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1. Can I search an address to verify permit status?

Permits issued for an address can be found by using the search feature in COAST. Please note, you do not have to be registered or logged in to use this feature.

2. Do I need to create a new account for COAST?

Yes, COAST is a completely separate system from the county’s previous development services software, so all customers will need to create a new profile and username in COAST. For instructions for creating a COAST account view the applicable YouTube video under COAST Help Videos.

3. How do I request an inspection using COAST?

A detailed video on how to request an inspection in COAST can be found on the Customer Online Application & Services Tool (COAST) Page under the COAST Help Videos.

4. How do I submit a permit online using COAST?

A detailed video tutorial for submitting a permit in COAST can be found on the Customer Online Application & Services Tool (COAST) Page under the COAST Help Videos.

5. Is training available for COAST?

Beginning June 1, Building Safety staff will provide one-on-one customized training on the various contact types used for COAST accounts. The customized one-hour training will help customers set their preferred contact types, manage their accounts, and better understand their COAST accounts and the access they have. The training is available to all customers by emailing New Hanover County Building Safety or calling them at 910-798-7308.

A Building Safety representative will coordinate a training time with you, which will be offered during the county’s business hours.

6. Who do I contact for help?

For help accessing or using COAST, contact the New Hanover County Building Safety Department.

230 Government Center Drive
Suite 170
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 910-798-7308
Email New Hanover County Building Safety
Building Safety Page

Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

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1. Does New Hanover County issue Land Disturbance Permits in the City Of Wilmington?

Yes, unless it is a city or county-owned project.

New Hanover County cannot issue permits to entities who have powers of eminent domain (the right to condemn property), or to projects that use local, state, or federal funds. These projects are permitted through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). They can be reached at 910-796-7215.

2. How do I contact New Hanover County Engineering?

230 Government Center Drive
Suite 160
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 910-798-7139
Fax: 910-798-7051
Engineering Page

Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

3. How long is a Land Disturbance Permit valid?

A Land Disturbance Permit is valid while the site is active or for a period of one year if no land-disturbing activity is undertaken.

4. How long is a Stormwater Permit valid?

A Stormwater Permit, issued by New Hanover County, does not expire.

5. How much is a Land Disturbance Permit?

Residential Subdivision

• Review Fee: $200 paid at the time of application.
• Land Disturbance Fee: $300 per acre disturbed, paid at the time of plat recordation.
• Modifications: $200.
• Transfer of Ownership: $200.

All lots must be within the limits of disturbance and have erosion control measures.

Commercial Development

• Review Fee: $200, paid at the time of application.
• Land Disturbance Fee: $300 per acre disturbed, paid at the time of Certificate of Occupancy.
• Modifications: $200.
• Transfer of Ownership: $200.

Other

• Review Fee: $200, paid at the time of application.
• Land Disturbance Fee: $300 per acre disturbed, paid at time of application.
• Modifications: $200
• Transfer of Ownership: $200

6. When is a Land Disturbance Permit required?

A Land Disturbance Permit is required when:

• More than one acre is to be disturbed.
• A permit has previously been issued on the property or project and additional land disturbance activities are planned.
• A parcel or project is less than one acre but is part of a larger project (that is, a common plan of development).

7. When is a Stormwater Permit required?

A Stormwater Permit is required when:

• There will be an accumulation of 10,000 square feet or more of impervious surface area on a parcel.
• A site with an existing Stormwater Permit is to be redeveloped or expanded.

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1. Can I get my new well tested by a private company to expedite getting a CO (Certificate of Occupancy) and moving into my new home?

Yes, provided it is a laboratory certified to perform and report the results of a bacterial examination of water. Also, trained laboratory personnel must actually go out to the home site, collect the sample for analysis and report laboratory test results as negative for bacterial contamination. While a CO can be released before results are known, Public Health will also collect samples and send them to the State Laboratory of Public Health for analysis of nitrates and inorganic constituents. Because high levels of nitrates can pose significant health risks for certain populations, it is good practice to wait for these results before using well water to make food or formula for infants and children.

2. Do I have to completely clear my lot of trees and undergrowth for Public Health to issue a septic system permit?

No, however, an Environmental Health Specialist must have access and clearance enough to determine (be able to see) the location of property lines, and the proposed structure(s) and driveway in relation to property lines.

3. Do I have to get a permit for an irrigation well?

You are not required to get a permit to construct an irrigation well for single-family residential use, however, state regulations require that all wells be located and constructed so as to protect our groundwater resources.

4. Helpful Websites for Septic Systems

• North Carolina On-site Wastewater Contractor Inspector Certification Board
• Water Pollution Control System Operators Certification Commission
• North Carolina Board of Licensed Soil Scientists
• North Carolina Department of Health & Human Services

5. How do I contact New Hanover County Environmental Health?

230 Government Center Drive
Suite 140
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 910-798-6667
Fax: 910-798-7815
Environmental Health Page

Hours
Monday through Friday
7:30 am to 4:30 pm

6. I need to ask a question about making a change in the plans Public Health released for construction of a swimming pool that will eventually be operated by a Home Owners Association; who do I contact?

Environmental Health Specialists are normally available in the office between 7:30 to 9 am and 4 to 4:30 pm.

7. Maintenance of Septic Systems

• Septic System Owner’s Guide
• Septic Systems and Their Maintenance
• Why Do Septic Systems Fail?
• Don’t Flush It - Door Hanger (PDF)

8. Private Water Supply Wells: Laws and Rules

• Session Law 2006-202 (PDF)
• Variance Request Form for 2C .0100 Well Construction Standards (PDF)
• Variance to Setbacks from Sewer Laterals - Rule 15A North Carolina Administrative Code (NCAC) 02C .0107 (PDF)
• Section .0300 - Permitting and Inspection of Private Drinking Water Wells (PDF)
• Section .3800 - Private Drinking Water Well Sampling Rules (PDF)

9. Septic Systems: Laws and Rules

• Section .1900 - Sewage Treatment and Disposal Systems (PDF)

10. When do septic system permits expire?

This is a two-step process because often before buying property, individuals want to ascertain that construction and use of a septic system can be permitted on the property. First, an application is made to Public Health to conduct a site/soil evaluation of the property with at least some general idea of what the buyer or property owner plans to construct. If something other than a single-family residence is proposed, then Public Health will need to know more details in order to estimate the daily amount of wastewater a septic system must have the capacity to support. After analysis of the available space and soil characteristics, a general determination can be made with this information as to whether or not an Improvement Permit (1st step) can be issued specifically to this parcel of land. The second step, securing an Authorization to Construct can proceed when the owner can provide a detailed site plan and specifics as to how the proposed structure(s) will be used. Normally, an Improvement Permit and Construction Authorization specific to a parcel of land states the expiration as five years from the date of issue.

11. Why do I have to wait for Public Health to review my restaurant kitchen plans and menu before I can get a building permit?

Environmental Health Specialists who have many years of experience working with food safety regulations are assigned the task of reviewing restaurant kitchen plans before the project is released for the issue of building permits. The reason: We can better help business owners set themselves up for success if we work together on paper ahead of brick and mortar activities.

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1. Are all fire alarm systems required to be UL Certified?

No, only fire alarm systems that monitor a fire sprinkler or other automatic fire extinguishing system are required to be Underwriters' Laboratories (UL) Certified. A UL certificate must be displayed adjacent to the Fire Alarm Control Panel.

2. Are key boxes or Knox Boxes required on all commercial businesses?

Knox boxes are required to be installed at the main entrance and any other location as required by the Fire Code Official when the building has a fire alarm system and automatic fire sprinkler system. Knox boxes can be utilized for other commercial buildings, contact the Fire Code Official for more information.

3a. How do I order a Knox box? 

Orders are placed online using the building address on Knox Box's website.

3. How do I contact New Hanover Fire Rescue?

230 Government Center Drive
Suite 130
Wilmington, NC 28403
Non-emergency phone: 910-798-7420
Fax: 910-798-7052
Fire Rescue Page

Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

4. When do I need a fire protection permit?

A construction-related fire protection permit is required for all of the following: 

• [A] 105.7 Required construction permits. The fire code official is authorized to issue construction permits for work as set forth in Sections 105.7.1 through 105.7.18. See the North Carolina Administrative Code and Policies and applicable North Carolina General Statutes for general information concerning construction permits.
• [A] 105.7.1 Automatic fire-extinguishing systems. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to an automatic fire-extinguishing system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.2 Battery systems. A permit is required to install stationary storage battery systems having a liquid capacity of more than 50 gallons (189 L).
• [A] 105.7.3 Compressed gases. Where the compressed gases in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.9, a construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a compressed gas system. Exception: Routine maintenance.
• [A] 105.7.4 Cryogenic fluids. A construction permit is required for installation of or alteration to outdoor stationary cryogenic fluid storage systems where the system capacity exceeds the amounts listed in Table 105.6.11. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be an alteration and does not require a construction permit.
• [A] 105.7.5 Emergency responder radio coverage system. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to emergency responder radio coverage systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
• [A] 105.7.6 Fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire alarm and detection systems and related equipment. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
• [A] 105.7.7 Fire pumps and related equipment. A construction permit is required for installation of or modification to fire pumps and related fuel tanks, jockey pumps, controllers and generators. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a construction permit.
• [A] 105.7.8 Flammable and combustible liquids. A construction permit is required:

1. To install, repair or modify a pipeline for the transportation of flammable or combustible liquids.
2. To install, construct or alter tank vehicles, equipment, tanks, plants, terminals, wells, fuel-dispensing stations, refineries, distilleries and similar facilities where flammable and combustible liquids are produced, processed, transported, stored, dispensed or used. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered an installation, construction or alteration and does not require a permit.
3. To install, alter, remove, abandon or otherwise dispose of a flammable or combustible liquid tank.

• [A] 105.7.9 Gates and barricades across fire apparatus access roads. A construction permit is required for the installation of or modification to a gate or barricade across a fire apparatus access road.
• [A] 105.7.10 Hazardous materials. A construction permit is required to install, repair damage to, abandon, remove, place temporarily out of service, or close or substantially modify a storage facility or other area regulated by Chapter 50 where the hazardous materials in use or storage exceed the amounts listed in Table 105.6.21. Exception: Routine maintenance.
• [A] 105.7.11 Industrial ovens. A construction permit is required for installation of industrial ovens covered by Chapter 30. Exception: Routine maintenance.
• [A] 105.7.12 LP-gas. A construction permit for installation of or modification to an LP-gas system may be required and approved by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.13 Private fire hydrants. A construction permit is required for the installation or modification of private fire hydrants. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.14 Smoke control or smoke exhaust systems. Construction permits are required for installation of or alteration to smoke control or smoke exhaust systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be an alteration and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.15 Solar photovoltaic power systems. A construction permit is required to install or modify solar photovoltaic power systems. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.16 Spraying or dipping. A construction permit is required to install or modify a spray room, dip tank or booth. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.17 Standpipe systems. A construction permit is required for the installation, modification or removal from service of a standpipe system. Maintenance performed in accordance with this code is not considered to be a modification and does not require a permit.
• [A] 105.7.18 Temporary membrane structures and tents. A construction permit is required to erect an air-supported temporary membrane structure, a temporary stage canopy or a tent having an area in excess of 800 square feet (74 m2). Exceptions:
  1. Tents used exclusively for recreational camping purposes.
  2. Funeral tents and curtains, or extensions attached thereto, when used for funeral services.
  3. Tents and awnings open on all sides, which comply with all of the following:
     • 3.1. Individual tents shall have a maximum size of 1800 square feet (167 m2).
     • 3.2. The aggregate area of multiple tents placed side by side without a fire break clearance of not less than 12 feet (3658mm) shall not exceed 1800 square feet (167 m2) total.
     • 3.3. A minimum clearance of 12 feet (3658 mm) to structures and other tents shall be maintained.

(Taken from the 2018 North Carolina Fire Code)

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1. How do I view plans using Mac and Safari?

View our Download Instructions (PDF) document for a step-by-step answer.

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1. How do I contact New Hanover County Planning and Land Use?

230 Government Center Drive
Suite 110
Wilmington, NC 28403
Phone: 910-798-7165
Fax: 910-798-7053
Planning and Land Use Page

Hours
Monday through Friday
8 am to 5 pm

2. Why do certain applications ask me in to upload my plans twice?

One of the many benefits of applying through COAST is the capability of having plans reviewed digitally (eReview). Plans submitted in the “Files for Review” step are automatically set up for eReview, while plans submitted in the “Supporting Docs” step are not. Please note that the eReview and ”Files for Review” step is optional and can be skipped by the applicant by moving forward to the next submittal step.

3. What is eReview?

eReview is a digital, paperless review of plans. eReview allows for the plan reviewers to add comments and mark-ups directly to the digital plan files. eReview also facilitates many reviews by allowing multiple agencies to review and mark up the same digital plan file. After the review, applicants are able to view the marked-up plans on COAST.

4. What is the “Supplemental Form” required for my application and where is it located?

Most development applications processed by the New Hanover County (NHC) Department of Planning and Land Use ask the applicant to fill out a supplemental application form specific to the requested application type. These supplemental forms help ensure an efficient review process by providing relevant information about the request. The supplemental forms for specific application types can be found online at the COAST’s Help Page or on the NHC Department of Planning and Land Use website.

5. When submitting an application, I am having difficulties entering the address of the subject property. Is there another way to add the location of a property when applying for an application?

Yes! The location of a property can also be entered by adding the Parcel ID number. After selecting the “Add Location” link, simply click “Parcel” to be able to enter the Parcel ID number.