Blog

Details

Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 19 June 2019

When the updated Development Services Fee Schedule is published in July, there will be a new set of fees tied to right-of-way (ROW) occupancy. There are also new definitions and model descriptions for these fees—and we wanted you to see them ahead of time!

Click here to download the preview of the new ROW occupancy fees. Please note this document does not include the 4% technology surcharge, which will apply to all these fees on July 4.

Questions? Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Details

Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 07 June 2019

As Development Services staff works to launch the new portal, the availability of services for development related activity will be limited. Customers should also anticipate some delays in benchmarks during this time. This applies to both the Downtown Raleigh office (One Exchange Plaza) and North Raleigh office (8320 Litchford Road, Suite 130). Please be aware of the following schedule when planning to submit a project.

Details

Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 31 May 2019

Details

Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 23 May 2019

Whether you are building a new building or remodeling an existing space a permit is generally required. Permits are intended to keep the public safe while also mitigating potential problems that can put you in and your family in danger. Before beginning any new projects, it is recommended to first contact the Development Services Department to determine if a permit is required for your project. You can also visit the City of Raleigh website to learn more about getting a permit. City code officials enforce building code regulations that address structural integrity, fire resistance, safe exits, lighting, ventilation, construction materials, and flood, wind, and earthquake protection. They specify the minimum requirements to safeguard the health, safety and general welfare of building occupants.

Permits and code compliance not only protect the general population buy they also protect your wallet. A home is one of the biggest purchases one will make in their lifetime. Your home is also where you will create memories that will last a lifetime. That is why it is important to apply for all the necessary permits and follow building codes during construction to protect your safety and your investment.

Property insurers may not cover work done without permits and inspections or your insurance premiums may become impractical to manage. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied or make costly repairs. A property owner who can show that code requirements were strictly and consistently met has a leg to stand on if something happens to trigger a potentially destructive lawsuit.

By learning the phases of the permit process, and working with your contractor and city inspector--we can all ensure that your project will be safe and secure for years to come, even when you sell your property.

PHASES OF THE PERMIT PROCESS

1. Submit Application: This initial stage of the process informs our permit specialists of your project details: The “who, what, when, where and how” of the job, that is. Oftentimes not only is the city’s permit application necessary, but the following items may also be required: surveys, elevation information, notification letters to your neighbors, legal documents, etc. Visit the Development Services Guide to learn more about the submittal process.

2. Review Process: Over the course of a few business days, various trade officials will review your plans and determine if your project is in compliance with City requirements. If your plans meet the requirements, a permit is issued. If not, the reviewer(s) will require an additional review to correct the problem.

3. Permit Issuance: Once plans have been approved by all trade reviewers, notification is sent to the applicant about next steps. The applicant will then pay all fees and pick up permits from either our Downtown Raleigh or North Raleigh location. After permits have been issued you now legally have permission to begin construction.

4. Job-Site Visits (Inspections): On-site inspections are required to make certain the work being done matches what has been approved for the permit. Applicants have access to the expertise of trade inspectors to help them with questions or concerns regarding the project and to minimize potentially costly mistakes. Our inspectors will let you know approximately how many inspections may be needed for your project. You can learn more about our inspections process online. 

5. Final Approval: The Development Services Department issues a Certificate of Occupancy when a building has passed all inspections and is ready for use. It is the final document in the process. A new building cannot be legally occupied until a Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. It verifies how a building may be used (for example, residential, commercial, business or multi-dwelling.) As a legal document, a Certificate of Occupancy may be required when selling property or refinancing a mortgage.

This blog was written by Alicia Thomas. She is a Planner in the Development Services Land Development Division.

Details

Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 20 May 2019

Clean water is the world’s most precious commodity. Even though 70% of the earth is covered in water only 1% is drinkable. Building codes help safeguard this precious resource for future generations by enforcing proper construction and conservation. The International Code Council, along with countless municipalities across the country, work day in and day out to protect our water supply. Because of the work of our inspectors here in Raleigh, you can turn on the tap in your home and draw sufficient, clean water. 

As a homeowner or renter, you need to pay attention to the water supply to your home even if your community offers water and sewage treatment. If there are faulty or no backflow protectors in your home, cross-contamination can happen even while residents are filling their backyard swimming pools, drawing some of the pool’s chlorine into the home.

So, what can you do to ensure our water remains drinkable while also ensuring there is an abundant supply? Try becoming more mindful of your water supply at home. Begin your day by conserving water while brushing your teeth and turn off the water while you brush. Check your toilets, faucets, and pipes for leaks regularly. Although, it may be tempting to spend a super long time in a hot and steamy shower after a hard day of work, it is recommended to help the planet by limiting showers to only five minutes.

Water conservation and efficiency has become increasingly important in recent years due to water scarcity, droughts and water contamination in many areas of the world. Recent events such as the Flint, Michigan water crisis and drought in the western United States are shining the spotlight on a growing global issue.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) WaterSense Program is a major water efficiency initiative based in the U.S. This important initiative was developed to help consumers identify water efficient products that meet EPA’s criteria for efficiency and performance. Since its creation in 2006, WaterSense has conserved more than 2.7 trillion gallons of water and saved American families $63.8 billion in water and energy bills, according to the EPA.

Here are some additional tips for conserving water at home:

1. Don’t flush trash down the toilet. Five to seven gallons of water is wasted every time you flush a cigarette butt, facial tissue or other small bit of trash

2. Install water-saving shower heads and low flow faucet aerators

3. Use your water meter to check for hidden water leaks

4. Insulate your water pipes

5. Only wash clothes and run the dishwasher when there is a full load

6. Don’t leave the water running when washing dishes by hand

This blog was written by Alicia Thomas. She is a Planner in the Development Services Land Development Division.

Details

Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 16 May 2019

The City of Raleigh is excited to announce the launch of its new Permit and Development Portal. Portal registration will open on July 1, 2019 and phase one of the portal will go live on July 8. This new tool is supported by Tyler Technologies’ Energov software and will be used to manage development review and permitting processes. The portal features many benefits for users, including:

• A centralized dashboard to monitor all your development projects;
• More, real-time notifications throughout the review process;
• View development activity near you;
• Enhanced, online scheduling for inspections; and
• The option to pay fees online.

The Permit and Development Portal will be launched in phases to strategically manage the system update and ensure a positive user experience. Future phases will include features such as electronic plan submittal and review.

A webpage has been set up on permitportal.raleighnc.gov where all information about the launch will be available. This includes how to register, where you can see a demo of the portal, and when development services will be limited as we move to the new system.

Questions? We’re here to help. Please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 919-996-2495