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  6. Residential Permit Process Information
  7. Residential Permit Information for Owners as the General Contractor

Contact Information

  • Schedule Inspections: (828) 465-8399
  • Permit Center
  • (828) 465-8399
  • (828) 465-8962
  • Contact via email
  • Main Location:25 Government Drive Newton, NC 28658
  • Hours:M-F 8:00am - 5:00pm (office)M-F 8:00am - 4:00pm (permits issued)

Residential Permit Information for Owners as the General Contractor

This page contains permit information for Catawba County’s most common building application types. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all permit types. If the project falls outside one of these categories, please contact the Permit Center at 828-465-8399 for more information.

North Carolina grants owners an exemption to act as their own general contractor if they meet the following requirements.

  • The property MUST be listed in your name.
  • The property CANNOT be for rent, lease or sale for one year after the project is completed.
  • The owner exemption / unlicensed contractor forms MUST be completed and returned to the permit office prior to permits being issued.

If these requirements cannot be met, a licensed general contractor is required to permit and oversee construction. Please contact the Permit Center at 828-465-8399 for more information.

These forms are typically required for an accessory building application with the owner acting as the general contractor. Additional forms or approvals may be required depending on your particular project. Please contact the Catawba County Permit Center at 828-465-8399 to determine all approvals needed prior to making application.

~To minimize delays, please submit all approvals, applications, and forms at one time.~

These forms are typically required for an alterations application with the owner acting as the general contractor. Additional forms or approvals may be required depending on your particular project. Please contact the Catawba County Permit Center at 828-465-8399 to determine all approvals needed prior to making application.

~To minimize delays, please submit all approvals, applications, and forms at one time.~

These forms are typically required for a manufactured home application with the owner acting as the setup contractor. Additional forms or approvals may be required depending on your particular project. Please contact the Catawba County Permit Center at 828-465-8399 to determine all approvals needed prior to making application.

~To minimize delays, please submit all approvals, applications, and forms at one time.~

These forms are typically required for a modular home with the owner acting as the general contractor. Additional forms or approvals may be required depending on your particular project. Please contact the Catawba County Permit Center at 828-465-8399 to determine all approvals needed prior to making application.

~To minimize delays, please submit all approvals, applications, and forms at one time.~

These forms are typically required for a pool/spa application for the owner acting the general contractor. Additional forms or approvals may be required depending on your particular project. Please contact the Catawba County Permit Center at 828-465-8399 to determine all approvals needed prior to making application.

OWNER AS GENERAL CONTRACTOR

~To minimize delays, please submit all approvals, applications, and forms at one time.~

These forms are typically required for a new single family dwelling with the owner acting as the general contractor. Additional forms or approvals may be required depending on your particular project. Please contact the Catawba County Permit Center at 828-465-8399 to determine all approvals needed prior to making application.

~To minimize delays, please submit all approvals, applications, and forms at one time.~