GC) on my permit? You will
need to submit a Credit Refund Form and have your permit cancelled. Once this
is done, come to the Code Information and Resource Center (CIRC) with a copy of your APPROVED PLANS, or the project number
of the approved project, and a completed Building Permit application. This function
may also be accomplished through the contractor account. The new permit
application must reference the previous permit number that was cancelled and
the approved project number.
Do I need a permit to
install a retaining wall? Yes, if your
wall is supporting 5' or more of fill. you will need to submit sealed drawings,
a completed Building Permit application. The drawings should include an
Appendix B, a site plan drawing showing the location of the wall(s), the
Statement of Special Inspections, elevations, details sheet and a structural
load sheet. If this wall is part of a larger overall project under constructions,
the Building Permit application will need to have the six (6) digit county
project number of the larger project.
Commercial Single-Trade Permits
Stand-alone permits for minor work not requiring plan review may be
issued on a case-by-case basis. Commercial trade permits are handled through
the Code Information & Resource Center (CIRC). Customers may apply in
person at our 1st Floor offices at 2145 Suttle Ave. OR submit an
on-line application through the contractor's dashboard. For in-person
applications, the appropriate trade permit application form must be completed
and signed. If the sub-permit is for work being performed on a project under
construction, please bring a copy of the approved drawings or identify the
approved project number to verify the work being permitted. If the work
being requested on the sub-permit application requires drawings, the customer
will be notified, and the customer will need to submit drawings for review. The
CIRC lobby staff will determine if the additional review will take place
through OnSchedule Review or Small Commercial Review.
Plan review will not be required on a standalone electrical permit with
a cost less than $5, 000.00. This allowance will not apply for any project
involving life safety systems, medical facilities, hazardous locations,
electric car chargers or load changes where the calculations exceed 200 amps.
For standalone electrical projects not requiring plan review, the contractor
shall provide the department by electronic upload, on their letterhead, a
signed definitive scope of work, a load calculation per the code and all
necessary fault current information.
Standalone trade permits can also be applied for through the online Trade
Internet Permitting (TIP) program. The Trades Internet Permits (TIP) online process allows the
contractor to enter details of the work being performed for projects that do
not require a Building permit, pay the permit fee and print the permits. This
process is for limited & specific project scopes, and the system will alert
you if your scope requires you to apply using the standard permit application
process.
Code Enforcement has created multiple streams for Permitting. To find out more about our permitting processes please refer to our PERMITTING web page.
Interior Demolition Permits
Interior Demolition permits for commercial work are issued through the CIRC.
Interior Demolition is the demolition of interior components that do not affect
rated assemblies and/or load bearing walls. Customers will need to complete a
building permit application, include sub-contractors for any trade (E, M, or P)
that has elements also being removed, and submit this application to the CIRC
online or in person. There is NO new work, removal of structural components, or
build back allowed to occur under the permits issued for interior demolition. Additional information regarding the demolition permitting process may be found here.
Total Demolition Permits
Total Demolition permits for commercial structures are also issued
through the CIRC. Customers need to apply for a building permit and submit completed
versions of the forms listed below. It is recommended that Customers apply for
a Total Demo project through their Contractor account online. These permits may
also be applied for on paper in-person, however there is an additional
administrative fee charged for submitting in this way. Additional information regarding the demolition permitting process may be found here.
Links:
Neshap Form On this link, scroll to Notifications and
click the NESHAP Notification of Demolition and/or Renovation form.
Health Department On this link, click
the Demo/Move Permits for information on demolition and to obtain forms.
If you are disturbing more than one acre or
the property is within a swim buffer, contact Soil Erosion.
Construction and Demolition Recycling - Find out what you can recycle and reuse. Visit our C&D website for more information
Fire Repair and Restoration Projects
When preparing to permit commercial fire/water repair and restoration projects, the scope of the work will determine what permits are required and whether a full plan review will be necessary prior to issuing permits.
If the project is in a residential apartment, condo, or any other R-2 or R-3 use, constructed under the Commercial Building Code, please refer to our Fire Restoration Project Procedures document. The 2018 Appendix B must be included in its entirety with you submittal. However, due to the nature of a fire/water repair and restoration project the following sections may not be applicable: Allowable Area, Allowable Height, Life Safety System Requirements, Life Safety Plan Requirements, Structural Design, Accessible Parking, & Accessible Dwelling Units. Note: Accessible Dwelling Units must be identified and illustrated if they are within the scope of your project.
If the project is in any other type of commercial building or space, the process will be the same as a renovation project.
Helpful References:
The Span Charts associated with yellow pine lumber have been modified. Please review the following amended span tables prior to designing your project.
Key Contacts:
Small Commercial Project Questions: 980-314-2633, option 2-1-1-3, circ@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Program Manager: Scott Westbrook
Program Senior Plans Examiner: Tim Parnell
CIRC Team Members: William Brown, Ken Kiser, Toyana McKinney, Joseph Sandridge,