Building Permits in Durham, NC

Check permit requirements for home improvement projects in Durham. Select a project type below to see local requirements, estimated fees, and how to apply.

24 Permit Rules
15 Project Types
$75 – $2,500 Permit Fee Range
IRC 2018 Building Code

Key Exemptions in Durham

These projects typically don't require a building permit in Durham:

Freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit per NC Residential Code R105.2.

Residential fences up to 8 feet in side/rear yards and 4 feet in front yards generally do NOT require a building permit, unless it is a retaining wall, in a flood plain, or a pool barrier.

Pools and spas holding 24 inches of water or less are exempt from permit requirements per NC Residential Code.

Pools and spas holding 24 inches of water or less are exempt from permit requirements per NC Residential Code.

Accessory structures (sheds) 200 sq ft or less and one story are exempt from a building permit per NC Residential Code R105.2.

See all rules by selecting a project type below, or use our free lookup tool for a personalized answer.

Deck / Patio
3 rules
Fence / Gate
2 rules
Shed / Outbuilding
4 rules
Roof Replacement
1 rule
Window / Door
1 rule
Bathroom Remodel
1 rule
Kitchen Remodel
1 rule
Swimming Pool / Hot Tub
4 rules
Electrical Work
1 rule
Plumbing Work
1 rule
HVAC / Furnace
1 rule
Garage / Carport
1 rule
Room Addition
1 rule
Basement Finishing
1 rule
Retaining Wall
1 rule

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Durham Building Department

NameCity-County Inspections Department
Phone(919) 560-4144
EmailBuildingSafety@durhamnc.gov
WebsiteVisit website
Address201 E. Main St., Durham, NC 27701
HoursMon-Fri 8am-5pm

Nearby Cities in North Carolina

Charlotte Raleigh Greensboro Winston-Salem Fayetteville Cary Wilmington High Point

Permit Guides

Read our in-depth guides for common home improvement projects:

Deck Guide Fence Guide Shed Guide Roof Guide Bathroom Guide Kitchen Guide Pool Guide Electrical Guide Plumbing Guide HVAC Guide Garage Guide Addition Guide Basement Guide
Disclaimer: Always confirm with your local building department before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.