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Obtaining A Building Permit
All forms discussed below are available online through the "Forms" tab on the lefthand side of this webpage, or at the Permits desk located in the Mason Street Municipal Building, located at 322 N. Mason Street. Staff members are available onsite and are happy to assist with the process. Feel free to visit or give us a call at (919) 249-3418.
IDT Permit Types Accepted
We are currently accepting the all permit types for review through our IDT Plans portal:
Submitted Through IDT
- Residential Single-Family Dwellings*
New single-family applications must be submitted through IDT. - Residential Additions, Alterations & Accessory Structures*
Visit Publications link for more information
**Residential applications submitted through IDT require the same documents you would submit at the Permits desk. Checklists are available for all permit types in the Forms link. - Commercial Projects
All commercial projects must be submitted through IDT. - Solar Installations
Visit Solar page for more information. - Commercial EV Charging Stations
Visit Publications link for more information
*Residential applications submitted through IDT require the same documents you would submit at the Permits Desk. Required checklists are available on the Forms page.
Submitted Through ePermits
Residential single-trade Electrical, Mechanical, and Plumbing permits
Must be submitted by a licensed contractor.
Residential Permitting
Applications
Most residential projects use the same application:
One- and Two-Family Permit Application (PDF)
Complete all sections that apply to your project. Required checklists for each permit type are available on the Forms page.
Residential Projects with Separate Applications
The following permit types require a different application:
- Demolition Permit
Used when demolition must occur before a building permit is issued, or when no new building permit is planned. - Driveway / Curb Cut Permit
- Solar Installations
- Irrigation Permit
Triggers installation of a separate irrigation water meter. - Manufactured Homes
- Retaining Walls
One application per address.
Please Note: Projects over $40,000 must include a Workers’ Compensation Affidavit and Certificate of Insurance.
Checklists
New single-family dwelling permits must include a completed 1-2 Family Dwelling Project checklist (PDF). Additional checklists are available for other residential projects (such as decks and accessory structures). Brochures and guidance materials are also available to help ensure a complete submittal.
Visit the Forms section of our website to access all checklists and supporting materials.
Commercial Permitting
Before You Apply
All commercial projects require approval from our Planning Department prior to submittal at the Permits desk. Permits will not be issued until approval is received from Planning. You may contact Planning staff at 919-249-3426, visit their office on the second floor of the Mason Street Municipal Building, or visit their space on this website.
Commercial single trade permit applications have to be reviewed by our Planning Department. You may get Planning approval prior to submitting your application (located on the second floor of the Mason Street Municipal Building); or you can submit through the IDT portal and we will forward the application to the Planning Department. We will contact you when the permit has been created and is ready to be paid.
Applications
Most commercial projects, except those listed below, use the Commercial Projects Application (PDF). Be sure to complete all portions that are applicable to your project. A completed Commercial Project Checklist (PDF) is required for commercial projects. There may be some items that are not applicable to your project - you may simply indicate N/A or "not applicable" for those sections.
Grading application (used to begin site work before building permit has been issued, or to begin site work for residential subdivisions): Grading Permit Application (PDF). Projects costing >$40,000 must provide Workers Comp affidavit, Certificate of Insurance issued to Town of Apex, and lien agent form.
Demolition application (used only when demolition needs to be done before a building permit can be issued, or when there is no new building permit to be issued): Demolition Permit Application (PDF). Projects costing >$40,000 must provide Workers Comp affidavit, Certificate of Insurance issued to Town of Apex, and lien agent form.
EV Charger application: https://www.apexnc.org/DocumentCenter/View/38646/EV-Parking-Application. Projects costing >$40,000 must provide Workers Comp affidavit, Certificate of Insurance issued to Town of Apex, and lien agent form.
Irrigation application (triggers installation of a separate irrigation water meter): Irrigation Application (PDF). Projects costing >$40,000 must provide Workers Comp affidavit, Certificate of Insurance issued to Town of Apex, and lien agent form.
Retaining wall application: (use one application per address) Retaining Wall Application (PDF). Projects costing >$40,000 must provide Workers Comp affidavit, Certificate of Insurance issued to Town of Apex, and lien agent form.
Sign permit application: follow instructions on page 2 of the application https://www.apexnc.org/DocumentCenter/View/66/Permanent-Sign-Permit-Application-PDF
Solar Installations: https://www.apexnc.org/1345/Solar (to be used when the only work is solar panel installation - permit & inspection fees are waived).