Permit Requirements for Matthews, North Carolina
For Plumbing projects in Matthews, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Union County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Most jurisdictions require permits for Plumbing work to ensure safety and code compliance. The governing body responsible for issuing these permits varies by specific location:
General Plumbing Guidelines
Permits are usually required for new installations, structural modifications, or major repairs. While minor maintenance or cosmetic updates may be exempt, landowners should always verify local codes before work begins.
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Because Matthews is located within Union County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
North Carolina, Union County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Union County, North Carolina Plumbing Permit Requirements
Union County, North Carolina, enforces plumbing permit requirements through its Building Code Enforcement division. These regulations apply to properties within the county, including those in unincorporated areas. The state of North Carolina has adopted the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2015 International Plumbing Code with state-specific amendments. This code governs the design, installation, and maintenance of plumbing systems.
- Jurisdiction: Union County Building Code Enforcement is responsible for issuing building permits in all parts of the county, except for the municipalities of Monroe and Waxhaw. For properties within these cities, you will need to contact them directly for their specific permit requirements.
- Unincorporated Areas: For properties in unincorporated Union County, the county's Building Code Enforcement division handles permit applications and inspections.
- State Building Codes: North Carolina mandates adherence to the NC State Building Code, which includes the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code: Plumbing Code.
- Permit Application Process: To obtain a building permit, which includes plumbing work, you generally need a completed building permit application, zoning approval, and confirmation of water and sewer availability (either from Public Works or an accessibility letter) or a septic permit/waiver from Environmental Health. For projects exceeding $30,000, lien agent and workers' compensation information is also required.
- Online Permitting: Union County utilizes an online system called "Evolve" for plan review and permitting, where you can submit applications, request inspections, and track projects.
- Exemptions: Certain minor plumbing-related activities may be exempt from permit requirements. Examples include the replacement of water heaters without changes to fuel, energy source, location, capacity, or venting/piping, and minor alterations costing less than $15,000.
- Inspections: A 24-hour notice is required for all inspections. Required plumbing inspections typically include "Plumbing Under Slab" (prior to concrete slab inspection) and "Rough Plumbing" (after all rough plumbing is installed and tested).
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