Project Name: __________________
Project Address: __________________
Project Permit Master Plan
Information Packet
The above listed project has been determined to be a mega-project by Mecklenburg
County Code Enforcement. Mega-projects are required to be accompanied by a Project
Permit Master Plan.
Project Permit Master Plan is a new program offered by Mecklenburg County Code
Enforcement which will provide clarity to contractors working on large projects
consisting of multiple permits. The program provides a snapshot of the whole project
and defines the sequence of completion required for obtaining occupancy. This
program is required for mega-projects, as defined by Mecklenburg County Code
Enforcement.
Mega-projects, such as highrise towers or shopping malls, often consist of hundreds of
permits and multiple agency holds. Tracking the progress of individual permits/projects
and the sequence of completion can quickly become a time consuming task for project
managers. Often times as a project reaches completion and the project manager seeks
occupancy for portions of the building, they are frustrated to find that there are
obstacles, such as open permits or holds for related portions of the project, which
prevent occupancy. The Master Plan program is designed to eliminate these obstacles
by clearly communicating the required sequence of completion from the beginning of
construction.
A Master Plan is established during the preliminary plan review stage, which ensures
that all parties have addressed the sequence of completion and occupancy. The
purpose of this program is to make certain that the project team has clearly
communicated their intentions to Code Officials and, likewise, to make certain that Code
Officials have an opportunity to address any limitations seen in these intentions. Once
established, the Master Plan is a commitment by the project team to deliver the project
as agreed upon.
There is no fee associated with the initial establishment of a Master Plan. However,
once established, changes to a Master Plan are subject to fees, based upon the staff
time required to modify the plan. Currently, this fee is $80/hour.
Please ready through this material carefully. For additional information, please
contact the Master Plan Coordinator:
Mary Caulder
700 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Phone: 704-336-4370 Fax: 704-336-4096
Mary.Caulder@MecklenburgCountyNC.gov
How Project Permit Master Plan Works
1. The On Schedule Coordinator will receive the On Schedule Application. At this
time he/she will determine if the project will be classified as a mega-project. If
so, the person of contact on the application will be provided with a Project Permit
Master Plan Information Packet.
2. The packet explains the Master Plan program and provides several sample
templates of Master Plans.
3. The design team should review the templates and determine which template
most accurately describes their project. The template will be customized to
reflect the individuality of your project.
4. At the preliminary meeting, the design team should be ready to commit to the
sequence of occupancy so that pertinent issues can be discussed and addressed
with Code Officials. Such issues include life safety measures and code
requirements for occupying portions of a building.
5. Following the preliminary meeting, the Master Plan Coordinator will submit a
Preliminary Master Plan to the design team.
A Preliminary Master Plan can also be submittied by the design team on
meckpermit.com. The Master Plan Coordinator will receive the proposed
Master Plan electronically and contact the design team for approval or
revision. Instructions for submitting your own Preliminary Master Plan can
be found in the Information Packet.
6. The design team will review the Preliminary Master Plan and contact the Master
Plan Coordinator to discuss any changes necessary. This process will continue
until a Preliminary Master Plan has been accepted.
7. The design team signs and returns the Master Plan Agreement.
8. When submitting plans to the Gatekeeper or Coordinator for review, the design
team will include a copy of the approved Preliminary Master Plan. Shell plans
will not be scheduled for review time without an approved Preliminary
Master Plan.
9. After the project has successfully completed plan review, permits will be issued
according to the Master Plan. The design team is responsible for notifying the
General Contractor of the Master Plan and the fees associated with changing the
Master Plan. The General Contractor will be required to sign the agreement
when permits are issued.
10. The Master Plan will then be available for the general contractor on
meckpermit.com, as a reference tool to aid in tracking the project and obtaining
occupancy. The Master Plan will be automatically updated as inspections are
performed.
11. To make changes to a Master Plan, the General Contractor should contact the
Master Plan Coordinator. Code Officials will evaluate the changes to determine
the need for additional plan review and/or permits. If the Master Plan is altered,
charges will be assessed to the General Contractor’s account.
Definitions
Mega-Project
Mega projects are those identified as unusually large or complex in nature.
Examples of these projects can be found listed in Section Table 502 of the North
Carolina Administration and Enforcement Requirements Code which include but
are not limited to:
o High Rise
o Large Schools
o Malls
o Large Mix Use Project
o Airports
o Stadiums
o Waste Water Treatment Plants
o Arenas
A project may also be determined to be a mega by the plans examiners upon
examination of an OnSchedule Plans Submittal Form. This can be based on the
Square Footage of an unlimited size building or special requirements that are
addressed in Chapter 5 of the North Carolina Building Code. Some examples
would be Atriums, Special Amusement Events and Air Craft hangers.
Preliminary Master Plan
An organization chart which breaks down the phases of construction and
permitting requirements for a mega-project. The organization is arranged to
reflect the parent/child relationships which exist between sub-projects. The
purpose of the Preliminary Master Plan is to show the sequence of occupancy for
the project.
Master Plan Hierarchy
A hierarchy chart found on meckpermit.com, which shows the individual projects,
as permitted. The hierarchy is arranged to reflect the parent/child relationships
which exist between sub-projects and is updated automatically as inspections are
performed. The purpose of the Master Plan Hierarchy is to provide a snap shot
of the entire project and assist contractors in tracking the progress of inspections.
Project Permit Master Plan Information Packet
An Information Packet that explains the Project Permit Master Plan program,
provides instructions for establishing a Master Plan and for using the program on
meckpermit.com. The Information Packet also includes the sample templates
and the Master Plan Agreement form. The Information Packet is provided to the
design team when an On-Schedule Application for a mega-project is received.
Preliminary Review Meeting
A meeting with Plans Examiners to discuss code concerns prior to submitting plans.
For purposes of the Master Plan, this meeting is the forum in which the design team
describes their intentions for the occupancy sequence. This is a crucial step that
designates how to permit the entire project in order to realize these intentions. From
information gathered at the meeting, a Preliminary Master Plan will be created.
Phased Construction Very Large projects are allowed to be broken into smaller pieces to assist design and
construction needs. Breaking down a project into small logical construction/permit
phases allows construction while finalizing the design requirements. The designer is
proceeding at his/her own risk. If previous phases do not meet code for the final design,
the project may require extensive reconstruction and modification to complete the work
to meet the final design code requirements. The phases are footing/foundation, structural
frame, shell, and shell with core. Phased construction requires an additional fee beyond
the construction cost fee(s) at each phase of the project to be allowed phased
construction. A preliminary review is required to determine phases, information required,
and timetables.
Note:
1. This document explains the type/amount of work allowed for phased
construction. It does not change the submittal requirements necessary for
permitted work that is explained in the Plan Submittal Requirements
Document, which also applies to all phased construction.
2. Permit and plan must agree in scope.
Footing/Foundation
NO TENANT RELATED WORK IS ALLOWED WITH THIS PERMIT.
Footing/Foundation: The following is a general definition of a footing/foundation of a
building as defined by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. The definition consists
of 4 parts: Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing.
Building:
The footing/foundation of a building includes the following:
• Footings
• Foundation
• Slab (as desired by the customer)
Electrical:
1. Footing/Foundation/__Slab(x if included): Permit Options: No Work/No
Permit/No Inspections, or Empty Conduits that are underground and/or in slab
only. The footing/foundation/slab permit DOES NOT include subsequent floors,
only the lowest slab conduits and ground grid. The conduits are installed entirely
at the risk of the designer and contractor.
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2. Empty Conduits in decks: If above the lowest slab conduit is desired show
type, size, location. Permitting is required for each floor individually. The
conduits are installed entirely at the risk of the designer and contractor.
Mechanical:
NO HVAC EQUIPMENT, FLUES OR GAS PIPING ABOVE GRADE WILL BE
ALLOWED.
The Mechanical Plans Reviewer or Mechanical Chief may allow exceptions on a case by
case basis.
Plumbing:
Plumbing is limited to the building drain and associated piping below the concrete slab.
NO PIPING EQUIPMENT OR FIXTURES ABOVE THE SLAB ALLOWED.
NOTE: The Plumbing Plans Reviewer does not review for fixture counts at this phase.
Fixture counts are reviewed during upfit review where the type of occupancy is known.
Dotted in fixtures and piping (future or anticipated) shown on the shell drawings shall not
be reviewed for code compliance.
The Plumbing Plans Reviewer or Plumbing Chief may allow exceptions on a case by case
basis.
Structural Frame
NO TENANT RELATED WORK IS ALLOWED WITH THIS PERMIT.
Structural Frame: The following is a general definition of a structural frame of a
building as defined by Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. The definition consists
of 4 parts: Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing.
Building:
The structural frame of a building includes the following:
• Footings
• Foundation
• Structural frame including any fireproofing relating to structure.
• Slab (as desired by the customer)
Electrical:
1. Footing/Foundation/__Slab(x if included): Permit Options: No Work/No
Permit/No Inspections, or Empty Conduits that are underground and/or in slab
only. The footing/foundation/slab permit DOES NOT include subsequent floors,
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only the lowest slab conduits and ground grid. The conduits are installed entirely
at the risk of the designer and contractor.
2. Empty Conduits in decks: If above the lowest slab conduit is desired show
type, size, location. Permitting is required for each floor individually. The
conduits are installed entirely at the risk of the designer and contractor.
3. Structural Frame: Empty conduit in poured structural frame is allowed.
Permitting is required for each floor individually. The conduits are installed
entirely at the risk of the designer and contractor.
Mechanical:
NO HVAC EQUIPMENT, FLUES OR GAS PIPING ABOVE GRADE WILL BE
ALLOWED.
The Mechanical Plans Reviewer or Mechanical Chief may allow exceptions on a case by
case basis.
Plumbing:
Plumbing is limited to the building drain and associated piping below the concrete slab.
NO PIPING EQUIPMENT OR FIXTURES ABOVE THE SLAB ALLOWED.
NOTE: The Plumbing Plans Reviewer does not review for fixture counts at this phase.
Fixture counts are reviewed during upfit review where the type of occupancy is known.
Dotted in fixtures and piping (future or anticipated) shown on the shell drawings shall not
be reviewed for code compliance.
The Plumbing Plans Reviewer or Plumbing Chief may allow exceptions on a case by case
basis.
Shell
NO TENANT RELATED WORK IS ALLOWED WITH THIS PERMIT.
Shell: The following is a general definition of a shell of a building as defined by the
Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement Chiefs. The definition consists of 4 parts:
Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing.
Building:
The shell of a building includes the following:
• Footings
• Foundation
• Structural frame including any fireproofing relating to structure.
• Floor slab/deck
• Exterior insulation
• Exterior walls including all exterior windows and doors
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•
Roof
Electrical:
1. Footing/Foundation/__Slab(x if included): Permit Options: No Work/No
Permit/No Inspections, or Empty Conduits that are underground and/or in slab
only. The footing/foundation/slab permit DOES NOT include subsequent floors,
only the lowest slab conduits and ground grid. The conduits are installed entirely
at the risk of the designer and contractor.
2. Empty Conduits in decks: If above the lowest slab conduit is desired show
type, size, location. Permitting is required for each floor individually. The
conduits are installed entirely at the risk of the designer and contractor.
3. Structural Frame: Empty conduit in poured structural frame is allowed.
Permitting is required for each floor individually. The conduits are installed
entirely at the risk of the designer and contractor.
4. House panel (located on the exterior or exterior access only electrical room) to
supply the exterior lights, receptacles and required loads (i.e. fire alarm, fire
pump, and accessories).
Mechanical:
(See Mechanical Code Interpretation dated July 1, 1997)
NO HVAC EQUIPMENT, FLUES OR GAS PIPING ABOVE GRADE WILL BE
ALLOWED.
The Mechanical Plans Reviewer or Mechanical Chief may allow exceptions on a case by
case basis.
Plumbing:
(See Plumbing Code Interpretation dated March 19, 2001)
Plumbing is limited to the building drain and associated piping below the concrete slab, a
water distribution MAIN with associated service valves, a building sewer, a building
water service, and roof drains/scuppers. NO PIPING EQUIPMENT OR FIXTURES
ABOVE THE SLAB ALLOWED.
NOTE:
1. A pressure reducing valve (PVR) may be required if the pressure exceeds
80 psi.
2. The Plumbing Plans Reviewer does not review for fixture counts at this
phase. Fixture counts are reviewed during upfit review where the type of
occupancy is known. Dotted in fixtures and piping (future or anticipated)
shown on the shell drawings shall not be reviewed for code compliance.
The Plumbing Plans Reviewer or Plumbing Chief may allow exceptions on a case by case
basis.
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Shell with Core
NO TENANT RELATED WORK IS ALLOWED WITH THIS PERMIT.
Shell with Core: The following is a general definition of a shell of a building with a
core as defined by the Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement Chiefs. The definition
consists of 4 parts: Building, Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing.
Definition of a “CORE”: The common areas that are used by all the building tenants and
visitors. The common areas consist of but not limited to the following:
1. Stairs
2. Elevators
3. Bathrooms
4. Corridors
5. Electrical Room
During a preliminary plan review meeting, the extent of the Building Shell with a Core
shall be defined with the appropriate Plan Reviewers. To set up a Preliminary Plan
Review meeting please call an OnSchedule Coordinator at 704-336-3837.
BUILDING:
The shell with a core of a building includes the following:
• Footings
• Foundation
• Structural frame including any fireproofing relating to structure.
• Floor slab/deck
• Exterior insulation
• Exterior walls including all exterior windows and doors
• Roof
• Bathrooms relating to the use by all the building tenants
• Elevators and Elevator shaft(s)
• Exit stairs and stair shaft(s)
ELECTRICAL:
1. Footing/Foundation/__Slab(x if included): Permit Options: No Work/No
Permit/No Inspections, or Empty Conduits that are underground and/or in slab
only. The footing/foundation/slab permit DOES NOT include subsequent floors,
only the lowest slab conduits and ground grid. The conduits are installed entirely
at the risk of the designer and contractor.
2. Empty Conduits in decks: If above the lowest slab conduit is desired show
type, size, location. Permitting is required for each floor individually. The
conduits are installed entirely at the risk of the designer and contractor.
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3. Structural Frame: Empty conduit in poured structural frame is allowed.
Permitting is required for each floor individually. The conduits are installed
entirely at the risk of the designer and contractor.
4. House panel (located on the exterior or exterior access only electrical room) to
supply the exterior lights, receptacles and required loads (i.e. fire alarm, fire
pump, and accessories).
5. The service to the building, core feeders, core panels, core lighting, core
receptacles, core equipment, and core HVAC.
MECHANICAL:
(See Mechanical Code Interpretation dated March 4,2000, updated on March 4, 2004)
Core Facilities (Def.): A space which contains adequate plumbing fixtures for the floor, is
directly accessible through direct openings or corridors from all tenant spaces, and is
fully handicap accessible.
The Mechanical Plans Reviewer or Mechanical Chief may allow exceptions on a case by
case basis.
Multi-Story (Central HVAC)
Mechanical systems shall consist of the supply/return duct, HVAC equipment, gas
piping, bathroom exhaust, and water heater flue installed within and limited to the Core
space and may include major trunk duct system to tenant spaces. It shall not include
branch duct systems to diffusers within tenant spaces.
Single-Story:
Mechanical systems are limited to the supply/return duct, HVAC equipment, gas piping,
bathroom exhaust, and water heater flue installed within and limited to the CORE space.
No HVAC EQUIPMENT, FLUES, OR GAS PIPING ABOVE GRADE designed to
serve any space(s) other than the Core will be allowed.
Exception:
1. Buildings utilizing a central HVAC system may stub trunk duct into future
tenant space(s) and duct SHALL terminate at the VAV box or cap for future
tenant upfit work/permit.
2. Where there is the need to provide a shell structure with a conditioned
corridor and/or elevator(s) and without core restrooms (provided within
tenant spaces), the designer shall designate the submittal “Shell with Core,
NO RESTROOMS”.
PLUMBING:
(See Plumbing Code Interpretation dated March 4, 2000, updated on March 24, 2004)
Plumbing is limited to the building drain and associated piping below the concrete slab
(CORE ONLY), a water distribution MAIN (above or below the slab) with associated
service valves (only), a building sewer, a building water service, and roof
drains/scuppers. It also includes DRY/WET upfit stacks and DWV or water distribution
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piping installed within and limited to the CORE space. NO piping (except Dry/Wet
stacks), equipment or piping above the slab, located outside the core space, serving the
tenant space is allowed.
The Plumbing Plans Reviewer or Plumbing Chief may allow exceptions on a case by case
basis.
Exception: Where there is the need to provide a shell structure with a conditioned
corridor and/or elevator(s) and without core restrooms (provided within the tenant
space), the designer shall designate the submittal “Shell with Core, NO RESTROOMS”.
Fire:
At the shell/core phase, CFD requires full compliance with the NC State Fire Code and
referenced standards.
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Project Permit Master Plan Agreement
Master Plan No.
Project Name
Address
Owner / Designer Name
Company Name
Address
City, State, Zip
I have reviewed the attached Master Plan and agree that the hierarchy presented accurately
construction I understand that this project will be
reflects our intentions for completing construction.
reviewed and permitted as required, according to this Master Plan. I further understand that
occupancy for portions of this project will not be granted, except as outlined in the Master
Plan.
This Master Plan is a contract of intent between Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, the
Owner/Designer and the General Contractor. Once established, changes to a Master Plan
are subject to fees, based upon the staff time required to modify the plan. The current rate is
$80/hour. Furthermore, substantial changes may require that the project be resubmitted
through Plan Review. Any fees will be charged to the General Contractor of the project. It is
the responsibility of the Owner/Designer to inform the General Contractor of this Master
Plan and any associated fees.
I accept these conditions and understand that there will be fees associated with changing
this Master Plan.
Owner / Designer
Date
Title
I accept these conditions and authorize Mecklenburg County to charge my account for fees
associated with changing this Master Plan.
General Contractor
Date
Company Name
Account No.
Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, 700 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Master Plan Coordinator, Phone: (704) 336-4370 Fax: (704) 336-4096
Step by Step Instructions for Accessing an Approved Master Plan
1. The general contractor will log onto meckpermit.com and select “My Master
Plans”.
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2. Select the correct Master Plan.
A. Go – this option will open the Master Plan and allow access to each
project.
B. View – this option will retrieve the Master Plan Hierarchy Report.
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3. Once a Master Plan is open, you can open any project within the Plan to
schedule inspections, check inspection results, check occupancy holds, and
all other tasks available on meckpermit.com.
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Step by Step Instructions for Submitting a Proposed Master Plan
1. The general contractor will log onto meckpermit.com and select “Submit
New Master Plan”.
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2. Enter the address from the Address Verification form.
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3. If more than one option is found, select the base street address. Do not
select an address with suite numbers.
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4. Complete the information in Step 1 and 2.
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5. For Step 3, there are two options. Only one option may be selected.
Options
1. Insert a template to use as a guide and overwrite each level with an
accurate description of your own project.
2. Download a document containing your Master Plan.
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6. You will receive confirmation that your Master Plan has been received.
You will be contacted by the Master Plan Coordinator after the submitted Master
Plan has been reviewed.
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Step by Step Instructions for Accessing an Approved Master Plan
1. From the meckpermit.com home page, select “Online Permitting System”.
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2. Select the “View Permits”.
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3. Any permit number or project number within a Master Plan can be entered
to view the entire Master Plan.
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4. Once a Master Plan is active, individual project status can be obtained by
selecting the “View” option.
Master Plans accessed on meckpermit.com are for reference only. A Master
Plan is a permanent document and can not be edited, except by Department
personnel.
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