Latest News Last updated or reviewed on April 13, 2026 Important Cybersecurity Alert for City of Asheville Permit Customers Notice about TS Helene Permit Fee Refunds Sustainability Rebate Program to be suspended on March 31, 2025 License Thresholds Increase License Thresholds Increase On August 16, 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly voted to override Governor Cooper’s veto of House Bill 488. Included in the bill was a provision that increased the project threshold pursuant to NCGS 87-1 to $40,000 effective October 1, 2023. No permit issued under Article 9 or 9C of Chapter 143 of the General Statutes is required for any construction, installation, repair, replacement or alteration performed in accordance with the current edition of the North Carolina State Building Code costing forty thousand dollars ($40,000) or less in any single-family residence, farm building, or commercial building, unless the work involves any of the following: The addition, repair, or replacement of load-bearing structures. However, no permit is required for replacement of windows, doors, exterior siding, or the pickets, railings, stair treads, and decking of porches and exterior decks that otherwise meet the requirements of this subsection. The addition or change in the design of plumbing. However, no permit is required for replacements otherwise meeting the requirements of this subsection that do not change size or capacity. The addition, replacement, or change in the design of heating, air-conditioning, or electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment, other than like-kind replacement of electrical devices and lighting fixtures. The use of materials not permitted by the North Carolina State Building Code. The addition (excluding replacement) of roofing. Any changes to which the North Carolina Fire Prevention Code applies. General Contractor License Any work bid or contracted for less than $40,000 does not require a license as of the effective date October 1, 2023. Owner Exemption Who is eligible for the “owner-contractor” exemption? A property owner can act as his own general contractor and thus be exempt from the requirement to hire a licensed general contractor for building projects costing $40,000 or more if the property owner (including the owner’s family) intends to solely occupy the building being altered or built on his property. If the building is not solely occupied by the property owner for at least 12 months following completion of the project, it is presumed that the property owner did not intend to solely occupy the building. (G.S. 87-1(b)(2)). In addition, a property owner who acts as his own general contractor must personally supervise and manage the building construction or alteration project for which the building permit was obtained under the exemption. The property owner cannot then delegate this duty to an unlicensed person to superintend the project on his behalf. After the building permit has been obtained pursuant to the exemption, the property owner can only delegate this duty to a general contractor licensed in this state. This exemption applies to building alteration or construction projects on property owned by individuals as well as firms and corporations (including local governments). The exemption – and the criteria for eligibility under the exemption – applies to both residential and commercial building construction projects. Lien Agent An Appointment of Lien Agent is not required if any of the following conditions apply: Total cost of improvements are less than $40,000 Improvements are to the owner’s existing residence Improvements are for a public building project
