Permits and Inspections

If you want to build, remodel or repair structures in Black Mountain, please contact the Zoning Administrator followed by the Building Inspector, to fill out a permit application. For subdivisions, planned unit developments, floodplain areas, or any work within the HIstoric District or Primary Fire District, you should contact Department staff directly before filling out an application as additional review procedures may apply. 

The role of the Building Inspector is in place to provide code enforcement for the safety and well-being of the people in the Town of Black Mountain. The Building Inspector checks to see that construction work in the field is built according to approved plans with respect to the N.C. Building Codes.

The Building Inspector's office is available to assist with the interpretation and application of code requirements as needed. We urge you to contact us before you start work on any project, as the penalties for doing work with out a permit are quite substantial. The Building Inspector is available by phone, email, and by appointment at the availability of the Inspector. The Building Inspector may be reached at 828-419-9300, option 5.

Contact Us

  1. Rick Burton

    Building Inspector
    Email Rick Burton
    Phone: 828-419-9300, ext. 341
    More Information

  2. Planning & Development Services Department

    Physical Address
    160 Midland Avenue
    Black Mountain, NC 28711


    Directions

    Phone: 828-419-9300, option 5
    Fax: 828-669-2030

    Regular Office Hours

    Monday through Friday

    8 a.m. to 5 p.m.


    Directory

  1. Permits and applications

The Planning and Development Services Department issues permits and provides plan review services for all new construction, remodel/up-fits and repairs in residential and commercial structures in Black Mountain. Before beginning an application, please check to confirm that your property is located in the Town of Black Mountain's permitting jurisdiction. 

The process for obtaining a permit depends on the scope of your project. Department staff can help you determine the route you will need to take through the development process for your project, but please remember that work requiring a permit cannot begin until the permit holder or his/her agent posts the permit in a weatherproof, accessible and conspicuous location on the premises.

You must have all applicable permits in hand before you begin the work. Property owners and contractors are responsible for compliance with the requirements of the Town's Zoning Ordinance, the N.C. State Building Codes, and all other ordinances, laws, and regulations that affect their proposed project.

  1. Development portal

You can now apply for permits online! Follow the link below to apply for permits, pay for permits, and request inspections. 

https://blackmountain.portal.iworq.net/portalhome/blackmountain

Once an application is submitted, the appropriate review official will review and process the application.

  1. Inspections

Inspections are required for all permits.

To schedule an inspection:

You must have the permit number, the location, the type of inspection, and contact information. Failure to submit this information may result in prolonged inspection times. 

All inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00 p.m. to be scheduled for the next business day. Requests received after 4:00 p.m. will be scheduled for the following business day.

  1. Commercial Permit Application
  2. FY22-23 Fee Schedule
  3. Residential Permit Application
  4. Trade Permit Application
  1. Remote inspections

In accordance with NC Code Officials Qualification Board guidance, contractors may schedule inspections online or call-in as usal and ask for a Remote Inspection in the inspection request. 

The following inspections are eligible to be performed via Remote Inspection:

  • Sewer and water trench up to 100 feet - rough-in plumbing (partial inspection)
  • Shower pan - rough-in plumbing (partial inspection)
  • Residential HVAC change out for 1-2 family dwellings/townhomes (except gas)
  • Residential PV solar rooftop systems - rough-in electrical
  • Residential porch columns - building framing (partial inspection)
  • Manufactured home marriage line connection - final set-up inspection
  • Re-inspections for up to four (4) non-life safety code violations when not first-time inspections; no additional work can be inspected than what was previously inspected
    • Footing, foundation, slab, building, framing, insulation, rough-in plumbing, rough-in mechanical, final plumbing, final mechanical, final building
  • Re-inspections if deemed minor and not life safety 

The following inspections are not eligible for remote inspections: 

  • Electrical (except rooftop PV systems or HVAC mechanical change outs), gas or appliance ventilation
  • Grading
  • Erosion control
  • Stormwater
  • Driveway
  • Flood
  • Inspections deemed life safety

How to Conduct a Remote Inspection 

The customer is responsible for the following for a remote inspection:

  • Download and be familiar with the Google Meet application
  • Adequate cell service must be available at the inspection site
  • Have all necessary tools and documents available, such as a tape measure, level, GFCI tester, step ladder, manufacturer's installation instructions, permit and site plans, etc. 
    1. The inspector will call ahead to schedule an inspection time.
    2. At the inspection time, the inspector will video connect with the contractor using Google Meet.
    3. The inspector will direct the contractor to verify the inspection location (i.e., using the street address on building, etc.).
    4. The inspector will direct the contractor to properly perform the inspection.
    5. The inspector will close the video meeting and update the permit record with notes and inspection result(s).