Inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is a permit required?

    State law requires that permits be obtained before

    1. The construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement to another site, removal or demolition of any building;
    2. The installation, extension or general repair of any plumbing system;
    3. The installation, extension, alteration or general repair of any heating or cooling equipment system;
    4. The installation, extension, alteration or general repair of any electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment without first securing from the Inspection Department with jurisduction over the site of the work each permit required by the North Carolina State Building Codes and other State or local law or local ordinance or regulation applicable to the work.
    5. Replacing stucco.
  • When is permit not required?

    • The replacement of non-structural cosmetic building elements such as

    Floor and wall coverings
    Molding and trim work
    Cabinets and casework
    Roof coverings of the same fire resistance.

    • Residential accessory buildings that are no more than 12 feet in any dimension (However, you will need to check with Planning & Zoning at 910-230-3505.)
    • Replacement of electrical fixtures and components when work is not done within the wall or ceiling cavity or behind the finished wall or ceiling surface.
    • Replacement of plumbing fixtures when the work does not go beyond the trap seal.
    • Installation of low voltage exterior landscape lighting.
  • Can a homeowner act as his/her own general contractor?

    Yes; however, when the homeowner acts as their own general contractor, they are assuming responsibility for all work done and they must reside at that residence for a period of twelve months before the property can be sold.

  • When is a Licensed General Contractor required?

    Where the cost of the undertaking is thirty thousand dollars ($30,000) or more.

 
 

More About Dunn

Dunn was originally called "Lucknow" and was renamed in 1873

The city of Dunn was incorporated on February 12, 1887, at which time it was a logging town and a turpentine distilling center. The name honors Bennett Dunn, who supervised the construction of the railway line between Wilson and Fayetteville.

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