Development Services
Permits & Applications
Whether you are an Asheville homeowner replacing a water heater, a small business owner starting a new restaurant or a contractor building an office building, your project will need to obtain a permit. The process for obtaining a permit depends on the scope of your project. City of Asheville staff can help you determine the route you will need to take through the development process for your project, but please remember that work requiring a permit cannot begin until the permit holder or his agent posts the permit in a weatherproof, accessible and conspicuous location on the premises.
There are several types of permits/approvals depending on the complexity of your project.*Stand Alone Permits (No Plan Permits)
Simple projects, such as small plumbing, electrical or mechanical (HVAC) projects that do not require plans but require a permit, can often be issued the same day they are requested. Projects in this category include installing a new electrical circuit, placing a heating system or adding or replacing a water heater. Licensed contractors may fax their stand alone permit application to (828) 259-5676.
Small Project Permits (24 to 48 Hour Permits)
Even some uncomplicated projects may require plans but they may be simple to permit. If your project does not entail adding square footage or changing structural components, it may qualify for a Small Project Permit. Examples of small projects are include nonstructural interior alterations to an existing commercial or industrial space or interior residential remodeling like kitchen or bath renovations that entail changing cabinets and fixtures. These projects can often be reviewed while you wait. Simply make an appointment by calling the City of Asheville’s Development Services Center at (828) 259-5846. Please be prepared to describe the project in detail as some projects will not qualify for same day permitting.
Large Project Permits
Large or complicated projects require plans and documents be submitted to an in-depth review, which means that permits cannot be issued on the same day. The amount of time needed to review the information will depend on the complexity of the project. If your project entails adding square footage or changing structural components, it will require Large Project Permits. If your project is less than 30,000 square feet or 20 units, start by contacting the Development Services Center at (828) 259-5846. If your project is greater than 30,000 square feet or 20 units, begin by calling the Office of the Technical Review Manager at (828) 259-5830.
Occupancy or Tenant Change With No Construction Work Performed
You are moving into a vacant tenant space with a new business similar to previous tenant and will not be performing any construction work - do you need a "building permit?"
There are still life safety requirements that must be approved before you can open. These life safety items are verified through a permit and inspection program administered through the Development Service Center, located at 161 South Charlotte Street (828-259-5846). The City of Asheville has streamlined this process to obtain your Certificate of Occupancy by working with one inspector and one form for you to complete. Therefore, you must fill out an application giving us information on the new business, certify you are performing no construction work, pay a nominal inspection fee, and site verify that all the required life safety items are in place before you open for business.
If you are performing no construction work the permit will be issued while you wait. The inspeciton can occur the next business day when all the life safety requirements are met and you have called for the inspection as per the instructions as printed on your permit.
*Zoning Requirements: All projects that require plan review, whether they qualify for Small Project Permit or not, must comply with local zoning regulations. Zoning requirements can impact the type of business allowed in your commercial suite or how large and where your home addition can be located. Prior to preparation of plans, obtain information specific to your site and schedule a pre-application conference.