Commercial Construction
The Commercial Construction process is for new construction, additions, alterations and repairs to commercial structures in accordance with the NC Building Code. A complete construction plan review is required prior to permit issuance. When multiple contractors are involved in a single project, one permit can be issued.
Some commercial construction projects involving electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or fire suppression equipment may utilize the Commercial Over-the-Counter process.
Certificates
Some commercial construction projects involving electrical, mechanical, plumbing, or fire suppression equipment may utilize the Commercial Over-the-Counter process.
Prerequisites
- A lot that is legally created and recorded in the respective county register of deeds office (Guilford County, Davidson County, Randolph County, Forsyth County).
- A lot that is within the City or ETJ and is properly zoned for the proposed project.
- A lot with an established address
- A Certificate of Appropriateness may be required if the structure is located in a local historic district or is a Guilford County Historic Landmark
- A Pre-Application Conference is strongly recommended prior to submittal for large-scale or time constrained projects to discuss the application and review process.
Approvals or Permits Issued
- Issuance of a Commercial Construction Permit by the Development Services Center
- The permit lists all required inspections
Submittal Requirements
Required for Submittal
- Completed Commercial Construction Permit Application (PDF), including all contractors conducting the work, submitted to the Development Services Center or online through Accela Citizen Access (ACA)
- Application fee
- One set of construction plans providing the required information as listed on Commercial Construction Plan Standards (PDF)
Required for Some Projects
- If building improvements are made to the site (e.g. new construction, addition, etc.), an approved land development plan.
- All improvements that will have heated space must provide either (1) a COMcheck Energy Worksheet or (2) Documentation within the plans that the buildings will adhere to the Prescriptive Building Envelope Requirements (PDF).
- If the property owner desires to act as general contractor and the proposed project cost has a value of $30,000 or more, then the owner must sign and submit a notarized Work By Owner Affidavit (PDF).
- If the construction project requires special inspections, then a Special Insection and Testing Agreement (PDF) must be submitted.
Permit Requirements
- The construction plans must comply with the current version of the NC Building Code, Existing Building Code or Rehab Code as requested.
- If a land development plan is required, it must be approved.
- If the project has a value of $30,000 or more, a Lien Agent is required.
- If the project has a value of $30,000 or more, a Workers’ Compensation Coverage (PDF) form must be completed or a copy of the Insurance Certificate provided.
- If land disturbance:
- Exceeds 1 acre
- Is on highly erodible soils (i.e. Swansgate or Cambridge Oaks subdivisions)
- Drains to a water quality pond (e.g. wet pond in a subdivision) or retention structure (e.g. Davis Lake Regional Pond)
- Is within Tiers 1 or 2 of a Watershed Critical Area
- A instance where extensive erosion control measures are required, then a land disturbance permit must be issued prior to a construction permit.
- Prior to any development activities within a Special Flood Hazard Area, a Floodplain Development Permit must be issued.
- Payment of required permit fees.
- Applicant is authorized to obtain the permit.
- Upon meeting all permit requirements, the applicant is entitled to a Commercial Construction Permit.
Additional Information
- Projects are assigned a Case Manager to act as the point of contact and assist with managing the project through the plan review process.
- Permit Update
Fees
- All permit fees are due prior to permit issuance
- See the Development Fee Schedule (PDF) for specific fees
- Payment types accepted: Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and Check or Money Order payable to the City of High Point
- Online (ACA) payment types accepted: Cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and E-check
Inspections
Certificates