Apply for a Commercial Permit

Last updated or reviewed on April 13, 2026

Get started on a Commercial Permit

Click here to confirm your project is is City of Asheville’s permitting jurisdiction.

Click here for a list of common terms. 

A list of application forms and help are listed on this page by project type. Choose your commercial project type below to skip to that section: 

How to Send Your Forms

You can turn in your finished forms in two ways:

  1. In Person: Bring them to the Permit Application Center (PAC).

  2. Online: Submit on the Development Portal.

Note: Please make sure your forms are finished. Missing information will make the process take longer.

Contact Us for Help

The Permit Application Center (PAC) is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. We are closed on holidays.

Find Forms and Help by Project Type

Stand Alone Trade Permit

Minor Subdivision/Recombination

Commercial Signs/Merchandise/Outdoor Dining

Special Event/Temporary Use/Mobile Food Vending

New Construction/Additions

Note: For additions over 500 square feet

Required Building Construction Forms
Required Site Development Forms
Supplemental Forms (may be applicable)
Project Close-out Forms
Resources

Alterations/Renovations

Required Building Construction Forms
Supplemental Forms (may be applicable)
Project Close-out Forms
Resources

Tenant Upfit- First Occupancy

Required Building Construction Forms
Supplemental Forms (may be applicable)
Project Close-out Forms
Resources

Commercial Repair/Replace

Tenant Occupancy- Existing Building

Commercial Reroof

Commercial Demolition

Before your building is torn down, please think about letting the Asheville Fire Department (AFD)  use it for life safety training. Please contact Fire Division Chief Wes Rogers at wrogers@ashevillenc.gov or (828) 232-4511 to chat. 

Commercial Solar PV

Tree Removal

Commercial Development Fees

Commercial Permit Information

Lien Agents: What You Need to Know

Since 2013, North Carolina law says most building projects must name a Lien Agent. This is a person who helps make sure everyone working on the project gets paid. We cannot give you a building permit until you show us who your lien agent is. This includes small permits for repairs.

When You DO NOT Need a Lien Agent:

You do not need to name a lien agent if:

  • Your project costs less than $40,000.

  • You are working on your own home where you already live.

  • You are working on a public government building.

How to Set One Up

You can do this online at LiensNC.com. This site has a simple guide to help you finish the process.

Trade Permits

Trade permits are for projects that only involve these types of work:

  • Electrical (power and lights)

  • Plumbing (pipes and water)

  • Mechanical (Heating and Cooling, also known as HVAC)

  • Gas Pipes

A Stand-Alone Permit is for small projects that only involve one trade. If your job needs more than one type of work (like both plumbing and electrical), it is called a Multi-Trade Permit.

For many trade jobs, you do not need to show us building plans. You can often get these permits the same day you ask for them.

Common projects include:

  • Putting in a new electrical circuit.

  • Replacing or putting in a new heating or cooling system (HVAC).

  • Adding or replacing a water heater.

  • Setting up a backup generator.

How to Apply Online

Licensed contractors should use the Citizen Access website to apply. You will need to log in to your account first. You will get your permit immediately when you apply through the website.

You will not be able to apply online if the project:

  • Is in the floodplain
  • Is in the historic district
  • Has a cost of work over $40,000.

If you can’t apply online, you will need to email your trade application to us at pac@ashevillenc.gov. We will email you back the permit and the amount due. 

Click here for a step-by-step guide on how to apply online.

Review Times

Small Projects

Projects that look simple may still need to be checked by a few different city experts. Examples of small projects are signs, temporary use permits, or existing tenant remodels. These usually get a 10 day review time. 

Standard Projects and Large Projects

 These projects take longer to review because they have special safety rules.

Standard projects are usually small to medium-sized buildings, like most low-rise or mid-rise construction.

Large projects include:

  • Buildings with more than 4 floors.
  • Apartment buildings with more than 100 units.
  • Malls and large schools.
  • Buildings that hold more than 1,000 people.
  • Hospitals or buildings that store dangerous materials.

Moving Into a Space With No Building Work

If you are moving your business into an empty space and not doing any construction, you still need a permit and inspection to move in. This is called Tenant Occupancy.

How to get this permit:

  1. Read the Rules: Look at the Tenant Change Out Bulletin (listed above) to see the safety rules.

  2. Fill Out the Form: Complete the Tenant Occupancy Application (listed above).

  3. Submit the form: Bring the form to the Permit Application Center or submit on the Development Portal.

What happens next:

  • Quick Service: In most cases, you can get your permit the same day you apply.

  • Inspections: We can usually check the building the very next day.

  • Special Note: If your business is very different from the business that was there before (for example, turning an office into a restaurant), you may need to turn in building plans for us to review first.

Business Licenses

The City of Asheville no longer collects a general business tax (also called a privilege license). This change happened because of a North Carolina state law in 2015.

Important things to know:

  • Beer and Wine: The City still collects taxes for beer and wine businesses.

  • State Taxes: You may still need to pay a privilege tax to the State of North Carolina, even though you do not pay the City.