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Online vs. Email Permit Submittals
Many project types can now be submitted directly through our online portal, while others may still require email submission.
Here’s a quick guide to help:
- Visit the Permit and Development Portal to see a list of what you can apply for online by clicking on the Permit, Plans, or Licenses tabs.
- If your project type is not listed, your permit type must be submitted by email (see below).
- You can also find instructions on specific project types and submittal instructions for most on our webpage.
Portal Submittals
- Simple permits are available for projects that don't require plan review, including:
- Residential and non-residential trade permits (not located in a floodplain)
- HVAC changeouts
- Water heater (COMBO) permits
- All Residential Building plan review permits, such as new:
- Non-Residential plan review permits, such as:
- Site Permit Review and Mass Grading Plans
- Other permits such as:
Email Submittals
Project types not listed on the portal or not found via the portal search bar are emailed to the following email addresses:
- Residential: downtownds@raleighnc.gov
- Including but not limited to: Residential Change of Use, Retaining walls, and Temporary Trailers.
- Land/Site: sitereview@raleighnc.gov
- Including but not limited to: Administrative Site Review, Preliminary Subdivisions, and Maps.
- Commercial: commercialbuilding@raleighnc.gov
- Including but not limited to: Non-Residential Change of Use, Foundation Only, Accessory Structures, and Cell Towers.
Not sure where your project fits?
Please fill out the Customer Request Form if you have any questions or would like to be directed to the appropriate department for your project.
Keeping Permits Active
To keep development projects moving forward, applicants are encouraged to respond promptly to all staff comments and requests during the review process.
North Carolina law (G.S. 143-755(b1)) requires applicants to take action on permit applications. Specifically, if a site plan or permit application is placed on hold, or if the applicant does not respond to City requests for six consecutive months or more, the City may administratively close the application. At that point, a new application must be submitted under a new case number and must meet all current development regulations.
To help applicants avoid this, we will soon be launching an automatic email reminder through the Permit and Development Portal. The portal will send a notice 30 days before the six-month deadline.