PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

(828) 323-7410

Commercial Construction

Most commercial construction and multi-family housing will need to be reviewed by the City of Hickory Planning Department. In some cases approvals from other agencies (county, state and federal) are required. Anyone with a commercial or multi-family residential project should contact the Planning Department well in advance of the proposed construction to discuss requirements and procedures. Some projects must obtain City Council approval, a process that may involve public hearings. It is never too early to contact the Planning Department at 323-7422 regarding details.

Click Here for the Commercial Plan Review Checklist

Click Here for a Flowchart of the Commercial Plan Review Checklist

Plans

For construction of commercial buildings the Development Assistance Center requires seven complete sets of construction plans. These plans must have appropriate seals and signatures of architects and engineers. If Health Department approval is needed, eight complete sets of plans will be required. We will be happy to discuss your project with you in detail since these requirements may vary.

Water and Sewer Services

If your project involves new water or sewer services or additions to the existing systems, you should contact the Public Services Department 323-7500. There may be requirements for water and sewer service applications to be approved for new construction or additions to existing systems. The Public Services Department will request information from and inform you of any fees. Fees are required to be paid before taps are scheduled.

Zoning Compliance Permit

A Zoning Compliance Permit is required for all new construction and when existing buildings change occupancy classification. For more information, please contact the Development Assistance Center at (828) 323-7410.

Building Permit Application and Plan Review

Fifteen working days are allotted for building plan review on a first come first serve basis. Completeness and accuracy of information will assist in timely review.

Information needed about Contractors:
     · N.C. Contractors License number
     · City of Hickory Privilege License (If working within the city limits)
     · Workers Compensation Insurance Information

Information needed on plans:
          · Site, foundation and elevations
          · Floor plans, wall sections, structural information and handicapped accessibility
          · Plumbing, heating, air conditioning, ventilation, electrical and   refrigeration plans
          · Appendix B of the N.C. Administrative Enforcement Requirements Code

 

Express Plan Review

Catawba County Building Services has implemented a new program called “Express Plan Review”. In short, customers are able to pay an hourly fee to have a review conducted of their plans. Customers would then be presented with a list of corrections that are needed. When customers submit the corrected plans for review, the plan reviewers will verify the corrections on the plans and approve them for a permit on the same day. More information may be obtained from the Catawba County Permit Center at 465-8399.

Fire Department Use Permits

An application for a Fire Use Permit, to be filled out by the tenant prior to occupancy, can be applied for at the same time. Further information about Fire Use Permits can be obtained by contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau (located on the 2nd floor of City Hall) at (828) 323-7522.

 

Fire Prevention Permits

Fire Protection Permits are required for the installation or renovation of automatic sprinkler systems, fire alarm systems, fire suppression system, and flammable/combustible liquids storage tanks. Further information about these permits and permit applications can be obtained by contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau at (828) 323-7522.

Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Erosion and sedimentation control are required regardless of the size or the land disturbance. The law requires land developers to prevent erosion and off site sedimentation on all disturbed areas. If one acre or more is disturbed, an erosion and sedimentation control plan must be filed with the Catawba County Erosion And Sedimentation Control Division 30 days prior to beginning work. For more information, please contact the Erosion And Sedimentation Control Division at (828) 465-8161 or the Engineering Department (located on the 2nd floor of City Hall) at 323-7416.

Street and Driveway Access Permit

If your project involves street and/or driveway access onto a state-maintained street, you will need approval from the NC Department of Transportation. You should submit four copies of your site plan and driveway permit applications to the City of Hickory Engineering Department, which is located on the 2nd floor of City Hall. Accesses to city-maintained streets are approved during the site plan review. Further information may be obtained from the Engineering Department at 323-7416.

Privilege License

A Privilege License tax is required to be paid prior to operating a business within the City Limits of Hickory. Federal, State and Local authorities exempt some businesses from this license. An application form, fee schedule, and information on exempted businesses can be obtained from the Collections Department (located on the 2nd floor of City Hall) at (828) 323-7424.