Town of Smithfield Planning & Zoning comes first. The Town’s FAQ directs applicants to obtain a Smithfield zoning permit before contacting Johnston County Building Inspections for the building permit.
What requires a permit in Smithfield?
New construction, additions, structural alterations, many renovations, and electrical, plumbing and mechanical work can require permits. In Smithfield, even a shed needs a Town zoning permit first; sheds are accessory structures under Article 7, Section 7.3 of the Unified Development Code. Working without a zoning permit is a zoning violation that can bring a warning letter and fines.
Who issues permits in Smithfield?
Johnston County Building Inspections issues building permits and performs construction inspections for Smithfield under contract with the Town. The County office is at 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577, phone 919-989-5060.
Short on time to read all of this?
Get a free quote →| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Town Planning & Zoning | 350 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577; 919-934-2116 ext. 1112 |
| Johnston County Building Inspections | 309 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577; 919-989-5060 |
| County hours | Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–5 p.m. |
Smithfield permit types and filing path
Town zoning, planning and code-enforcement applications go through the Town’s Citizenserve portal; walk-in and emailed applications are still accepted during the transition. Building and trade permits are separate records with Johnston County Building Inspections. Every new business, change of tenant or change of ownership also needs a Town zoning permit before opening.
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas coordination
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits are handled by Johnston County Building Inspections along with the building permit.
Not sure this scope needs a permit?
Get a free quote →Application documents and plan review
Common items include the application, a site or plot plan, construction drawings, contractor information, owner authorization and the Town zoning permit.
How to apply — 6-step Smithfield workflow
Confirm the property is under Town of Smithfield zoning.
Obtain the Town of Smithfield zoning permit before the County building permit.
Gather the plans, contractor information, owner authorization and the zoning permit.
Submit building and trade permits to Johnston County Building Inspections.
Respond to County and Town comments on the same records.
Request building inspections from Johnston County; ask Town Planning for site, landscaping and stormwater inspections.
Rather talk it over?
Call 1-855-478-4290 →Inspections and closeout in Smithfield
Johnston County Building Inspections manages building permit inspections for Smithfield; inspections can be requested through the County’s Building Inspections website. The Town Planning Department handles site-development and landscaping inspections. Stormwater infrastructure inspections are done by the Town Engineer and arranged through the Planning Department.
Do not cover regulated work before the required inspection has passed.
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
Rather not deal with the building department?
Get a free quote →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 OSFM current codes
- Johnston County Building Inspections
- Smithfield Planning & Zoning
- Smithfield Planning FAQ
Smithfield permit FAQ
Who issues Smithfield building permits?
Johnston County Building Inspections, under contract with the Town.
What comes before the building permit?
Smithfield directs applicants to obtain a Town zoning permit first.
Want this handled start to finish?
Get a free quote →Does Smithfield have an online planning portal?
Yes. The Town uses the Citizenserve portal for planning, zoning and code-enforcement applications.
Who performs construction inspections?
Johnston County Building Inspections handles the building-code inspections.
Does the Town still inspect anything locally?
Yes. Town Planning handles site-development and landscaping inspections, and arranges the Town Engineer’s stormwater infrastructure inspections.
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Inspections are where schedules slip.
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More North Carolina permitting guides
This guide is provided by Alliance Permitting for general information about Smithfield permitting. Requirements, fees, and procedures change; confirm details with the permitting authority before relying on them.