Davidson, North Carolina Building Permit Guide

Davidson Planning + Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement. The Town of Davidson reviews building and sign permits against its Planning Ordinance. Once the Town approves the permit, you submit it to Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement, which handles building-code permitting, plan review and inspections.

What requires a permit in Davidson?

Davidson’s permit form covers new residences, accessory structures, demolitions, pools, garages, sheds, commercial upfits, retaining walls and solar panels. Signs and temporary uses have their own Town permits. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits come from Mecklenburg County; Davidson does not handle electrical permitting.

Fences need no Town permit but must meet the Planning Ordinance. Removing a tree larger than twelve inches in diameter at breast height needs a Town permit, and such a tree must be shown on the building permit application if the project removes it.

Who issues permits in Davidson?

For projects going into Mecklenburg County’s Electronic Plan Management (EPM) system, Davidson requires a joint pre-submittal meeting with the applicant, Davidson Planning and Mecklenburg County. The Town says skipping it will delay project intake.

Davidson permit types and filing path

The Town issues its own building, sign, temporary use and tree permits. Mecklenburg County issues the building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits.

• Building — New construction, additions, structural alterations and covered renovations.
• Trades — Electrical, plumbing, mechanical/HVAC and related system work when a separate trade permit is required.
• Planning / zoning — Use, setbacks, site layout, signs and development approvals administered by the applicable local planning authority.
• Site / specialty — Tree removal permits, and demolition rules in the Village Infill Planning Area.

Permit fees in Davidson

Davidson permit fees are due when the permit is submitted; the Town publishes its FY 2027 fee schedule on its Finance & Budget page. Mecklenburg County building and trade permit fees are separate.

Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas coordination

Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are filed with Mecklenburg County. Davidson’s permit page links an EV charging permitting guide for applying to the County.

Application documents and plan review

Print the Town permit form, attach a detailed plot plan, site plan or sketch plan where needed, and submit it through the Planning Department Submittal Form website, by mail, or at Town Hall. Davidson does not accept permits by fax or email. The approved permit is emailed back to you for the County submission.

Before you file

• 01 — Check that the parcel is inside Davidson’s zoning jurisdiction.
• 02 — Prepare the plot plan or site plan, and show any tree over twelve inches in diameter that will be removed.
• 03 — For projects going into EPM, book the joint pre-submittal meeting with Davidson Planning and Mecklenburg County.
• 04 — Have the Town permit fee ready; it is due at submission.

How to apply — 6-step Davidson workflow

Inspections and closeout in Davidson

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement performs building, electrical, mechanical and plumbing inspections in Davidson.

Local details that matter in Davidson

In the Village Infill Planning Area, a detached house may be demolished only if it is replaced with a residential dwelling unit, and the demolition permit must include an approved building permit.

North Carolina building code

The 2018 North Carolina State Building Code family applies statewide, with the 2020 North Carolina Electrical Code; one- and two-family homes and townhouses still use the 2017 edition. The 2024 code has been delayed and cannot take effect before late 2027. The NC State Building Code and the delayed 2024 edition

Official permitting resources

These are the primary sources behind this guide. Codes, fee schedules and procedures change — confirm the position for your filing date.

• NC Office of State Fire Marshal — current codes
• Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement
• Davidson development applications
• Town of Davidson permits

Davidson permit FAQ

Who issues Davidson building permits?

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement administers building-code permitting and inspections; Davidson separately handles its planning and zoning approvals.

Does Davidson require a pre-submittal meeting?

For projects submitted to Mecklenburg County through EPM, the Town says a joint pre-submittal meeting with Davidson Planning and Mecklenburg County is required.

Where do I start a Davidson project?

With the Town’s permit form. The Town approves it first, then you submit the approved permit to Mecklenburg County.

Who inspects construction in Davidson?

Mecklenburg County Code Enforcement performs building-code inspections.

Are planning and building fees paid to the same agency?

No. Davidson permit fees are paid to the Town when the permit is submitted; Mecklenburg County building and trade fees are paid to the County.

Simplify Davidson permitting with Alliance Permitting

Alliance Permitting is a permit documentation and submission company in North Carolina. We prepare your paperwork, file it correctly and coordinate with the permitting authority through issuance. We are not a contractor and we do not perform licensed plan review or inspections; that work stays with your licensed team and the jurisdiction.

This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Davidson permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.