High Point, North Carolina Plumbing Local Permit Ordinances and Codes
High Point, North Carolina Plumbing Permit Ordinances
The City of High Point's Inspections Services Department is the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) for plumbing permit ordinances. They are responsible for plan review and inspection services to ensure compliance with the North Carolina Building Codes and the City's Development Ordinance. For general inquiries, you can contact them at 336-883-3151.
Specific Local Zoning or Fee Nuances for High Point:
- Permit Requirements: Permits are generally required for water heater replacement, new plumbing installations, and major repairs. Smaller projects, such as replacing a plumbing fixture (faucet, toilet) in the same location, may be exempt. Adding new plumbing fixtures or re-piping a house typically requires a permit.
- Permit Fees: Plumbing permit fees in High Point can range from $40 to $480, with the cost often based on the estimated project value. Some sources indicate fees may range from $50-$150 depending on the scope for water heater replacement, new installations, and major repairs.
- Application Process: Applications can often be submitted online through Accela Citizen Access (ACA). For complex projects, a plumbing diagram may be required.
- Licensing: North Carolina requires plumbing contractors to hold a state license. For projects costing $40,000 or more, or involving plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire protection, or gas work, a State licensed contractor is generally required. Homeowners may be eligible for an owner-occupied exemption under specific conditions, allowing them to obtain permits and perform work on their primary residence without a general contractor's license.
- Zoning Permits: In addition to construction permits, the City's Development Ordinance may require a zoning permit for certain land development activities not covered by the State Building Code.
- Development Ordinance: The City of High Point regulates land development through its Development Ordinance, which consolidates zoning, development, environmental, and subdivision standards.
- BuildHighPoint.com: This website serves as a central resource for navigating construction and development projects in High Point, providing guidance on necessary approvals, permits, and resources.
Resources to Learn More
Because High Point is located within Guilford County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
North Carolina, Guilford County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Guilford County Plumbing Permit Requirements
Guilford County's Inspections Department is responsible for issuing plumbing permits and conducting inspections for all unincorporated areas of the county. They enforce the North Carolina State Building Codes.
Jurisdiction
The Guilford County Inspections Department handles permitting, plan review, and building inspection services for:
- All unincorporated areas of Guilford County.
- Contractually, the towns of Jamestown, Oak Ridge, Pleasant Garden, Sedalia, Stokesdale, Summerfield, and Whitsett, as well as the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority.
Properties in Unincorporated Areas
For properties located in unincorporated areas of Guilford County, the following apply:
- All plumbing work requires a permit. This includes installations, alterations, or additions to sanitary drainage, waste, or vent systems, as well as the installation of fixtures, water heaters, and appliances connected to the building's DWV, water service, or water distribution system.
- Permits must be applied for online through the Civic Access public portal.
- Permit fees are doubled if work commences before a permit is issued.
- A Development Clearance Certificate may be required from specific towns or the Piedmont Triad Airport Authority before applying for a permit.
- If the property is served by well and/or septic, separate permits or approvals from the Environmental Health Department may be necessary.
- Additional approvals from Guilford County Planning and Development may be required for zoning, watershed, and soil erosion concerns.
- The minimum permit fee for trade permits, including plumbing, is $75.00.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within North Carolina:
North Carolina Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
North Carolina Plumbing Code and Legislation
Plumbing standards in North Carolina are governed by the North Carolina State Building Code, which is adopted and amended by the North Carolina Building Code Council (BCC). The state's plumbing requirements are derived from the International Plumbing Code (IPC), published by the International Code Council (ICC), but are not applied verbatim. Instead, the BCC incorporates state-specific amendments to create the North Carolina Plumbing Code.
As of early 2026, the state has been in the process of transitioning to the 2024 North Carolina Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2021 edition of the International Plumbing Code. Implementation of these updated codes has been subject to legislative delays, and users should verify the currently enforced edition with their local building inspections department.
Primary Regulatory Agencies
- North Carolina Building Code Council (BCC): Operating under the North Carolina Department of Insurance, this body is responsible for the adoption, amendment, and maintenance of the North Carolina State Building Code, including the plumbing volume.
- North Carolina Office of State Fire Marshal (OSFM): The OSFM provides administrative support to the Building Code Council and oversees the engineering and codes staff responsible for interpreting and enforcing the state building codes.
- North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Plumbing, Heating and Fire Sprinkler Contractors (NCSBEPHFSC): While the BCC sets the technical code for construction, this board holds the primary authority for licensing plumbing contractors in the state under North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 87, Article 2.
Resources to Learn More