PREPARING AND GRADING YOUR LOT: BUILDING PERMITS
As discussed in the article “Choosing a Lot for Your New Home,” there are multiple factors that go into the buying decision. However, once you’ve purchased your lot and chosen a builder, you should understand what steps your contractor must follow in order to secure a building permit, including a lot septic feasibility, tree removal request, preliminary site plan, building application, and fee payment.

#1 Lot Septic Feasibility

If a sewer system in not available and a septic system is your option, then you will need to determine lot septic feasibility. For this process, the general contractor fills out and submits a septic application along with its fees. Brunswick County’s septic application can be accessed at: https://www.brunswickcountync.gov/environmental-health/applications. A technical lot drawing will be required for the application, which includes the lot size, house footprint, soil suitability locations, garage orientation, and any unusual land features. Once approved, the Health Department will issue an Improvement Permit, and upon the installation of the septic system, the Health Department will issue an Authorization to Construct.

Long leaf pine tree

Long leaf pine tree

#3 Preliminary Site Plan:

In this step, the general contractor requests a preliminary site plan from a local surveyor. The surveyor requires the house footprint, garage orientation, the septic improvement permit, and house plan.

#4 Building Application:

As one of the final permitting steps, the general contractor opens a building application with the city in where the home will be built. For Langbeen Builders, the city is Boiling Spring Lakes (BSL). In addition to filling out the building permit application, BSL requires the following attachments:

  • Improvement permit

  • USFW tree authorization

  • House plan

  • Lien agent information

  • Preliminary site plan

  • Authorization to construct (unsigned)

 

#2 Tree Removal Request:

In the Southeast, long leaf pine trees are home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. Tree surveyors need to be aware of trees that are older than 30 years and have a 10” DBH (diameter at breast height) as these trees are crucial to the red-cockaded woodpecker’s habitat and tree removal should be avoided.

To obtain tree removal authorization, the general contractor submits a tree removal permit application with US Fish and Wildlife for lots that are deemed “blue” (woodpecker foraging area) or “red” (most sensitive area). If the parcel is identified as “green” (no impact area), there is a simplified process that moves through the city where the property will be built.

If the permit proceeds through US Fish and Wildlife, then the application requires a field tree survey that shows the house, septic location, and the long leaf pine trees over 8” for removal. In addition, a basal area calculation worksheet needs to accompany the request. This worksheet shows the lot’s recommended basal area, actual basal area, and proposed post project basal area.

#5 Fee Sheet

Once all documents have been submitted to the local city and the application is approved, the city will issue a fee sheet, which details costs of permitting for the different types of new construction projects. Upon fee payment by the contractor, the city issues the building permit to the general contractor. Note: various trades will request their own trade permits as construction progresses.

 

Your new home awaits.