DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO OBTAIN RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMITS

The following information will be needed to process your application

1) Authorization to Construct Septic System/Existing Systems Inspection

(a) If you have a private septic system, contact the Orange County Environmental Health Department at 131 W
Margaret Lane, Suite 100, Hillsborough, N.C. 919- 245-2360
(b) If on city sewer or community septic system “Authorization to Construct” is not required.
(c) If you have an existing system an “Existing Systems Inspection” will be required from Environmental Health.

2) Must submit (1) set of Building plans (drawn to scale), MIRROR IMAGE NOT ACCEPTED,
Include the Following:
(a) Foundation plan (cross-section of footing and foundation).
(b) Floor plan, fully dimensioned, with all rooms identified
(c) Wall cross-sections, showing all framing details, insulation information, etc
(d) Wall bracing methods, lengths and locations (to be depicted on separate detail)
(e) Framing Plans, (floors & roof); including: roof & foundation ventilation calculations and truss, LVL, and TJI
layout/engineering.
(f)Building elevations (front view, rear view, left and right view)

Any deviation from approved plans will require additional review and update of permit fees

3) Site Plan: 2 copies – drawn to scale (see example) should include the following:
Not required if going in a Mobile Home Park
(a) Property lines and dimensions
(b) Easements, streams, creeks, rights-of-way
(c) Existing structures (house, garage, shed, pool, etc.) on the lot
(d) Distance from proposed structure to the property line (measured from right of way not edge of road)
(e) North arrow
(f) Location of driveway, parking areas, sidewalks and patios

4) Worker’s Compensation Insurance: If Cost of Construction is $30,000 or more, documentation showing proof of
Workman’s Compensation insurance for the General Contractor is required.

5) The Completed Application Questionnaire

(a) Fill in all applicable spaces
(b) Be sure to provide contractors company name, city from which they operate, license number and signature. All
contractor information must be supplied before work in that trade can begin.
(c) If your project involves a Home Occupation you will need to obtain a Home Occupation Permit from the Current
Planning Division before you can operate from your home.
(d) If your property lies within the town limits or the extraterritorial jurisdiction of Hillsborough you will need a zoning
permit from them at 101 E. Orange St., before the building permit can be issued.
Town of Hillsborough: (919) 732-1270.
6) Tax Moving Permit (not needed if buying off the dealer’s lot). This is obtained from the tax office in the county
where the home is currently located.
Within the State of North Carolina, a moving permit for a Manufactured Home must be obtained from the tax office in the jurisdiction in which the
home is located. This must be done before the home is moved to property or a park in Orange County. ATTACH A COPY OF THE MOVING
PERMIT TO THIS APPLICATION.

IMPORTANT: If a person commences any work on a building or service system before obtaining the necessary permits
they shall be subject to penalty as established by the local governing body [G.S. 153A-354, 160a-114]. In Orange
County the permit fees will be doubled if work has begun with no permits.
This Checklist is provided as a guide to assist you in preparing your documents for plans review
and is required to accompany all Residential permit applications.
Plans shall be drawn using current NC State Codes and include the following information:

Checklist for Residential Plan Review Submittal

Foundation Plan YES N/A

Foundation construction details

Footing width/ depth
Pier size/ location
Concrete slab specifications
Anchorage details
Pre-cast foundation sealed design documents

Framing Plans
Engineered member location and detail sheet
Girder/ beam / header size/ span/ species / grade of lumber
Floor joist size/span/ spacing/ grade of Lumber
Ceiling joist size/span/ spacing/ grade of Lumber
Rafter size/span/ spacing/ grade of lumber
Truss layout and detail sheets
Wall bracing method per R602.10
Point Loads identified on structural pages
Identify support for load paths
Deck / stoop / porch details and specifications per Appendix M

Architectural Details
Floor plan and elevation sheets with all rooms labeled
Egress window opening size
Thermal insulation values/ type
REScheck report and evaluation report, if using spray foam
Glazing In hazardous locations/ fall prevention protection
Stair specifications
Handrail/ guardrail specifications
Alternative methods / material support documentation

General Requirements
Plans drawn in orientation being constructed, NO Mirror Images
Drawing to be scaled or all dimensions to be specified
All sheets legibly drawn and detailed
Plans signed by person responsible for the design
 Required for All Projects

ORANGE COUNTY GENERAL INFORMATION

CENTRAL PERMITTING SHEET
131 W. Margaret Ln., Hillsborough, NC 27278

BUILDING INSPECTIONS ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH

Phone: 919-245-2600 Phone: (919) 245-2360
FAX: 919-644-3347 FAX: (919) 644-3006

DATE: ____________________________ PIN # _____________________________

Project Address / Location:
_____________________________________________________________________________
Subdivision: _________________________________________ Lot # _____________

Water Supply: Public Water Private Well Community Well

Sanitary System: Public Sewer Private Septic Community Septic DWR

OWNER INFORMATION:

Name: _____________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Telephone #___________________ Cell #: ___________________
E-mail address: _________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________

APPLICANT INFORMATION: Same As Owner

Name: _____________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
Telephone #___________________ Cell #: ___________________
E-mail address: _________________________________________
Signature: ____________________________________________

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: _______________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

For Office Use Only

CB # _________________________ IP # _________________________ CA # _____________________________

Erosion Control # _______________ Well Permit # _________________ XS# _____________________________

 Required for New Construction, Footprint Expansions and Increases in Impervious Surface Area

ZONING PERMIT APPLICATION DATE:_________________

Proposed Setbacks: Front: _______ Rear: _______ Right Side: _______ Left Side: _______
(Measure perpendicular to the closest property & right-of-way lines. Must match the site/plot plan)

Impervious Surface Coverage: Existing: ____________ Proposed: _____________ Total: ______________

(Please list in square footage the footprint of any structures, driveways (even gravel), sidewalks, barns, storage sheds, etc.)

Existing Structures:
Type/Use Ground Coverage (sq. ft.) Total Living Area (sq. ft.)
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
(If more than (5) existing structures are located on the property, please attach the additional information on a separate sheet.)

Proposed Project: _______________________________________________________________

Type/Use Ground Coverage (sq. ft.) Total Living Area (sq. ft.)
______________________________________________________________________________

Total disturbed land area to be cleared or graded: ____________________sq. ft.

*PLANNING OFFICE USE ONLY*

Date Received:_______________ Received by:______________
Zoning District:___________ Watershed Overlay:_______________ Census Tract:______________
Required Setbacks (in feet): Front:_______ Rear:________ Right Side:________ Left Side:_________
Maximum Impervious Surface Allowed: ________Percent Square Feet________ OK?: Yes/No
Fire District: _____________________________________
Approved/denied for: __________________________________ By: ___________ Date__________
Comments/Additional Information:_______________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Erosion Control:
Cane Creek, University Lake, and Upper :Eno Watersheds Only:
 Project disturbs less than 10,000 square feet and contains no stream buffers, stormwater easements or
other problematic conditions. Waiver issued by _________________________Date:_______________
 Project disturbs more than 10,000 square feet and/or contains problematic conditions; an Erosion Control
Permit is required-hold building permit until such permit is issued.
Building permit released by: ______________________________ Date: _________________________
Required for New Construction, Footprint Expansions and Increases in Impervious Surface Area

Example Plot Plan

For Residential Use Only

You need to draw a map of your lot showing the following:
 Property lines and dimensions of the lot
 Existing structures (house, garage, shed, pool, etc.) on the lot
 Proposed structure with the distance from the structure to the property lines.
(Measured in feet from the edge of the right-of-way not edge of road)
 North arrow
 Location of streams and creeks
 Location of driveway, parking easements, rights-of-way, utility easements, etc.
 Should be drawn to scale (e.g. 1” = 40’)
130’

50’ – 0”
Septic

Proposed Cov’d
Deck

Proposed
Residence

28’ – 0” 25’ – 0”
175’

175’

Drive &
Parking
Concrete
Walk
NORTH

30’ – 0” Well

130’

Street
 Required for All Projects

PROJECT INFORMATION
Please Complete All Applicable Sections

1. Work to be permitted:

New Single Family Remodel Modular: On / Off-frame Duplex Townhome

Addition (Proposed Use): Bedroom Bathroom Kitchen Den Other: ______________________

Deck/Porch

Manufactured Home: Manufacturer:____________________________ VIN#: ___________________________________

Year: __________ Width:__________ Length:__________
Foundation: Footing Pier and Tie Downs
Copy of Tax Moving Permit Attached
NOTE: THE SET-UP MANUAL MUST BE ON SITE FOR ALL INSPECTIONS. The Set-up Manual must be on site for any
inspections to be performed. Inspections will not be performed without the set up Manual on site and will result in a rejection. Older
model homes without Manuals and models noted in the North Carolina Regulations for Manufactured Homes, must meet the
regulations of the North Carolina Code for Manufactured Homes.

Swimming Pool: Above Ground In Ground Concrete Vinyl/Steel Underwater Lighting?

Retaining wall over 4’ (May required Engineering) Decking Material: _____________________

Project Square Footage: (To be completed for all projects)

HEATED SQUARE FEET UNHEATED SQUARE FEET ACCESSORY SQUARE FEET

st nd
1 Floor: 2 Floor: Detached Garage:
nd
2 Floor Attached Garage: Storage Buildings:
rd
3 Floor Basement:
Basement: Covered Porch: SWIMMING POOL
Other: Deck: Square Feet:
Other: Other: Deck Square Feet:

2. Type of building frame construction: (Check Appropriate type of construction)

Wood Frame Metal Frame Log Construction Masonry Geodesic Dome
Other (Specify) ______________________________________________________________________________________________

3. Type of foundation: (Where you see * provide design)

Crawlspace: (ventilated/closed) Please circle one Basement* (unfinished/finished) Please circle one
Masonry Wood* Superior Walls* ICF Poured Concrete*

4. Number of Bathrooms:____________________ Number of bedrooms:_____________________

Number of Stories: ______________________ Height of proposed structure _____________________ feet;

NOTE: Height as applied to building, means the vertical distance from the average grade to the highest finished roof surface, in
the case of flat roofs or to a point at the average height of pitched roofs, HEIGHT OF BUILDING IN STORIES DOES NOT
INCLUDE BASEMENTS AND CELLARS. Exception: A basement used as a living (habitable space used for living, sleeping,
eating or cooking) area shall be considered a story.

5. Type of siding (please circle) Stucco Fiber Cement Veneer Vinyl Wood Other____________
 Required for All Projects

PROJECT INFORMATION
Please Complete All Applicable Sections

6. Plumbing:
Add/Replace Fixtures Add/Replace Water Lines

7. What type of heating/cooling system will be installed?

Natural Gas LP Gas Logs
Oil Heat Pump Radiant Floor Heat (requires H-1 Mechanical License
_____How many units? Extend Existing duct work

8. Indicate by Quantity if any of the following will be / are installed:

_____ Pre-fabricated fireplace (gas/wood) _____ Wood Stove (will need copy of installation manual)
_____ Masonry fireplace _____ New Chimney

9. Cost of electrical work $_______________________________

10. What type of electrical system is being installed?

100 amp single phase Extend existing wiring Other (Specify) _______________________________
200 amp single phase Adding additional fixtures/outlets Service change from _____ amp to _____ amp
400 amp single phase Generator: _______KWs

11. Power Company Service Property (please circle one)

Piedmont (REA) Duke Engery Durham Duke Energy Burlington Progress Energy

12. Will a temporary electrical service pole be needed (saw service)? Yes No

13. Project construction value including labor and materials (exclude cost of land) $ ________________
The value of construction shall include the prevailing fair market value of all labor, materials and equipment, whether actually paid or not,
electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing equipment, fire protection and other systems. The inspections Division will compare the work as
indicated by this application to the Building valuation data, compiled by Marshall Valuation Service. If the value derived from the Building
Valuation Data conflicts with licensing limitations, the Building Official will require submittal of additional information.

A. Accessed value of existing structure _____________________________

B. Percent of construction value to existing building assessed (for floodplain development permit only) __________________
C. This permit [is] [is not] a substantial improvement/damage repair floodplain development.

NOTES:
 State law [G.S. 143-139.1] requires that any person or corporation that undertakes to erect a modular building (other than the
property owner) must have a valid N.C. General contractor’s License or provide the local building official with a valid $5,000.00
Surety Bond for each modular building to be erected. (Surety Bond form enclosed) Third Party certification stamp required on
plans.
 Required for All Projects

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION SHEET

SIGNATURES OF CONTRACTORS REQUIRED.

FAX to Orange County Building Inspections—919-644-3347
Inspection results will be e-mailed to respective contractor if e-mail address is supplied.

PERMIT NUMBER: ______________________ ADDRESS: _____________________________________________

CHANGE OF CONTRACTOR (Written approval required by permit holder)

General Contractor: License Number____________

________________________________________________________________________________________
Class ________
Address __________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________
Telephone_________________
Contact Person ____________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________
Fax:______________________
Contractor Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Electrical Contractor: License Number____________

________________________________________________________________________________________
Class ________
Address __________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________
Telephone_________________
Contact Person ____________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________
Fax:______________________
Contractor Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Plumbing Contractor: License Number____________

________________________________________________________________________________________
Class ________
Address __________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________
Telephone_________________
Contact Person ____________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________
Fax:______________________
Contractor Signature: _____________________________________________________________________
NOTE: SPWP license only allows wiring from pump to pressure switch at tank. Please supply info on licensed
electrician that will be wiring switch if not the electrician listed under Electrical Contractor above

Mechanical Contractor: License Number ____________

________________________________________________________________________________________
Class ________
Address __________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________
Telephone ________________
Contact Person ____________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________
Fax:______________________
Contractor Signature: _____________________________________________________________________
NOTE: SPH license only allows wiring from disconnect to HVAC unit. Please supply info on any additional
electrical work being performed if other than the electrician listed under Electrical Contractor above

Alarm System Installer: License Number ____________

________________________________________________________________________________________
Class ________
Address __________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________
Telephone ________________
Contact Person ____________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________
Fax:______________________
Contractor Signature: _____________________________________________________________________

Sprinkler System Installer: License Number ____________

________________________________________________________________________________________
Class ________
Address __________________________________________ City/State/Zip ________________________
Telephone ________________
Contact Person ____________________________________ E-mail: ______________________________
Fax:______________________
Contractor Signature: _____________________________________________________________________
 Required For Modular Buildings When Not Using a NC Licensed General Contractor

NORTH CAROLINA MODULAR BUILDING

SET-UP CONTRACTOR LICENSE BOND

#______________________

We____________________________________________________________________________as principal, located at

___________________________________and_____________________________________________________(surety)
of State of _________________________and duly licensed to transact a surety business in the State of North Carolina as
surety, are indebted and bound to the __________________(city or county inspection department) in the sum of five
thousand (5,000) dollars for which payment we bind ourselves and or legal representatives jointly and severally.
THE CONDITION OF THIS OBLIGATION IS SUCH, that whereas the principal has entered into a contract for the
set-up and installation of the modular building described herein:
NOW: THEREFORE, if the principal and all his agents and employees shall set-up and install said modular
building in compliance with the regulations of the North Carolina State Building Code governing installation of modular
buildings, then this obligation shall be null and void; otherwise, it shall be in full force and effect.

It is expressly provided that:

1. This bond is executed by the said principal and surety to enable the Principal to set-up one North
Carolina labeled modular building.
2. This bond is in full force and effect as to the above State Building Code obligations of the principal for
the set-up of one North Carolina Labeled modular building at the following address:
Street______________________________
City_______________________________, North Carolina
3. This bond will remain in full force and effect for one year following the issuance of the certificate of
compliance for the modular building.
4. The bond must remain on file with the________________(city or county inspections dept.)
5. The owner of the modular building described in paragraph 2, who sustains any
loss or damage by reason of any act or omission covered by this bond may, in addition to any other
remedy that he may have, bring an action in his own name on this bond for the recovery of damages
sustained by him.
6. It is further understood and agreed that this bond shall be open to successive Claims up to the face
value of the bond. The surety shall not be made liable for successive claims I in excess of the bond
amount, regardless of the number of claims made against the bond.

In witness Whereof, the day above bounden parties have executed this instrument under their several seal.
This the _________day of_______________, 20___, the name and corporate seal of each corporate party
being hereto affixed and these presents duly sighed be its undersigned representative, pursuant to
authority of its governing body.

_______________________________________
Signature of Principal

______________________________________
Title

Surety by _______________________________
(Signature)
______________________________________
(printed name)
Title ___________________________________

Address ________________________________

______________________________________
N.C. Resident Agent
 READ if Owner/Contractor

ORANGE COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTIONS

131 W Margaret Lane, Suite 101
HILLSBOROUGH, NORTH CAROLINA 27278

Affidavit in Support of Exemption

From
General Contractor Licensing Requirements

Section 1 of Article 1 of Chapter 87 of the North Carolina General Statutes provides as follows:

For the purpose of this Article any person or firm or corporation who for a fixed
price, commission, fee, or wage, undertakes to bid upon or to construct or
who undertakes to superintend or manage, on his own behalf or for any
person, firm, or corporation that is not licensed as a general pursuant to this
Article, the construction of any building, highway, public utilities, grading or
any improvement or structure where the cost of the undertaking is thirty
thousand dollars ($30,000.00) or more, or undertakes to erect a North
Carolina labeled manufactured modular building meeting the North Carolina
State Building Code, shall be deemed to be a ‘general contractor’ engaged in
the business of general contractor contracting in the State of North Carolina.

This section shall not apply to persons or firms or corporations furnishing or

erecting industrial equipment, power plan equipment, radial brick chimneys,
and monuments.

This section shall not apply to any person or firm or corporation who
constructs or alters a building on land owned by that person, firm or
corporation provided that such building is intended solely for occupancy by
that person and his family, firm or corporation after completion; and provided
further that, if such building is not occupied solely by such person and his
family, firm, or corporation for at least 12 months following completion, it shall
be presumed that the person, firm, or corporation did not intend such building
solely for occupancy by that person and his family, or corporation.

This section shall not apply to any person engaged in the business of farming
who constructs or alters a building on land owned by that person and used in
the business of farming, when such building is intended for use by that person
after completion.
 Required if Owner/Contractor and Project Cost is $30,000 or above
ORANGE COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTIONS DIVISION
Michael D. Rettie, Chief Building Official

OWNERS EXEMPTION AND GENERAL CONTRACTORS LICENSE EXEMPTION AFFIDAVIT

G.S. 87-14(a)(1)
I, ___________________________________________, hereby claim an exemption from licensure under G.S. 87-1(b)(2)
( Print or Typed name)
to build/alter/demolish a ______________________________________________________________________________

located at _________________________________________________________________________________________
I also hereby certify to all of the following:
YES NO
1. I own the land on which the building will be constructed or altered.
OR
I am legally authorized to act on behalf of the firm or corporation which is constructing or altering this building
on the property owned by the firm or corporation as set forth above (name of firm or corporation:

2. I intend to personally occupy the building for 12 consecutive months following completion of the construction
and issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy. Additionally, I understand that if I do not do so, it creates the
presumption under law that I fraudulently secured the permit.

3. I will personally superintend and manage all aspects of the construction or alteration of the building and that
duty will not be delegated to any person not duly licensed under the terms of Article 1 of Chapter 87 of the
General Statutes of North Carolina including but not limited to: scheduling of inspections and making sure that
all corrections are made; contract and directly paying for all phases of construction; paying all fees and bills.

4. I will be personally present for all inspections required by the North Carolina State Building Code and Orange
County Building Inspections, unless the plans for the construction or alteration of the building were drawn and
sealed by an architect licensed pursuant to Chapter 83A of the General Statutes of North Carolina.

5. I have not hired nor will not hire any unlicensed individual or company to perform any electrical, mechanical or
plumbing work on this project.

6. I understand that I will be responsible for knowing the laws and regulations of the N.C. State Building Codes
and Orange County Code Enforcement.

I understand that a copy of the AFFIDAVIT will be transmitted to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General
Contractors for verification that I am validly entitled to claim an exemption under G.S. 87-a(b)(2) for the building
construction or alteration specified herein. I further understand that, if the North Carolina Licensing Board for
General Contractors determines that I was not entitled to claim this exemption, the building permit issued for the
building Construction or alteration specified herein shall be revoked pursuant to G.S. 153A-362 or G.S. 160A-422.

__________________________________________ ____________________
Signed Date
Sworn to (or affirmed) and Subscribed before me
This ______ day of _____________________, 20 ____
____________________________________
Signature of Notary Public
____________________________________________
Printed Name of Notary Public
My Commission Expires ________________________ (Notary Stamp or Seal)

(NOTE: It is a Class F felony to willfully commit perjury in any affidavit taken pursuant to law – G.S. 14-209)
 Required for Projects $30,000 and Above

ORANGE COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Michael D. Rettie, Chief Building Official

131 West Margaret Lane

(919) 245-2600 Suite 101
(919) 644-3347 (FAX) Hillsborough,
www.co.orange.nc.us North Carolina, 27278

AFFIDAVIT OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE

N.C.G.S. §87-14

The undersigned applicant for Building Permit #________________ being the

_____ Contractor

_____ Owner

_____ Officer/Agent of the Contractor or Owner

do hereby aver under penalties of perjury that the person(s), firm(s) or corporation(s) performing the
work set forth in the permit:

_____ has/have three (3) or more employees and have obtained workers’ compensation
insurance to cover them

_____ has/have one or more subcontractor(s) and have obtained workers’

compensation insurance covering them,

_____ has/have one or more subcontractor(s), who has/have their own policy of
workmen’s compensation covering themselves.

_____ has/have not more than two (2) employees and no subcontractors,

while working on the project for which this permit is sought. It is understood that the Inspections
Department issuing the permit may require certificates of coverage of workers’ compensation
insurance prior to issuance of the permit and at any time during the permitted work from any person,
firm or corporation carrying out the work.

Firm name: _________________________________________________________________

By: ________________________________________________________________________

Title: ______________________________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________________________________________________
 Required on New Single Family Dwellings and for Improvement Projects $30,000 and above where the
Owner is Not the Occupant

ORANGE COUNTY BUILDING INSPECTIONS

Michael D. Rettie, Chief Building Official

131 West Margaret Lane

(919) 245-2600 Suite 101
(919) 644-3347 (FAX) Hillsborough,
www.co.orange.nc.us North Carolina, 27278

MECHANICS’ LIENS
Effective April 1, 2013

In accordance with North Carolina General Assembly Session Law 2012-158, inspections
offices are not allowed to issue any permit where the project cost is $30,000 or more unless the
application is for improvements to an existing dwelling that the applicant uses as a residence
OR the property owner has designated a lien agent and provided the inspections office with the
information below.

Name of Lien Agent ___________________________________________________________

Mailing address of Agent ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Physical address of Agent ___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Telephone ______________________ Fax _____________________________
Email of Agent _____________________________________________________________
Name of Person Completing Form ________________________________________
Signature of Person Completing Form ________________________________________
Address of Property _______________________________________________________
Date Signed _____________________________________________________________

This information will be part of the building permit on file in the Inspections Division and a copy
will be attached to the building permit placard. The applicant is required to post a copy on the
property.

Excerpt from North Carolina G.S. 153A-357 and 160A- 417:

“(Effective April 1, 2013) No permit shall be issued pursuant to subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section where the
cost of the work is thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) or more, other than for improvements to an existing single-family
residential dwelling unit as defined in G.S. 87-15.5(7) that the applicant uses as a residence, unless the name, physical
and mailing address, telephone number, facsimile number, and electronic mail address of the lien agent designated by the
owner pursuant to G.S. 44A-11.1(a) is conspicuously set forth in the permit or in an attachment thereto. The building permit
may contain the lien agent's electronic mail address. The lien agent information for each permit issued pursuant to this
subsection shall be maintained by the inspection department in the same manner and in the same location in which it
maintains its record of building permits issued.”

For More Information visit: www.liensnc.com

 Erosion Control and Pre Approval Requirements
for Land-disturbing Activities

FAQs
1) Is single-family residential exempt from Erosion Control requirements?
 No. The Ordinance makes no mention of “Residential” or “Commercial”, only Land-disturbing activity.

2) How much may I clear or grade without requiring an Erosion Control Plan and a Land-disturbing
permit?
 In general, a disturbance of less than 20,000 square feet does not require a pre-approved Erosion Control
plan and land-disturbing permit. However, if you are in the University Lake, Cane Creek or Upper Eno
Watershed, the Planning Department’s Erosion Control Division reviews any proposed disturbance.

3) I am in the one of those Watersheds. What do I do?

 Your Building Permit Application notes amount of disturbance, watershed, stream buffers and related
information. If your project disturbs less than 10,000 square feet (roughly ¼ of an acre) AND has no stream
buffers, stormwater easements or similar complicating factors, Erosion Control staff may grant a Waiver.

 The Owner (or Applicant) must sign the Waiver to expedite the review process (Waiver included in the
application packet). If you are not sure what watershed you are in, our software will recognize a Protected
Watershed PIN number and automatically generate a Waiver form for you to sign when you submit your
Application. No fees will be charged nor are additional pre approval of Erosion Control required for waivers.

NOTE: This is NOT an exemption from the requirements of the Unified Development Ordinance, rather
a judgment call by Staff allowed under the Ordinance that your project will not adversely affect
University Lake, Cane Creek or the Upper Eno Watersheds or their tributaries.

4) I plan to disturb more than 10,000 square feet in a protected Watershed.

 Disturbance of more than 10,000 square feet will require pre-approval from Erosion Control.

 Fill out the Application for Erosion Control and Statement of Financial Responsibility, pay the fees and
submit an erosion control plan to the Erosion Control Division.

5) I plan to disturb more than 10,000 square feet, but not in a Protected watershed.
 Outside of the three protected Watersheds, the threshold for land-disturbance requiring pre-approval from
Erosion Control rises to 20,000 square feet.

 If you are NOT in a Protected Watershed and are NOT exceeding 20,000 square feet of disturbance, then
no application or pre-approval by Erosion Control is required.

 Any disturbance of 20,000 square feet or more requires pre approval by Erosion Control.

6) Historical Note:
 Staff recommended that the same protections enjoyed by University Lake since December 30, 1975 be
extended to the Cane Creek (Town of Chapel Hill & Carrboro) and Upper Eno Watersheds (Town of
Hillsborough’s reservoir). On June 27, 2002 the Board of County Commissioners voted to approve Staff
recommendations. All three of the County’s Protected Watersheds now have uniform Erosion Control
requirements and protections.

Contact the Erosion Control Division at (919) 245-2586 for assistance.

When your development exceeds the land disturbance thresholds listed in the following table.

Erosion Stormwater Nutrients

Watershed
Control Commercial Residential N P

Back Creek 20,000 21,780 43,560 3.8 1.43

Haw Creek 20,000 21,780 43,560 3.8 1.43

Haw River Arm

Cane Creek 10,000 21,780 43,560 3.8 1.43

Cane Creek Critical Area 10,000 21,780 43,560 3.8 1.43

Cape Fear

Haw River (protected) 20,000 21,780 43,560 3.8 1.43

Haw River (unprotected) 20,000 21,780 43,560 3.8 1.43

Jordan Lake (unprotected) 20,000 21,780 43,560 2.2 0.82

U New Hope Arm

Jordan Lake (protected) 20,000 21,780 43,560 2.2 0.82

University Lake 10,000 21,780 43,560 2.2 0.82

University Lake Critical Area 10,000 21,780 43,560 2.2 0.82

Flat River 20,000 12,000 21,780 2.2 0.33

Little River 20,000 12,000 21,780 2.2 0.33

Falls Lake

Upper Eno 10,000 12,000 21,780 2.2 0.33

Neuse

Upper Eno Critical Area 10,000 12,000 21,780 2.2 0.33

Lower Eno (unprotected) 20,000 12,000 21,780 2.2 0.33

Lower Eno (protected) 20,000 12,000 21,780 2.2 0.33

Roanoke

Hyco Creek 20,000 NA NA NA NA

South Hyco Creek 20,000 43,560 43,560 NA NA

Notes: 3. 43,560 square feet = 1 acre

1. Thresholds are listed in square feet 4. 21,780 square feet = ½ acre
2. Nutrients listed in pounds/acre/year 5. 10,890 square feet = ¼ acre
 Required for All Projects
Orange County Solid Waste Management
Recyclable Material Permit Application
(Applies to Town of Carrboro, Town of Chapel Hill, Town of Hillsborough and rural Orange County)
For additional information go to our web-page at: http://orangecountync.gov/recycling

Please read and understand the following terms:

 A Recyclable Material (RM) Permit is required for all projects and is tied to the issuance of your building or demo permit.
 Incomplete and/or unsigned and dated RM permit applications will not be considered & will be returned resulting in a
delay of the issuance of your building or demolition permit.
 The permit applies only to the project listed below and is valid for as long as the related building or demo permit is active.
 Not following permit conditions is a violation of the Regulated Recyclable Materials Ordinance (RRMO) and may result in
criminal or civil penalties and may result in the loss of Recyclable Material Collector’s License, if applicable.
 A collector’s license is required for hauling regulated construction & demolition debris in vehicles larger than 9,000 lbs.
GVW. For additional information on hauler licensing see our web-page at: http://orangecountync.gov/recycling.
 All structures 500 SF or larger require a deconstruction assessment before the demo permit can be issued. Contact Orange
County Solid Waste Enforcement staff at 919-968-2788 x 107 or 109 to arrange for the assessment.
 Regulated material management requirements include:
1. Clean wood waste (not painted, stained, treated), scrap metal, and corrugated cardboard must be recycled and
cannot be landfilled. Facilities exist at the Orange County C&D Landfill to recycle these materials at reduced or
no tip fee so long as they are kept separate and can be off-loaded separately by the hauler. If the materials are
comingled together, a penalty of double the tip fee will apply since we do not have the ability to separate
them out.
2. Certified C&D material reclamation facilities (MRF’s) may be used as an alternate to source separation or
bringing them to the Orange County C&D landfill. For a current list of certified facilities, please contact the
Enforcement Officer of Orange County Solid Waste Management at 919-968-2788 x 109.
3. C&D materials may not be disposed of through burning.
4. Land clearing inert debris (LCID; vegetative debris) cannot be burned and may be brought to the Orange County
C&D landfill for recycling at reduced tip fees (currently $18/ton).
5. Appliances and tires are banned from all landfills in NC and facilities exist at the Orange County C&D landfill for
recycling these items at reduced tip fees.
 Solid Waste enforcement staff may enter the job site to observe if any regulated recyclable materials are being placed in
waste containers with other C&D waste materials and if so, a Verification Tag will be placed on the container which must be
given to the scalehouse operator at the certified facility where the container must be taken.
 The RM permit shall be kept on the job and in the permit box for the duration of the project.
 For questions contact the Enforcement Officer at Orange County Solid Waste at 919-968-2788 x 109.

I have read, understand, and agree to comply with the terms of the Recyclable Material Permit:

X______________________________________________________________________ Date:____________________________

Applicant Information:
Project address: ________________________________________________________ PIN #:__________________________
Applicant: ____________________________________________ Owner: __________________________________________
Project Address: ______________________________________ Owner Address (If different):__________________________
______________________________________ ________________________________________________
Contact #: ___________________________________________Contact # _________________________________________

Job Summary: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________

Check method of waste collection & hauling you will use: Check the method of waste management you will use:
____Self-haul ____ Jobsite separation of regulated recyclables and taken to market
____Licensed Hauler ____ Mixed recycling facility (list below if known)
Name of licensed hauler_____________________________ _______________________________________________

Approved by: ______________________________________ Date: ____________________

Rev 9/18/15 JS