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Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I view a demonstration of the New Single-Family Residential Building Permit?
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Please click the link to view the demonstration for the New Single-Family Residential Building Permit: Residential Building Permit Demonstration.
- Where are the current codes located?
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Please click the link to view the Current and Past codes: https://www.ncosfm.gov/codes/codes-current-and-past
- How do I contact the Building Safety Department?
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Please email your questions to Building Safety at Coast@nhcgov.com or call 910-798-7308.
- What is the deadline to request a next business day inspection?
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Please request your inspection on your Coast portal before 3:30 pm for the next business day inspection.
- How can I apply for my trade permit under the Building permit?
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- Log on to your Customer Online Application & Services Tool COAST account
- Click the My Work tab under Permit, and type in the permit number in the search field
- Click on the permit number, and under Sub-Case, find the applicable permit to apply for and fill out the information
- Click Submit when the application is complete
- Where do I find the status of my review?
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- Log on to your Customer Online Application & Services Tool COAST account
- Go to the My Work tab under Permit to search and view the permit
- The Summary page will show you the progress of your Plan Review. It can also be viewed by scrolling under Workflow
- You can view the status of each review by clicking Reviews and clicking each category to see the status
- Where are my stamped approved plans?
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When your plans are approved and stamped, they will be under your permit’s Attachments tab in the Customer Online Application & Services Tool (COAST).
- I'm trying to apply for a permit, but the address isn't in the system. What do I do?
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Please try searching with the address number and the first few letters of the street name until you see the correct address appear. You can keep adding letters to narrow down your search.
- Where can I view a demonstration of the New Single-Family Residential Building Permit?
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Please click the link to view the demonstration for the New Single-Family Residential Building Permit: Residential Building Permit Demonstration.
- Do I need a permit?
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To be sure of what permit or documentation is required, you can view the county’s Permit Chart (PDF). This chart provides general guidance on what permits are required for each project.
- Can I speak to the plan reviewer about their comments?
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Yes, Plan Reviewers are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm. To reach a reviewer, please call 910-798-7308.
- Has the power release been sent? Duke / Piedmont says they don’t have it.
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A power release is processed and emailed to Duke/Piedmont following an approved inspection. Please allow 24 to 48 hours to process the release.
- Why is there a hold on my permit?
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There are various reasons why a permit may be placed on hold, like an expired permit or additional information is needed.
If your permit is on hold, you can email the Customer Online Application & Services team to inquire. Please reference your permit number in the subject line.
- What do I need to include with my permit application?
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Different permits have different requirements, so you will want to check the details listed on your permit application.
Once you access COAST and select the permit application you need, there will be a list of requirements. Any additional forms required will also be linked to the application.
- My permit expired, what do I need to do?
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If your permit has expired, please re-apply for your permit. Permits are not valid after expiration.
- How can I get a partial Certificate of Occupancy (CO) so I can occupy before the final CO?
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Please email the Customer Online Application & Services team to request a partial Certificate of Occupancy. Reference your permit number in the subject line.
- Why is Cape Fear Public Utility Authority (CFPUA) / City of Wilmington Zoning holding up my permit?
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There are a number of reasons other agencies may hold your permit. If your permit is on hold by CFPUA or the City of Wilmington, you can contact them directly at the numbers listed below:
- CFPUA: 910-332-6550.
- City of Wilmington Zoning: 910-254-0900.
- What are the file standards for a submittal?
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File standards are a way to help with consistency when submitting plans and supporting documents.
Please see the Building Safety File Standards document for the file standards required for submittal:
- How do I find my inspector's name and phone number?
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To locate your inspector's name and number, click where it says "Today's Inspections" in the top navigation on COAST.
Find the Search field, and enter your permit number there.
Inspector's name and phone number may be found in the inspections table under your inspection number.
*Please note, for the fastest response, text your Inspector directly at the phone number provided.
- What is the deadline to request a next business day inspection?
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Please request your inspection on your Coast portal before 3:30 pm for the next business day inspection.
- I need to cancel my inspection, why can't I do it on COAST?
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COAST does not currently have the ability to cancel same-day inspections.
For the fastest service, you may text your Inspector directly to cancel your appointment.
To locate your inspector's name and number, click where it says "Today's Inspections" in the top navigation on COAST.
Find the Search field, and enter your permit number there.
Inspector's name and phone number may be found in the inspections table under your inspection number.
*Please note, for additional assistance, you may email coast@nhcgov.com.
- What time will my inspection take place?
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Inspections take place between the hours of 8:00 am-5:00 pm.
On average, New Hanover County Building Safety performs approximately 300 inspections per day. Each inspection time varies from 5 minutes to 2 hours.
Unfortunately, there is no way to guarantee a specific timeframe.
- Do the inspector's have ladders, or do I have to provide one?
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Inspectors do not carry ladders. You will be required to provide a ladder if needed.
- I need to add a document for my inspection, but the attachments section won’t allow for me to do so.
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- Open the permit on the Customer Online Application & Services Tool (COAST)
- Click the Inspections tab
- Select the scheduled inspection
- When the inspection opens, click the Attachments tab, and upload the document
- Click Submit
- I can't schedule my inspection because of pre-requisites, what is that?
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Pre-requisites are in place, ensuring the steps will be followed in the required order per the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI).
Email the Customer Online Application & Services team and let us know if you are unable to request your inspection. Please reference your permit number in the subject line.