PERMIT APPLICATIONS FOR SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCES

(828) 323-7410

For One and Two Family Residential Construction

Plans

For construction of single family residences and residential accessory buildings, you will need to bring at least one complete set of construction plans and two sets of site plans to the Development Assistance Center. A surveyor's site plan is required for new buildings, additions and expansions or the removal of a building. The site plan must include the following information: property boundaries of the site, the location of the buildings or additions, the distances from the new construction to the property lines, and the location and the widths of new driveways, as well as a drainage plan and a landscaping plan.

Water and Sewer Service

If a water or sewer tap is needed for a new or existing residence, you may apply and pay your fees at the Collections Division located on the 2nd floor of City Hall. For further information, you and call the Collections Division at 323-7424

Permit Applications

Typically, a new single-family residence will require the following permits and/or approvals:

     *   Building Permit
     *   Residential Zoning & Grading Permit
     *   Sewer Service Approval
     *   Water Service Approval
     *   Septic Tank Permit (County Health Department)

Additions to existing residences and accessory buildings such as garages and storage sheds may require some or all of the above. The Development Assistance Center is available to answer questions and assist you in being prepared to apply for the permits you need.
 

Other Permits

If your project involves electrical, plumbing, heating or air-conditioning work, permits will be required. In most cases your electrical, plumbing, heating or air-conditioning contractor will obtain these permits by directly contacting the Catawba County Permit Center at 465-8399.

Historic Districts & Designated Historic Properties

A Certificate of Appropriateness is required prior to exterior renovations or additions to property located in any of the Historic Districts. Please contact the Planning Department for information on how to obtain a Certificate of Appropriateness at 323-7422.
 

Erosion and Sedimentation Control

Erosion and sedimentation control are required regardless of the size of 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 Divison 30 days prior to beginning work. For more information please contact the Erosion and Sedimentation Control Divison at (828) 465-8161 or the Engineering Department at 323-7416.

 

Residential Landscaping Requirements

Lot Size	Minimum Tree Planting Requirements
More than 1 acre	Minimum of five deciduous trees per acre of property
Less than one acre and more than 20,000 square feet	Minimum of five deciduous trees
Less than 20,000 square feet and more than 10,000 square feet	Minimum of four deciduous trees
Less than 10,000 square feet	Minimum of three deciduous trees
All trees required by this section shall be a minimum of 1.5 inches caliper at 4.5 feet above the ground. All trees rquired to meet any other requirement of this Land Development Code may be credited towards this requirement. Existing vegetation may be credited toward this requirement as provided in Section 10.11.10(c) above. There is a chart in the Manual of Practice outlining species of trees allowed.

* 1 acre = 43,560 sq ft

Trees planted must not be located in the 10’ x 70’ sight triangle at the intersection of the driveway and the road.

**If the applicant is not able to meet the landscaping requirements at the final inspection, then a bond may be posted until requirements can be met.