North Carolina Roof Permits and Paperwork

The code behind roofing

North Carolina adopts statewide building codes, including a residential code that covers roof coverings, underlayment and flashing. The NC Office of State Fire Marshal maintains the state codes (NC Office of State Fire Marshal (state building codes)). Local inspections offices enforce them.

Who issues permits

Inside High Point city limits, building permits and inspections run through the City of High Point (City of High Point). Because High Point reaches into four counties, nearby addresses may fall under a neighboring town or a county office instead, such as Guilford County for unincorporated areas in Guilford (Guilford County government). Archdale, Trinity, Thomasville, Jamestown and Kernersville each have their own arrangements. Confirm the jurisdiction for your address before work starts.

What usually needs a permit

Requirements vary by jurisdiction and scope. Full re-roofs, structural repairs to rafters or decking, new roof structures on additions, and skylights that cut new openings commonly need permits. Small repairs often do not. Ask that the estimate say whether a permit is needed and who will pull it.

Contractor licenses

North Carolina requires a general contractor license from the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors for jobs above a set project value, and the Board publishes a license lookup (North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors). For smaller jobs, ask about local registration and the contractor's track record. Either way, check the name on the contract matches the license.

Digging near the house

Roofing rarely involves digging, but downspout drains, gutter outlets and dumpster placement sometimes do. NC 811 is the free call-before-you-dig service for marking underground utilities (NC 811).

What to keep on file

• The signed contract and any change orders.
• The permit and final inspection, if one was required.
• Manufacturer warranty registration and the installer's workmanship terms.
• Photos before, during and after.
• Receipts and lien waivers once paid.

These records help with future claims, resale and warranty questions. See also reading a roofing contract.

Related pages: roof replacement, metal roofing, flat & low-slope roofing, and what shapes an estimate.

Sources: NC Office of State Fire Marshal (state building codes); City of High Point; Guilford County government; North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors; NC 811.