Permit Applications

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All permits issued by the Town of Forest City Inspections Department are inspected to ensure compliance with the North Carolina State Building and Fire Codes.

Inspections are requested by calling the Inspections Department at (828)248-5239 or emailing  fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com.

Routine fire inspections are performed in accordance with the State of North Carolina's mandated inspections schedule. To schedule a fire inspection, please contact the Town of Forest City Fire Marshal, Chad Allen, at 828.245.2111 or email him at ChadAllen@TownofForestCity.com.

The current building codes in use for the Town of Forest City are set forth by the state of North Carolina. The North Carolina Building Code Council is the authority that oversees the code process. The Residential Code is on a 6-year adoption cycle by statute. The Code Council has also adopted a policy that all other codes except the NEC on a 6-year cycle to match the residential code. 

Local amendments include the: 

  • 2018 NC State Building Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Residential Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Energy Conservation Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Existing Building Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Fire Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Fuel Gas Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Mechanical Code Amendments
  • 2018 NC State Plumbing Code Amendments
  • 2020 North Carolina State Electrical Code

2018 North Carolina Building Codes (Set) | Contractor ResourceNational Electrical Code 2020 - The Technical Training Institute

***NEW*** Construction (building and site plans) can be submitted digitally to FCBuilding@TownofForestCity.com.

Existing contractors ONLY Online Public Portal

Please visit the Town of Forest City Public Portal for permits and other information that may be of assistance to you by clinking on the link above. 

Lien Agent Designation:

NC GENERAL STATUTE: § 44A-11.1. Lien agent; designation and duties

Effective for construction projects beginning on or after April 1, 2013, North Carolina law requires appointment of a lien agent.  Contractors and subcontractors can then give notice they are working on the project. Appointments are not required for (1) improvements under $40,000 or (2) to the owner’s existing residence or (3) for public building projects.  Our office will require the lien agent designation before a permit will be released for commencement of construction, including single trade permits.  You may visit the website LiensNC.com for additional information and a step-by-step guide to completing the designation process online.

Owner Exemption Affidavit:

NC GENERAL STATUTE: Owner Exemption Affidavit Pursuant to § 87-14 (a)(1)                

Property owner's constructing or improving their personal, primary residence can sign this form certifying and attesting to the fact that they will act as the Unlicensed General Contractor adhering to the rules and laws set forth in the North Carolina General Statute 87-14. Appendix F Owner Exemption Affidavit                                            

Building Permits

Verify Licensing for General Contractor

Commercial Projects: please allow 15 days for plan review and a minimum of 48 hours for issuance.

Residential Projects: please allow 24 hours for review and issuance of your permit(s).

Required to erect, enlarge, alter, remove, demolish or repair a structure in the city limits of Forest City. This includes everything from certain storage sheds, decks and garages to commercial construction, signs and additions.
Download Building Permit:     

Please email fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com, fax to (828)245-6143, or simply drop the application off at the Town of Forest City Collections Department.

For new COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION please view, complete and submit the documents below that pertain to the project you'll working on.

Completed documentation can be dropped off in person at 128 N Powell Street, emailed to FCBuilding@TownofForestCity.com or faxed to (828)245-6143.

Sign Permit-Please allow 10 days for plan review and 48 hours for issuance.

Download Sign Permit   For any questions or clarification, please see the Town of Forest City Unified Development Ordinance, Part II, Appendix A, Chapter 6 SIGNS, or email the Town Planner.

Please email fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com, fax to (828)245-6143, or simply drop the application off at the Town of Forest City Collections Department.

Electrical Permit:

Verify Licensing for Electrical Contractor

Required for the installation of new electrical service equipment, existing service relocation and service increases as well as interior and exterior fixed appliances and equipment connections.
Download Electrical Permit   

In the instance of an electric service upgrade (panel, meter, combo, etc) if there is not an outside disconnect present, the electrician will be required to be on site at the time of energizing. All service drops and energizations must be scheduled by calling the Town of Forest City Public Works Department at (828) 245-0149. 

Commercial projects require the completion and submission of an Electrical Load Calculation Sheet. This form may be completed and submitted to the Inspections Department at fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com or by fax to (828)245-6143, or dropped off, in person, at the Collections Department (128 N Powell Street).

The Temporary Test and Construction Form is required to be signed and submitted prior to energizing the permanent panel and meter base on any construction or replacement of the exterior electrical service. 

Please email fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com, fax to (828)245-6143, or simply drop the application off at the Town of Forest City Collections Department.

Mechanical Permit:

Verify Licensing for Mechanical Contractor

Required for the replacement, repair or alteration of mechanical systems in structures. This includes air conditioning, heat, gas lines, gas logs, gaslights, gas grills, propane tanks and associated piping for flammable liquids.
Download Mechanical Permit   

Please email fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com, fax to (828)245-6143, or simply drop the application off at the Town of Forest City Collections Department.

Plumbing Permit:

Verify Licensing for Plumbing Contractor

Required for all plumbing work including water service, drains, water mains, sewage disposal systems and related fixtures and appliances.
Download Plumbing Permit PDF.   

Please email fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com, fax to (828)245-6143, or simply drop the application off at the Town of Forest City Collections Department.

Accessory Structure Permit-Please allow 24-48 hours for plan/site review and issuance.

Storage buildings, gazebos, detached garages, manufactured carports or any structure that is detached from a principal structure (dwelling) on the same lot and must be located in the rear setback of the yard. A permit must be obtained, and the setbacks verified with an approved site plan.

Download Accessory Structure Permit PDF .  Please email fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com, fax to (828)245-6143, or simply drop the application off at the Town of Forest City Collections Department.

Please note that payments are not accepted, currently, online or via phone.

Download Permit forms and submit via email to fcbuilding@townofforestcity.com or fax (828)245-6143 or simply drop the application off at the Town of Forest City Collections Department lobby, which is open M-F 8:00am-4:00pm.