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Pony Express is a commercial plan review option offered by the Planning and Development Department to expedite small, simple interior alterations.
An applicant may submit up to three projects for review per day.
If your project does not qualify for Pony Express review, the City of Raleigh also offers the following commercial plan review options: Commercial Standard Review and Commercial Express Review.
Key Steps in the Process
- Pony Express plans are submitted via CommercialBuilding@raleighnc.gov.
- A plans reviewer may need to follow up with the project contact person by telephone or email to ask questions or resolve non-compliant issues. If plan changes are necessary, resubmittal may be required via CommercialBuilding@raleighnc.gov.
- The applicant will be notified via the permit portal when the plan is approved.
Submittal Requirements
| Type | Description |
| Required for Submittal |
|
| Required for Some Projects |
|
| Recommended for a Successful Review |
Additional Information
- Special Inspections
- Minor fire alarms and minor sprinkler systems may be accepted for Pony Express review. Minor fire alarm work includes projects with up to six existing devices. Minor sprinkler work refers to projects of light hazard and the relocation of up to ten existing heads not more than four feet. NO NEW FIRE DEVICES will be reviewed in Pony Express.
- For the final inspection, all fire alarm components must be installed according to the approved shop drawings. For further information concerning shop, drawings contact the construction supervisor (fire), Steve Berry, at 919-996-5972. For questions concerning rough-in or above-ceiling inspections, contact the electrical inspector for the project or Jay Daunoy at 919-996-2447. For questions concerning the Pony Express service, call the Planning and Development Customer Service Center.
- Fire alarm shop drawings are not required to obtain a permit at the Pony Express review. The electrical inspector can inspect fire alarm rough-in for in-wall pull stations and horn/strobes prior to the submittal of shop drawings. The fire alarm shop drawings must be submitted for review to the Planning and Development Customer Service Center and have approval before the electrical inspector conducts a ceiling fire alarm inspection.
Fees
- The fee for Pony Express is $304 which covers the first two review cycles.
- If more than two review cycles are required, a $300 re-review fee will be assessed.
- The Pony Express fee is in addition to all standard permit fees and will be collected at the end of the process.
- Review fees are due even if the project is abandoned after the first review.
- The permit package must be paid for within five business days from the date of notification or permits will be voided (no additional permits will be issued for the address until fees are paid).
- See Development Fee Guide for specific fees.
- Payment types include Cash, MasterCard, Visa or check made payable to the City of Raleigh, or pay online via the Permit and Development Portal.
Use this Fee Calculator to obtain an estimate of Building and Trade Permit Fees.