Do you need a permit in Greensboro?

For most projects, yes. Of the 10 permit types we have verified for Greensboro, 3 always require a permit (for example an HVAC permit), 6 depend on size or scope (a deck permit, for instance). Each Greensboro permit type's page states the exact rule and its source.

How much does a permit cost in Greensboro?

Greensboro publishes a fee for 9 of the 10 permit types we cover, each quoted on its page from the jurisdiction's own schedule (linked on every page that carries one). Fees are set by City of Greensboro Engineering and Inspections Department, Development Services Division (Building Inspections); we do not estimate or mark them up.

Where do you apply for a permit in Greensboro?

City of Greensboro Engineering and Inspections Department, Development Services Division (Building Inspections) issues permits in Greensboro, with an online portal for applications, plan uploads and status checks, and takes questions at 336-373-2155. The Greensboro official page and portal are linked in the office section above.

What is the penalty for building without a permit in Greensboro?

Greensboro publishes its own charge for work started before the permit: 'DOUBLE PERMIT FEE: BUILDING PERMIT FEES WILL BE DOUBLED IF WORK IS BEGUN BEFORE SECURING A PERMIT'. That is the local bill; the North Carolina statute, the after-the-fact permit path and who may pull the permit are on the North Carolina building-without-a-permit page.

North Carolina

Building permits in Greensboro, North Carolina

Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Greensboro, 3 need a permit outright and 6 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.

By Mario Bailey Last checked 16 Aug 2026 · 2 official sources

Verified against official sources

Project types verified: 10; in Greensboro

Open the permit portal Call the office

City of Greensboro Engineering and Inspections Department, Development Services Division (Building Inspections)

Development Services, Melvin Municipal Office Building, Upper Ground Level, Room UG10, 300 W. Washington St., Greensboro, NC 27401
Phone: 336-373-2155
Email: DevelopmentServices2@greensboro-nc.gov
Official permit page
Permit portal
Official fee schedule

Look up a permit in Greensboro

Greensboro runs an online permit portal. Many local portals let you check application status, search permit records, and view inspection results without calling the office.

Search the Greensboro permit portal

What needs a permit in Greensboro

Of the 9 common home projects we have verified in Greensboro, 3 need a permit outright and 6 depend on size or scope. Click any project for the full rule, fee, and how to apply.

Project	Permit needed?	Threshold	Typical fee
Deck Permit	It depends	Before building a new deck or porch, and before any work on an existing deck beyond...	Building Permit Fee Schedule, Document #1005 dated 12/19/24: 'Minimum permit fee - $85'
Electrical Permit	It depends	Before adding, replacing or redesigning electrical wiring, devices, appliances or...	Electrical Permit Fee Schedule, Document #4100 dated 7/16/24: 'Minimum Permit Fee 85.00'
Fence Permit	Not confirmed	Not confirmed	Not published
HVAC Permit	Permit required	Any size	...Permit Fee Schedule, Document #4200 dated 7/16/24: 'Minimum Inspection Fee $...
Patio Permit	It depends	Before building an elevated patio that needs retaining walls or foundation walls, and...	Building Permit Fee Schedule, Document #1005 dated 12/19/24: 'Minimum permit fee - $85'
Plumbing Permit	It depends	Before adding to or altering the drainage, waste, vent, water service or water...	...Fee Schedule, Document #4300 dated 7/16/24: 'Minimum Permit/Inspection Fee $...
Pool Permit	Permit required	Any size	Building Permit Fee Schedule, Document #1005 dated 12/19/24: 'Minimum permit fee - $85'
Roof Replacement Permit	It depends	cost of the construction, installation, repair, replacement or alteration	Building Permit Fee Schedule, Document #1005 dated 12/19/24: 'Minimum permit fee - $85'
Shed Permit	It depends	length, width or height of the accessory building	Building Permit Fee Schedule, Document #1005 dated 12/19/24: 'Minimum permit fee - $85'
Solar Permit	Permit required	Any size	Building Permit Fee Schedule, Document #1005 dated 12/19/24: 'Minimum permit fee - $85'

Planning a project in Greensboro?

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Greensboro permit fees compared with nearby North Carolina localities

North Carolina locality	Deck Permit	HVAC Permit	Electrical Permit
Greensboro	...#1005 dated 12/19/24: 'Minimum permit fee -...	...#4200 dated 7/16/24: 'Minimum Inspection Fee $...	Electrical Permit Fee Schedule, Document #4100 dated...
Charlotte	...the LUESA Fee Ordinance (revised July 1, 2026): $1 to...	...The minimum fee that multiplier works from is $59.70...	...the LUESA Fee Ordinance (revised July 1, 2026): $1 to...
Mecklenburg County	...priced off total construction value with a $59.70...	...priced off total construction value with a $59.70...	...priced off total construction value with a $59.70...
Wake County	...etc.' The fee is 'Residential Permit Fee $75 plus...	'Residential Trade Permit Fee - $75	'Residential Trade Permit Fee - $75

Each cell is the opening clause of that North Carolina jurisdiction's own fee schedule; the full wording and source sit on each permit page.

Greensboro penalty for work started without a permit

Greensboro publishes what it charges when work begins before the permit, quoted here from the schedule or permit page we verified.

'DOUBLE PERMIT FEE: BUILDING PERMIT FEES WILL BE DOUBLED IF WORK IS BEGUN BEFORE SECURING A PERMIT'.

Greensboro deck permit page · last checked 16 Aug 2026

The North Carolina statute, the after-the-fact permit path and who may pull the permit: building without a permit in North Carolina.

Greensboro permit questions, answered from the data

Do you need a permit in Greensboro?: For most projects, yes. Of the 10 permit types we have verified for Greensboro, 3 always require a permit (for example an HVAC permit), 6 depend on size or scope (a deck permit, for instance). Each Greensboro permit type's page states the exact rule and its source.
How much does a permit cost in Greensboro?: Greensboro publishes a fee for 9 of the 10 permit types we cover, each quoted on its page from the jurisdiction's own schedule (linked on every page that carries one). Fees are set by City of Greensboro Engineering and Inspections Department, Development Services Division (Building Inspections); we do not estimate or mark them up.
Where do you apply for a permit in Greensboro?: City of Greensboro Engineering and Inspections Department, Development Services Division (Building Inspections) issues permits in Greensboro, with an online portal for applications, plan uploads and status checks, and takes questions at 336-373-2155. The Greensboro official page and portal are linked in the office section above.
What is the penalty for building without a permit in Greensboro?: Greensboro publishes its own charge for work started before the permit: 'DOUBLE PERMIT FEE: BUILDING PERMIT FEES WILL BE DOUBLED IF WORK IS BEGUN BEFORE SECURING A PERMIT'. That is the local bill; the North Carolina statute, the after-the-fact permit path and who may pull the permit are on the North Carolina building-without-a-permit page.

How the Greensboro pages were verified. 10 permit types, 6 distinct official sources, most recently checked 16 Aug 2026. Every rule is read from City of Greensboro Engineering and Inspections Department, Development Services Division (Building Inspections) or the applicable code and cited on its page; anything we could not confirm for Greensboro is marked rather than estimated. How we verify.