Inspections

Mission Statement

Inspections Department Mission Statement

The Franklin County Inspections Department strives to achieve excellence in all facets of building inspection through providing timely, efficient and thorough building inspections. We are committed to providing quality services to all citizens through innovation, continuous improvement, determination and excellence in customer service. We believe that through education and cooperation, we can and will build positive working relationships within the building community, consumers and citizens alike.

Our primary mission is to safeguard the public, promote the health, safety and welfare of Franklin County through enforcement of the North Carolina Building Code. We believe in equitable treatment for all individuals regardless of circumstances and strive to enforce all building codes in a fair and considerate manner.

Inspections Fees

Residential

(Effective 07/01/2011)

Fees to cover building, electrical, mechanical & plumbing inspections.

Zoning fees are collected separately from building permit fees, and require separate payment.

New SFD's & Modulars

Up to 1,200 sq. ft. $495.00
1,201 - 2,000 sq. ft. $610.00
Over 2,000 sq. ft.

34¢ per sq. ft.

Additions & Renovations

Up to 600 sq. ft. $250.00
601 - 900 sq. ft. $315.00
901 - 1,200 sq. ft. $470.00
1,201 sq. ft. & over $500.00


Multi-Family SFD's

For each unit $500.00


Mobile Homes

Singlewide $275.00
Doublewide $385.00
Triplewide $440.00

Residential Accessory Buildings

storage bldg, garage, etc. $60.00

Commercial 

Fees to cover building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, & energy inspections. The fees are based on cost of construction per trade (new construction, additions, or total project).

Cost of Construction Formula
0-700 $ 75.00
701-1,500 Cost -700 X 0.044 + 75.00
1,501-2,500 Cost -1500 X 0.0165 +106.70
2,501-25,500 Cost -2500 X 0.0165 +150.70
25,501-50,000 Cost -25500 X 0.0165 + 530.20
50,001-100,000 Cost -50000 X 0.011 + 933.90
100,001-200,000 Cost -100000 X 0.0055 + 1483.90
200,001-350,000 Cost -200000 X 0.0055 + 2033.90
350,001-500,000 Cost -350000 X 0.0055 + 2858.90
500,001-750,000 Cost -500000 X 0.0055 + 3683.90
750,001-1,000,000 Cost -750000 X 0.0055 + 5058.90
Over-1,000,000 Cost -1000000 X 0.0055 + 6433.90

Other Inspection Fees

  Residential  Commercial
Change of electric service (includes new service for      tobacco barns, bulk barns, etc) electrical wiring & signs $60.00 $75.00
Installation of mechanical systems (heat, a/c, refridgeration systems, boilers, etc) $60.00 $75.00
Installation of plumbing $60.00 $75.00
Structural changes, signs, decks, porches, etc. $60.00 $75.00
Demolition $60.00 $75.00
Swimming Pool $60.00 $75.00

Re-inspection Fees

First Inspection   Free
Second $55.00
Third $85.00
Fourth & Over $110.00

Plan Review Fees

Accessory Plan Review  $25.00
Residential Plan Review  $50.00
Commercial Plan Review       $100.00 per trade

Conditional Power Fee

Commerical and Residential* $75.00

*Note:  Fees must be paid before inspection can be scheduled.

Penalty

Original permit fee x 2 + zoning + plan review fee = cost for building without a permit.

Contacts (by TBA area)

Inspections Supervisor

Eddy Strickland
(919) 496-1117 or
(919) 496-2281

  • Inspections Management and Oversight

Administrative Support Specialist II

Kathy Tharrington
(919) 496-1117 or
(919) 496-2281

  • Schedules Inspections
  • Issues Building Permits

Fire Code Inspector

BJ Brewer
(919) 496-1117 or
(919) 496-2281

  • Performs Inspections for Schools
  • ABC
  • Daycares
  • Foster Care Homes

Code Enforcement Officer

Brad Gilliam 
(919) 496-1117 or
(919) 496-2281

  • Performs Inspections in all Trades
  • Answer Manufactured Housing Questions

Code Enforcement Officer

Tommy Harris
(919) 496-1117 or
(919) 496-2281

  • Performs Inspections in all Trades
  • Answers Building Code Questions
  • Residential Plan Review

Code Enforcement Officer

Perry Faulkner
(919) 496-1117 or
(919) 496-2281

  • Commercial & Residential Plan Review
  • Fire Plan Review
  • Answers Building Code Questions

FAQs

A building permit allows the County's Inspectors to enforce the building code. The purpose of the building code and inspections is to provide for the health, safety, and general welfare of the public. In the past, without any codes or enforcement, the general public was at the mercy of unscrupulous persons looking for a quick profit at the expense of others. Sometimes, this resulted in health problems or worse structural failure, and death.

How do I get a building permit?

Click here for building and zoning fees.

How many days in advance should I schedule an inspection?

When scheduling inspections please call 919.496.2281 at least a few days prior to the inspection. While we try to give next day service, there are times when the volume of inspections forces us to schedule further in advance.

What time will the Inspector be at the location for an in inspection?

Our Inspectors work hard to complete every inspection each day. Sometimes it is difficult for them to set a time due to unforeseen problems that often occur in the field. We ask that the inspection be completed between 9 AM and 4 PM on the day of the inspection.

How do I know if my inspection passed?

The Inspectors leave a check list on the job site, or you can call the Inspections Department at 919.496.2281 after 4 PM on the day of the inspection.

When can the Inspectors be reached?

Between 8-9 AM in the morning and 4-5 PM in the afternoon.

What is the difference between an on-frame modular and an off-frame modular?

An on-frame modular is brought to the site on steel frames and the axles are removed. The steel frames are used to support the structure.

An off-frame modular is brought to the site and set in place by a crane. The steel chassis is not used for the support of the structure.

What forms of payment does your office accept for zoning or building permits?

Currently we accept cash, check or money order.  Zoning & building permits must be paid for separately in two different offices.

May we apply by fax, mail or online for a zoning or building permit?

All permits require that the customer physically come into our office at 215 E. Nash St., Louisburg, to apply for and purchase zoning and building permits.

Where are you located and what are your office hours?

We are located at 215 E. Nash St, Louisburg and our office hours are Monday thru Friday 8 AM to 5 PM.

What hours can we apply for or purchase a zoning or building permits?

You need to come in between the hours of 8 AM to 4:30 PM to allow enough time to acquire the needed information to process all permits.

May we pay reinspection fees to the Inspector or leave the fees in the permit box for the Inspector to pick up?

No.   All reinspection fees must be paid at the Inspections Department. You may bring or mail the fee to the Inspections Department. All reinspection fees must be paid in full before power or a Certificate of Occupancy is released.

What do I have to have ready in order to get conditional power on a residential dwelling?

The following trades must be at 100% in order to receive conditional power: electrical, mechanical, gas test and insulation. Also, the fee must be paid and the conditional power application applied for in our office. This does not apply to manufactured homes.

Do the Inspectors have cell phones? If so, can we call them in the field?

Customers may ONLY reach them between 8-9 AM and 4-5 PM at 919.496.2281.

The Lake Royale POA office says I don't need a building permit for storage buildings from the county because it was by Lake Royale POA. Do I need a permit for the electric?

You DO need a permit for the building and the electric, regardless of where you built it.  Lake Royale or private property.  If any one (1) side is over 12 ft., you will need a building permit. You always need a zoning permit regardless of the size!

Can I call during the day and find out if my inspection passed for that day?

Not until after 4 PM.

How many inspections do I need to have for my house?

As many as needed, but the minimum is usually around 5. They are: footings, floor & foundation, rough in (which includes: electric, mechanical, plumbing, gas system, and framing), insulation and final.

What size accessory building can I build without a building permit?

Anything 12' x 12' or smaller.  You must have a zoning permit regardless of size.

How much insulation is required in walls?

R-13 is to be installed in walls, R-19 in floors and R-38 in ceilings. Vapor barriers or plastic is not required anymore in the code.

I want to finish my bonus room, do I need a permit?

Yes.

Do you do single trade inspections?

No. In an effort to save time and money, we will do all trades at once on the rough in stage. We will do a single trade if the situation calls for it but that will be at the judgment of the Inspector.

Download Documents

Download Franklin County Planning and Inspections documents here.

Basic Information for Obtaining Permits, Submitting Plans, Scheduling Appointments, etc.

Camper Electrical Service Pole Requirements

Construction Terms for Non-Builders

CSST Gas-Piping Instructions

Decks

Environmental Health

Fee Schedules

Fire Inspection for Commercial Property

Footings

Frequently Asked Questions

General Information About Franklin County Planning & Inspections Office

Is your Address Displayed Correctly

Power Companies

Ramps

Setting Up Your Manufactured Home in Franklin County

Swimming Pools, Spas & Hot Tubs

Well Permit