What do these permits involve in Cumberland County?

Question

Accepted Answer

Fire Inspection (by Occupancy and Floor Area)

The Cumberland County Fire Marshal's Office inspects commercial occupancies in its service area on a schedule set by occupancy. The Fire Prevention Code Enforcement page lists the Fire Marshal's service areas as "All rural areas of Cumberland County" and the "Town limits of Linden, Wade, Godwin, Falcon and Stedman", and states that "The City of Fayetteville, Town of Hope Mills, and Town of Spring Lake provide fire code enforcement in their respective jurisdictions." The same page lists the schedule: Assembly occupancies "Once Every Year"; Educational occupancies, except public schools, "Once Every Two (2) Years"; and "Business, Mercantile, Storage, and Churches/Synagogues" "Once Every Three (3) Years". County Code Sec. 6.2-24 provides for fire prevention fees fixed in an annual schedule approved with the budget ordinance. Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit A, Fire Inspections, printed pp. 366-367), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), each inspection of an Assembly occupancy, an Educational occupancy ("Day Cares (not in residential homes) and Private Schools") or a Business, Mercantile or Storage occupancy (the Three-Year Inspection Fee) is charged by floor area, from $75 up to 2,500 sq ft to $350 over 200,000 sq ft. A day care in a residence is $75 per visit, and a re-inspection is $75 per visit (FY2026: $50).

Fire Code Permits and Fire Plan Review

Commercial construction, fire protection systems, tents and fireworks in the Fire Marshal's service area are reviewed or permitted by the Cumberland County Fire Marshal's Office. The Fire Prevention Code Enforcement page lists the Fire Marshal's service areas as "All rural areas of Cumberland County" and the "Town limits of Linden, Wade, Godwin, Falcon and Stedman", and states that "The City of Fayetteville, Town of Hope Mills, and Town of Spring Lake provide fire code enforcement in their respective jurisdictions." Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit A, Fire Inspections, printed pp. 366-367), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), All Commercial Building Construction (fire trade) reviews are charged at total job cost times 0.00125, with a $100 minimum; alarm detection systems equipment is $5 per initiating device with a $75 minimum; a sprinkler system is 1.05 per sprinkler head with a $75 minimum; and tanks, pumps and piping in new construction are $100. A tent permit is $75 per visit and a fireworks/explosives permit $450. Contact the Fire Marshal's Office, 910-321-6625, to confirm which reviews and permits apply at a given address.

Septic Tank Permit and Soil Evaluation

A business on a lot without public sewer in Cumberland County needs a septic permit and soil evaluation from Cumberland County Environmental Health (Wells and Wastewater, Historic Courthouse basement, 130 Gillespie Street); a business connected to public sewer has no septic permit. Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit B, Environmental Health Fee Schedule, printed p. 375), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), the "Septic tank permit and soil evaluation/expansion permit" is $600, a repair permit $25, an expansion with pool or room addition $230, an inspection of an existing septic tank for reuse or change of use $150, and a call back $100. The county Water & Sewage page states that "The permit can be released upon receipt of the proper zoning permit and any other of all applicable fees", that an applicant with zoning and Environmental Health permits may then apply to Building Inspections, and that the Environmental Health Specialist's water and sewer authorization goes to Building Inspections so that a final inspection and permanent power can be obtained.

New Well Permit, Inspection and Water Samples

A business on a lot without public water in Cumberland County that drills a new well obtains the well permit from Cumberland County Environmental Health (Wells and Wastewater, Historic Courthouse basement, 130 Gillespie Street); a business on a public water connection has no well permit. Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit B, Environmental Health Fee Schedule, printed p. 375), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), a "New well permit, inspection & water samples" is $400, and a well driller call back fee is $75. The county Water & Sewage page describes the water and sewer authorization that Environmental Health forwards to Building Inspections before a final inspection and permanent power.

Nonresidential Building Permit

New construction, additions, renovations and upfits of commercial space in the Inspections Division's area need a nonresidential building permit. The Single Trade Permits page states that "The Inspections Division provides plan review and inspection services for the County of Cumberland apart from the City of Fayetteville, Town of Hope Mills, and the Town of Spring Lake." Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit C, Planning & Inspections Fees, printed pp. 377-378), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), the fee is set by project valuation: $250 up to $50,000, $500 from $50,001 to $75,000, $750 from $75,001 to $150,000, and .5% (.005) of total project cost at $150,001 and over. The schedule states that "All fees based upon valuation shall be calculated using a signed contract for work. Absent a contract, the valuation shall be calculated using the most recent Building Valuation Data table by the International Code Council (ICC), as amended." Trade permits and plan review are separate records. Contractor licensing is a North Carolina state record.

Commercial Plan Review and Change of Occupancy

Commercial plans submitted to the Cumberland County Inspections Division are charged a plan review fee, and a business moving into an existing building with a different use pays the change of occupancy fee. The Single Trade Permits page states that "The Inspections Division provides plan review and inspection services for the County of Cumberland apart from the City of Fayetteville, Town of Hope Mills, and the Town of Spring Lake." Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit C, Planning & Inspections Fees, printed pp. 377-378), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), Plan Review is $100 plus .01 times total building square feet, with a maximum of $2,500; the first plan re-review is "No Fee", the second $100 and each re-review after that $200. Enhanced Plan Review is $400 per review session. Change of Occupancy is $100, and a reinspection or a job-not-ready trip is $75 per trip. The building permit and trade permits are separate records.

Nonresidential Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permits

Electrical, mechanical and plumbing work on a commercial building in the Inspections Division's area needs a trade permit. The Single Trade Permits page states that "The Inspections Division provides plan review and inspection services for the County of Cumberland apart from the City of Fayetteville, Town of Hope Mills, and the Town of Spring Lake." Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit C, Planning & Inspections Fees, printed pp. 377-378), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), under Building Inspections - Nonresidential: electrical new construction or additional amps is $200 per 200 amps plus 0.75 per additional amp, and temporary power/occupancy, a generator and miscellaneous electrical work are $200 each; mechanical new construction or addition is $200.00 per unit, a gas piping permit $200, an HVAC changeout $200 per unit, refrigeration $100 plus $50 per unit or rack, and miscellaneous $200; plumbing new or addition work is $200 plus $10 per fixture, and miscellaneous $200. Trade contractor licensing is a North Carolina state record.

Zoning Permit (Including Home Occupations)

A business starting or changing a use of land or a building under the county's zoning jurisdiction needs a zoning permit first. The County Zoning Ordinance (with amendments through December 15, 2025), Sec. 104, provides that it governs "all areas located outside of the jurisdiction of any municipality". Sec. 108.A makes it unlawful to commence construction, alteration or "the use of any land or building" until the Coordinator "has issued a zoning permit for such work or use", and states that "Zoning permits shall be void after six months from date of issue unless substantial progress on the project has been made." Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit C, Planning & Inspections Fees, printed pp. 377-378), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), "Zoning Permit (all)" is $50. A home occupation is allowed under Sec. 1002.A as an accessory use when, among other conditions, the operator lives on the premises, the business area is no more than 25 percent of the floor area or 500 square feet, whichever is less, and no more than one non-resident employee works there; a small home day care may care for no more than eight unrelated children.

Sign Permit

A business erecting, enlarging, replacing or relocating a sign under the county's zoning jurisdiction needs a sign permit. The County Zoning Ordinance, Sec. 1305.A, provides that no sign requiring a permit shall be erected or attached, and no existing sign enlarged, replaced, modified or relocated, "until a zoning permit has been issued by the Coordinator in accordance with Section 108"; Sec. 1305.B lists sign types that need no zoning permit. Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit C, Planning & Inspections Fees, printed pp. 377-378), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), a Sign Permit is $50. The County Zoning Ordinance (with amendments through December 15, 2025), Sec. 104, provides that it governs "all areas located outside of the jurisdiction of any municipality". Within the Inspections Division's area a sign may also fall under the nonresidential building permit, whose Exhibit C line includes "Misc. (e.g. Signs)".

Special Use Permit and Nonresidential Site Plan Review

A business whose use the County Zoning Ordinance allows only by special use permit applies to Cumberland County Planning & Inspections, and nonresidential development under the county's zoning jurisdiction goes through site plan review. Per the FY2027 Adopted Budget fee schedule (Exhibit C, Planning & Inspections Fees, printed pp. 377-378), adopted by the Budget Ordinance on June 23, 2026 (Sec. II.e), in effect for FY2027 (July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027), a Special Use Permit is $250, a Special Use Permit Amendment $100, Site Plan Review for all nonresidential uses $150, and a group development, subdivision or site plan extension or revision $50. The schedule notes that "Stated fees are for services provided by Cumberland County and does not include any additional fees that may be charged by the Towns." The County Zoning Ordinance (with amendments through December 15, 2025), Sec. 104, provides that it governs "all areas located outside of the jurisdiction of any municipality".

Permit	Issuing agency	Fee	Renews	Last checked
Fire Inspection (by Occupancy and Floor Area)	Cumberland County Fire Marshal's Office	$75–$350 per inspection, by square footage, for Assembly (A-1 to A-5), Educational ("Day Cares (not in residential homes) and Private Schools") and the Three-Year Inspection Fee for "Business, Mercantile, Storage": up to 2,500 sq ft $75; 2,501-10,000 $100; 10,001-50,000 $150; 50,001-100,000 $200; 100,001-150,000 $250; 150,001-200,000 $300; over 200,000 $350. "Day cares (in a residence)" $75 per visit; re-inspection fee $75 per visit (Exhibit A)	Assembly once every year; Educational (except public schools) once every two years; Business, Mercantile, Storage once every three years (Fire Prevention Code Enforcement page)	2026-10-21
Fire Code Permits and Fire Plan Reviewonly if it applies to you	Cumberland County Fire Marshal's Office	All Commercial Building Construction (fire trade) reviews: Standard Fee (Total Job Cost) x (0.00125) = Fire Fee ($100 minimum). Alarm detection systems equipment $5 per initiating device ($75 minimum). Sprinkler auto extinguisher system 1.05 per sprinkler head, $75 minimum. Tanks, pumps, piping new construction $100. Tent permit $75 per visit. Fireworks/explosives permit $450 (Exhibit A).	per review or permit	2026-10-21
Septic Tank Permit and Soil Evaluationonly if it applies to you	Cumberland County Environmental Health	"Septic tank permit and soil evaluation/expansion permit" $600; repair permit $25; expansion with pool or room addition $230; inspection of existing septic tank for reuse or change of use $150; call back fee $100 (Exhibit B).	per permit	2026-10-21
New Well Permit, Inspection and Water Samplesonly if it applies to you	Cumberland County Environmental Health	$400 per well ("New well permit, inspection & water samples", Exhibit B); well driller call back fee $75	per well	2026-10-21
Nonresidential Building Permit	Cumberland County Planning & Inspections - Inspections Division	New construction, addition, renovation/upfit, accessory structure, pools and spas, miscellaneous (e.g. signs), by project valuation: $0-$50,000 = $250; $50,001-$75,000 = $500; $75,001-$150,000 = $750; $150,001 and over = .5% (.005) of total cost of project. Valuation per a signed contract for the work; absent a contract, per the most recent ICC Building Valuation Data table (Exhibit C).	per project	2026-10-21
Commercial Plan Review and Change of Occupancy	Cumberland County Planning & Inspections - Inspections Division	Plan Review $100 + .01 x total building sq. ft. (max $2,500); 1st plan re-review no fee; 2nd re-review $100; each re-review thereafter $200; Enhanced Plan Review $400 per review session; Change of Occupancy $100; Reinspection $75 per trip; Job Not Ready $75 per trip (Exhibit C).	per plan submittal or occupancy change	2026-10-21
Nonresidential Electrical, Mechanical and Plumbing Permitsonly if it applies to you	Cumberland County Planning & Inspections - Inspections Division	Electrical: new construction/additional amps $200/200 Amp + 0.75/additional Amp; temporary power/occupancy $200; generator $200; miscellaneous $200. Mechanical: new construction/addition $200.00/unit; gas piping permit $200; HVAC changeout $200/unit; refrigeration $100 + $50/unit or rack; miscellaneous $200. Plumbing: new/addition $200 + $10/fixture; miscellaneous $200 (Exhibit C, Building Inspections - Nonresidential).	per permit	2026-10-21
Zoning Permit (Including Home Occupations)	Cumberland County Planning & Inspections - Land Use Codes	$50 per permit ("Zoning Permit (all)", Exhibit C)	void after six months from date of issue unless substantial progress on the project has been made (Zoning Ordinance Sec. 108.A)	2026-10-21
Sign Permitonly if it applies to you	Cumberland County Planning & Inspections - Land Use Codes	$50 per permit ("Sign Permit", Exhibit C)	per sign permit; zoning permits are void after six months unless substantial progress has been made (Zoning Ordinance Sec. 108.A)	2026-10-21
Special Use Permit and Nonresidential Site Plan Reviewonly if it applies to you	Cumberland County Planning & Inspections - Land Use Codes	Special Use Permit $250; Special Use Permit Amendment $100; Site Plan Review - all nonresidential uses $150; group development, subdivision, site plan extension or revision $50 (Exhibit C).	per application	2026-10-21

Business licenses and permits in Cumberland County, North Carolina

What are you opening in Cumberland County?

Permits that apply to every type of business in Cumberland County