Prior to occupancy of any existing building or portion thereof, the Development Assistance Center (DAC) must be notified. Typically the following permits and/or approvals are necessary.

   *    Zoning Compliance Permit
   *    Fire Department Use Permit
   *    Privilege License

   *    Building Permits (Catawba County Building Services)

Quick Look at Process

• Contact D.A.C.

• A safety inspection will occur involving fire inspectors and possibly county building officials.
• On occasion a zoning official may need to visit the site to determine if any requirements are needed due to site changes or exterior building changes.

• After the inspection has occurred, the applicant will be notified of what additional plans and permits may be required.

• If no improvements are to occur, approval for occupancy may be allowed without additional efforts.

Zoning Compliance Permit

A Zoning Compliance Permit is required when a new tenant occupies an existing commercial building. This permit ensures that the proposed use is allowed in the zoning district. Completion of the Zoning Compliance application automatically generates a fire safety inspection. A county building safety inspection may also be necessary. Inspectors will contact you to schedule the safety inspection. Additional information can be obtained by contacting the Development Assistance Center at (828) 323-7410.

Fire Department Use Permit

The application for the Fire Use Permit must be submitted to the Fire Prevention Bureau, which is located on the 2nd floor of City Hall, prior to occupying the building and will be issued after a fire inspector has approved the building for occupancy. Additional information about Fire Use Permits can be obtained by contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau at (828) 323-7522.

Plans

For renovations of existing commercial buildings the Development Assistance Center requires five complete sets of construction plans. However, if the original footprint changes, seven sets of construction plans will be required. All plans must have the appropriate seals and signatures of architects or engineers. Plans for restaurants must also be submitted to the County Health Department. We are available to discuss your project with you in detail since these requirements may vary according to your project. Please contact the Development Assistance Center at 323-7410.

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. Additional information about these permits can be obtained by contacting the Fire Prevention Bureau at (828) 323-7522.

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. If a company or an individual is engaged in more than one type of business, separate licenses or additional fees may apply for each business. Licenses must be renewed each year prior to the first of July. An application form, fee schedule, and information on exempted businesses can be obtained from the Collections Division (located on the 2nd floor of City Hall) at 323-7424.

Approval For Occupancy

At the conclusion of all work done under a permit, if all completed work complies with the applicable state and local laws and with the terms of the permit, the tenant may occupy the building. An addition or enlargement of an existing building shall not be occupied, nor a change made in the occupancy, nature of use of a building without permission to occupy. For more information please contact the Development Assistance Center at 323-7410.