So….thinking about working on a commercial building for your business? Working your way through
Building Standards Division of Iredell County can sometimes be overwhelming. Our hope is to offer the
chance to answer some of your building/inspections questions on the front end so that you can spend
more time on the ABC’s of YOUR business.
What should I do If I intend on making any changes to my building?
First check with the authority having Zoning authority to make sure the use you plan for the building is
allowed by the zoning designation and complies with the zoning regulations. In Statesville, that would
be the City of Statesville Planning Department (227 South Center Street – 704 - 878-3127). If you are
within the County’s jurisdiction that would be Iredell County Planning Division (349 N. Center St. 704878-3118). In Troutman….
Under most circumstances you need a building permit. Any work outside of standard maintenance
items, typically need a building permit. Even for jobs that you believe are small it is worthwhile to call,
or visit, the Iredell County Building Standards Division, 349 North Center Street in Statesville, 704-9282021.
What does the Building Standards Division do?
The Building Standards Division will issue a Building Permit and, depending on the scope of the project,
Electrical, Plumbing, Mechanical and Fire Permit. Please note that if the project is within the City limits
of Statesville, the Statesville Fire Marshal must review the project for compliance with the Fire Code.
There are some cases in which the project is very limited in scope without any change of utilization of
the space in which a Building Permit will not be needed but those instances are infrequent. Depending
on the extent of the project, it is strongly suggested you seek a Design Professional licensed in North
Carolina to help you develop plans that will meet the complex requirements of the project. A list of
design professionals certified in NC that are members of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce
is listed below.
What processes have to occur before the project can be completed?
1) Present plans to the Building Standards Division
2) First Review
Amend plans if necessary
Review and amend until approved
3) Rough in inspection – building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire
Required inspections must be approved before concealing work or moving to the next
phase of the project.
4) Final Inspection - building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fire, zoning
Final inspections must be approved before a Certificate of Occupancy is issued.
5) Certificate of Occupancy issued.
What are common reasons why projects get delayed through the approval process?
1) Project begun before seeking approval through the Building Standards Division. Often this work
will not meet the standards and must start back at the beginning of the process.
2) Developer did not use design professional certified in North Carolina. These professionals
simply are more versed in what questions to ask and how to more effectively meet the
requirements of the applicable codes.
3) Plans change during the process, even those plans provided by the design professional. Those
changes should be approved by the Building Standards Division.
4) Licensed professionals not used. If the project is a commercial project you must have a licensed
professional (electrician, plumber, etc) do the work.
It is important to understand that the code requirements for a project are based on the occupancy
classification of the intended use of the building, the construction type of the structure, accessibility
requirements and other variables which may increase the scope of the project beyond that which is
anticipated by the owner or tenant. Also the requirement for the services of a design professional are
mandated by state law as well.