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05/16/2025 3:52 pm

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Townhouses

Building a New Townhouse

How to get a permit to build a townhouse in Raleigh

Updated: May 16, 2025

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Before Submitting an Application Prepare Application Materials Submittal Instructions Project Review and Permitting Paying Fees

A townhouse is a single-family dwelling unit constructed in a group of three or more attached units. Each unit extends from the foundation to roof and with open space on at least two sides. 

If you are preparing to build a new townhouse, you must apply for a residential building permit and complete a site plan review (UDO 10.2.8). This ensures that all townhouse construction complies with Raleigh development code and N.C. State Residential Code as applicable.

 New Townhouse projects are only accepted via the Permit and Development Portal. All projects are reviewed for compliance with the Raleigh development code and North Carolina state building code.  

Before Submitting an Application

Detailed code review will not begin until application submittals have been deemed complete by customer service staff. It is important that all required information is submitted for a project and it is the applicant’s responsibility to be informed on the prerequisites below: 

  1. Obtain a recorded map of the property. If there is no recorded map, a copy of a current signed and sealed survey, in addition to the property description on file with the Wake County Register of Deeds, will be accepted. 
  2. Establish an address. Contact the GIS Addressing Team for address assignments.
  3. If your townhouse project includes a Site Permit Review (SPR) that was approved prior to March 23, 2020, a digital copy will still be required. 

You may contact a customer service agent at 919-996-2500 with any questions regarding this process. 

Prepare Application Materials

The following application forms and supporting documents are required for new townhouses: 

  1. Complete the Residential Permit Application.
  2. Residential permit data form 
  3. Plot plan for each lot and recorded plat
  4. Townhouse construction drawings (if a typical # has been assigned, this is not needed)
  5. Lien Agent
  6. Hydrant flow test and fire flow analysis dated within one year 

Submittal Instructions

To submit for a new townhouse follow the steps in our helpful online application guide. All forms, plans, and supporting documents must be attached as PDFs and cannot be a locked or secured. Applicants may add all relevant information and update plans and documents in the portal before plan review can begin.

Project Review and Permitting

Applicants will be notified by email when a project is processed. Standard review times are available to view online. Plan review comments can be viewed any time via a registered account in the Permit and Development Portal.  

Plans that are ready for permit issuance but have incomplete contractor information will be kept at the Planning and Development Customer Service Center for up to six months. After six months, the plans will be considered invalid, and the application will be voided. An administrative fee may be incurred when projects are voided.

Paying Fees

A Plan Review Fee is due prior to project review. All other permit fees are due when permits are ready for issuance.

The Development Fee Guide provides a detailed list of specific development fees.

  • It is recommended that fees be paid via the Permit Portal.
  • All major credit cards and eCheck payments are accepted.
  • If you have questions, please contact the Customer Service Center.

A  fee calculator may be used to obtain an estimate of some building and trade permit fees.

Other Helpful Information

 

Permit Portal

Permit Portal Help Center

Development Forms Directory

Contact

 

Planning and Development
Customer Service Center
Customer Request Form
919-996-2500

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Support Pages

 
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Lead Department:
Planning and Development
Service Categories:
Permits - Residential