Local Building Guides
Guides to permits, inspections and local building rules in the counties we serve. See our service areas for city-specific details.
Permits depend on where your property sits
Who issues your building permit depends on the county and sometimes on whether the property is inside city limits. In Gaston County, the county has issued building permits and inspections for every municipality since 2022, while each town still handles its own zoning. In Lincolnton, properties inside city limits or the extraterritorial jurisdiction need city zoning approval first, then a Lincoln County building permit and inspections.
Cleveland and Catawba counties have their own splits between city and county offices. Because the rules change by address, we confirm the right office for your property during the estimate.
Local conditions that shape a project
Much of our area sits on Piedmont red clay, which holds water and moves as it wets and dries. That makes grading, drainage and foundation preparation important on almost every project, from a deck footing to a new home. Lots near the Catawba River and its lakes may also have floodplain or buffer rules that limit where you can build.
Older neighborhoods, historic districts and HOAs can add a design review on top of the building permit. Planning for these reviews early avoids delays once work is scheduled.
Find your town
We serve Lincoln, Gaston, Cleveland and Catawba counties, including Lincolnton, Denver, Crouse, Gastonia, Mount Holly, Cherryville, Dallas, Belmont, Shelby, Kings Mountain, Hickory, Newton, Conover and Maiden. As a licensed North Carolina general contractor (NCLBGC #106996), we handle the required permits and inspections for the projects we build. Each city page covers local permitting and the kinds of projects common there. See all service areas, or call (980) 888-3107 if your town is not listed.