Since 2003, Catawba County has operated two fully-staffed Permit Centers, one on the first floor of the Government Center on Highway 321 Business at the intersection of Radio Station Road in Newton and one at Hickory City Hall, at 76 North Center Street in Hickory.

Permit Center staff assist clients, contractors, businesses, home owners, and other citizens with their questions and concerns regarding permits that are actually handled by several different County departments.  In addition to assisting citizens with all building-related permits handled by the County's Building Services staff, the Permit Center is also the place for zoning permits administered by the County's Office of Planning and Development and the several permits provided by Catawba County Environmental Health, including well and septic tank permts.  Permit Center staff also issues burning permits for the Fire Marshal's Office and collects water and sewer fees for the County.

The two Permit Centers are a key part of the County's overall goal to provide the best possible customer service.  Both centers are open from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of County holidays. Citizens may get permits at either location, and building plan and other necessary reviews are available at both. Inspections are scheduled from both locations, and questions, concerns, and complaints will be handled promptly and courteously at either location.

The County also offers a 24-hour automated phone system available at 828-465-8399. The Interactive Voice Recognition System allows clients to call in, at their convenience, 24 hours a day, to schedule, cancel, inquire about, or change the date of an inspection. In addition, callers can be transferred to an official of their choice during business hours (8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday through Friday), and request faxed project documentation.

Testing is underway on a system that will allow contractors to schedule inspections online and pay a bill or account online, which is expected to be operational later this year.

For more information on the Catawba County Permit Center, you may visit the center's web page or you may call the Permit Center at 828-465-8399 and press 0 to speak with a staff person.