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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 08 October 2018

To assist in efforts to update the current Solid Waste Collection Design Manual, the Development Services Department is seeking feedback from the non-residential development community on designing for trash and recyclable pickup. A survey is available now until October 19. This is a collaborative effort with the Solid Waste Service Department.

Respondents who qualify may be asked to participate in a more detailed discussion with City staff the week of October 28. 

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 13 September 2018

The Development Services Department will have very limited service availability on Friday, September 14. Please call to inquire if the services you need are available prior to arriving.

• Development Services Customer Service Center (One Exchange Plaza, 4^th floor): 919-996-2500
• Litchford Road Satellite Office (8320 Litchford Road, Suite 130): 919-996-4200

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 12 September 2018

After reviewing industry feedback on the new permit application signature requirements, the Development Services Department has made the following changes to address development community concerns with “wet” signatures:

• A new “printed license holder name” space has been added on all permit applications next to the license holder signature block, which allows the department to accept applications via email, scan, and fax. Intake staff will verify via the State Licensing Board website that all names on the application correlate with the license holder name(s) on record for the designated contractors/subcontractors.

• The permit application intake process has been further revised to accept applications WITHOUT names/signatures for both Residential and Non-Residential projects that require plan review. These applications will be processed even if the applicant is not ready, or chooses not to provide, contractor/subcontractor names and signatures at the time of application submittal. However, no permits will be issued without providing the completed permit application signature addendum at the time of permit issuance.

• Any permit application for a project that does not require plan review, and qualifies for same-day or next-day issuance, must have the required printed names and signatures of the contractors/subcontractors at the time of application submittal.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 11 September 2018

As we prepare for the arrival of Hurricane Florence, the development community should immediately review the following list to ensure their jobs sites are as safe as possible before the storm:

• All job sites must be secured and free of debris which may be affected by high winds and/or flooding;
• All job site equipment, scaffolding, lifts, and cranes must be secured;
• All street potholes need to be filled-in with temporary asphalt (cold patch), no stone;
• All open pits need to be filled-in or secured;
• All sidewalk closures need to be safe and secure. They should be re-opened, if possible, and;
• Remove all non-permanent lane closures to accommodate emergency vehicles.

Inspection information:

• Inspection services will be limited all day on Wednesday (9/12) in preparation for the storm.
• In the event of major damage, normal scheduled inspection services will be suspended until further notice.

Residents can download our After the Storm FAQ for helpful information if property becomes damaged. If you have any questions please feel free to contact our office at 919-996-2500.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 10 September 2018

A new development fee calculator BETA is now available for testing. Users will be able to estimate fees for:

• Building permit fees
• Stormwater fees
• Open space facility fees
• Thoroughfare fees

This calculator covers approximately 75% of fees related to an average project and is intended for informational and planning purposes only. It is not intended to reflect the full and final fees associated with a development project.

We invite you to submit feedback on testing, usability, and content of this BETA calculator. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line Development Fee Calculator Feedback. Feedback will be accepted until the end of October.

There will also be a demonstration of the calculator by City Staff at the November stakeholder’s meeting where further feedback will be accepted. The meeting will be held in One Exchange Plaza, Conference Room 809 on Friday, November 2.

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Written by Katie Dombrowski

Category: Development Services

Created: 22 August 2018

These regulations will be effective on September 1, 2018. 

The Unified Development Ordinance contains regulations about how building height is measured. These regulations were not entirely clear, and the application of the regulations produced some unusual results. As a result, the City Council requested changes to the regulations. The changes to the regulations are the result of multiple public meetings at the Planning Commission and City Council.

• An attic and basement would still be permitted with a single- or two-family structure, provided the requirements are met. 
• A basement would be permitted for other building types, with some limitations. Buildings in the Downtown Mixed Use District and buildings in zoning districts that permit three stories would be permitted to have a basement.
• Building height will be calculated by determining “average grade.” This is calculated on each building façade, by averaging the highest and lowest elevation.
• A definition has been added for the term “mezzanine.”

For more information review the adopted text change: TC-17-16 (Attics and Basements).