Bolthole Index

Davie County, North Carolina

Building permits, zoning and land rules in Davie County, North Carolina

48Index Score / 100
#90 of 100 in North Carolina

Davie County, North Carolina requires a building permit when a project's total cost exceeds $40,000 and regardless of cost for specified structural, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work.1 Davie County administers zoning in its jurisdiction, while Bermuda Run, Cooleemee, and Mocksville have separate zoning boundaries.23 Davie County Environmental Health handles septic site evaluations and most private-well permitting.45

At a glance

Building permit
Required above $40,000 and for specified structural or trade work at any cost1
Zoning
County zoning applies in its jurisdiction; municipalities have separate zoning boundaries67
Septic
Davie County Environmental Health evaluates sites and administers septic applications48
RV living
Not confirmed; ask Planning & Development Services before relying on RV occupancy9
Tiny home
State code recognizes qualifying tiny houses, but county zoning, septic and permits still apply10
Private well
Davie County Environmental Health permits and reviews private wells, subject to limited state exceptions5
Owner-builder
Conditional state exemption for owners building for their own occupancy; affidavit and oversight rules apply11
Accessory dwelling
Allowed conditionally on an owner-occupied residential lot; minimum size is 600 square feet12

Who to call

Building permits

Davie County Planning & Development Services

Building permits, inspections, zoning permits and subdivision review

(336) 753-6050

298 E Depot Street Suite 100 Mocksville, NC 27028

Online permits →

Septic permits

Davie County Environmental Health

Onsite wastewater site evaluations and private-water-supply assistance

(336) 753-6780

154 Government Center Dr Mocksville, NC 27028

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 10, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Davie County means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Davie County, North Carolina?

Yes, depending on the work. Davie County requires a building permit when total project cost is more than $40,000.1 A permit is required regardless of cost when the job adds, repairs, or replaces load-bearing members or structures, or adds plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment.1 Required permits must be issued before work begins.1

Davie County's Inspections Division issues building permits, reviews plans, and inspects new construction and renovations.13 The county enforces the North Carolina State Building Codes within its inspection jurisdiction rather than adopting a separate county building code.14 North Carolina's owner-builder exemption can apply when an owner builds on owned land solely for the owner's or owner's family's occupancy, but the owner must file a verified affidavit, personally manage the work, and ordinarily attend every inspection.11

Who issues building and zoning permits in Davie County?

Davie County Planning & Development Services is the starting office for county building permits, plan review, inspections, zoning permits, subdivision review, and rezoning.1315 Call the office at (336) 753-6050 or visit 298 E Depot Street, Suite 100, Mocksville, NC 27028.9

Davie County publishes residential and commercial permitting steps, online-account instructions, and inspection procedures.16 A complete building-permit application with all required documents may take up to 10 business days to issue.17 Inspection requests must arrive by 4:30 p.m. on the preceding day, while Friday requests are scheduled for Monday unless a holiday changes the next business day.17 The published fee schedule sets a residential zoning permit at $40 and calculates new-home inspection fees by floor area, subject to an $85 minimum.18 Confirm jurisdiction first because Davie County, Bermuda Run, Cooleemee, and Mocksville have separate zoning boundaries.19

Does Davie County have zoning?

Yes, but the authority depends on location. Davie County administers county land-use regulations, while the county GIS identifies separate zoning boundaries for Bermuda Run, Cooleemee, and Mocksville.63 Davie County publishes residential, business, industrial, and special-purpose zoning districts, with uses controlled by the official map and use table.7 A single dwelling generally needs at least 40,000 square feet in R-A or R-20, while a single-family dwelling needs at least 8,000 square feet in R-12 or R-8, subject to the ordinance's stated alternatives and district conditions.202122 Setbacks, density, and height vary by classification and use.2324

Davie County reviews subdivisions, and North Carolina law generally prevents a regulated subdivision plat from being recorded before local approval.1525 Manufactured homes must qualify as Class A, B, or C; Class D manufactured homes are prohibited, and zoning, building, health, anchoring, skirting, and electrical requirements still apply.26 Ask the authority for the parcel to confirm its district, allowed use, setbacks, and subdivision status.3

How do septic permits work in Davie County?

Davie County Environmental Health administers septic applications and evaluates sites before construction to decide whether land is suitable for an individual onsite wastewater system.4 Inspectors need access to evaluate the property, elevations, drain field, and soils work.8 Application materials must be complete, and the lot must be cleared enough for evaluation or the review can be placed on hold with a possible revisit fee.27 For applications requiring a soils evaluation, backhoe pits may be dug only after their locations and depths are authorized and scheduled.27

North Carolina generally requires an improvement permit and construction authorization before constructing, locating, relocating, installing, or repairing a wastewater system, with statutory alternative permitting paths and a maintenance exception.28 An operation permit is required before occupancy or use of the system.29 About 44% of county soils avoid a severe USDA rating for conventional drain fields, so make the site evaluation an early contingency.30 Call Environmental Health at (336) 753-6780.31

Can you live in an RV or tiny home in Davie County?

We could not confirm a Davie County rule that answers whether someone may occupy an RV on private land or camp there temporarily, so ask the zoning authority for the parcel about time, utility, and construction-related limits before moving in.9 Zoning authority and classifications vary by location, which makes a parcel-specific answer necessary.3

North Carolina accepts qualifying tiny homes as permanent single-family dwellings when they meet state code and receive local approval, but Davie County zoning, utility, septic, and permit requirements still apply.10 Davie County has no confirmed general minimum size for a principal dwelling, but a county-regulated accessory dwelling must be at least 600 square feet.12 One accessory dwelling is allowed on an owner-occupied residential lot with a single-family principal structure; a detached unit must be in the rear yard, may have no more than 2 bedrooms, and is capped at the lesser of 1,100 square feet or 75% of the principal home's living area.12 A manufactured home cannot serve as that accessory dwelling.12

Building a home in Davie County: what are the steps?

  1. Identify whether Davie County, Bermuda Run, Cooleemee, or Mocksville controls zoning for the parcel, then confirm the district, residential use, setbacks, minimum lot area, and subdivision status.197
  1. Apply early to Davie County Environmental Health for the septic site evaluation and, for most private drinking-water wells, the well permit.45
  1. Obtain the zoning permit if required, then submit the residential building-permit application and required PDF documents through the county portal.32
  1. Wait for approval, pay the applicable published fee, and do not begin regulated work before the permit issues.32181
  1. Request inspections as work progresses and complete the final inspection before occupancy.3334 Davie County issues its Certificate of Occupancy when a county-processed project is 100% complete.35

What should you check before buying land in Davie County?

Start with the parcel's zoning authority, district, permitted use, setbacks, minimum lot area, recorded access, subdivision history, and flood status. Davie County and its municipalities have distinct zoning boundaries, while county-administered uses depend on the official map and use table.37 The county R-A and R-20 districts generally require at least 40,000 square feet for one dwelling, while R-12 and R-8 allow an 8,000-square-foot minimum for a single-family dwelling, subject to stated alternatives and district conditions.202122 Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires the local floodplain-development permitting process under statewide guidance.36 The local floodplain contact and countywide driveway-access process remain unconfirmed, so ask Planning & Development Services who handles each for the parcel.9

Establish water and wastewater feasibility before choosing a house location. Environmental Health evaluates onsite wastewater suitability and handles most private-well applications; very high-capacity wells and wells in designated areas go through the state Environmental Management Commission instead.45 Davie County has 85.5% of its land at slopes of 15% or less, but parcel-level soils, drainage, and topography still control buildability.37 Use the typical farmland value of $5,867 per acre and median annual property-tax bill of $1,570 only as countywide context, not parcel quotes.3839

Watch-outs

  • Do not begin work that needs a permit until Davie County has issued it.1
  • A low-cost project can still require a permit when it involves specified structural, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical work.1
  • RV occupancy and temporary camping remain unconfirmed; ask Planning & Development Services about the parcel and proposal.9
  • Do not dig septic evaluation pits until Environmental Health or a licensed soil scientist has authorized the locations and depths.27

Sources

  1. daviecountync.gov, quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning & Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  3. Planning & Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  4. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  5. ncleg.gov, quoted and re-checked
  6. Planning & Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  7. Chapter 155: Zoning Code, quoted and re-checked
  8. Environmental Health Requirements for Septic and Well Permits, quoted and re-checked
  9. Davie County Planning & Development Services (daviecountync.gov)
  10. Guidelines for Tiny Homes in North Carolina (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  11. G.S. 87-1. "General contractor" defined; exceptions. (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  12. codelibrary.amlegal.com, quoted and re-checked
  13. Planning & Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  14. Codes - Current and Past, quoted and re-checked
  15. Planning & Development Services, quoted and re-checked
  16. Forms, Policies & Procedures, quoted and re-checked
  17. daviecountync.gov, quoted and re-checked
  18. County of Davie FY 2026-2027 Fees Schedule, quoted and re-checked
  19. Zoning_and_Development MapServer, quoted and re-checked
  20. Zoning - Davie County Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  21. Zoning - Davie County Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  22. Zoning - Davie County Ordinances, quoted and re-checked
  23. daviecountync.gov, quoted and re-checked
  24. daviecountync.gov, quoted and re-checked
  25. Chapter 160D - Local Planning and Development Regulation (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. § 155.144 Residential-Manufactured Home District, quoted and re-checked
  27. Environmental Health Requirements for Septic and Well Permits, quoted and re-checked
  28. G.S. 130A-336. Improvement permit and construction authorization required (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  29. G.S. 130A-337. Inspection; operation permit required (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  30. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  31. Davie County Environmental Health (daviecountync.gov)
  32. Residential Permitting Process, quoted and re-checked
  33. G.S. 160D-1113. Inspections of work in progress. (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  34. G.S. 160D-1116. Certificates of compliance; temporary certificates of occupancy. (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  35. FAQ's, quoted and re-checked
  36. North Carolina Quick Guide: Applying for a Floodplain Development Permit (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  37. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Farmland value per acre (USDA census): Bolthole Index county data
  39. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 10, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Davie County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleDavie CountyRowan CountyYadkin CountyDavidson CountyForsyth CountyIredell CountySurry County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health Div.County Env. HealthCounty Env. HealthCounty Env. Health

County locator

Davie County in North Carolina

48
County map
Davie County highlighted among the North Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Davie County scores

Seclusion17100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency82100% ev.
Admin Boringness4290% ev.
Durability75100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost76100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$329kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$5,867Land / acre
44.4"Annual rain
1.4% of yrsSevere drought
9.3 / yr (+8.5)Mid-century 100°F days
14.1 daysMid-century dry spell
2.1" (+11.4%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.44×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,160Home insurance / yr
1.7% / yrInsurance growth
1.83%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
410,153People within 30 min
7,407,710People within 2 hr
156,805Radius comparison (15 mi)
169.1People / sq mi
0%Federal land
85.5%Land at 15% slope or less
44%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
72,766 acWorkable land screen
62.5%Wooded land
78.6 tonsBiomass / forest ac
58.5°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Davie County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Town of Bermuda Run

Answers from the rulebook for Davie County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Davie County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration subject to Davie County permitting guidance.

    • A building permit is required when total cost is more than $40,000.
    • A permit is required regardless of cost for addition, repair, or replacement of load-bearing members or structures, or addition of plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment.
    • Required permits must be obtained before work begins.
    • The county cites N.C.G.S. 160D-1110.

    total project cost threshold: > 40000 USD (A permit is also required regardless of cost for the listed structural and trade work.)

    “A building permit is required for ANY construction, installation, repair, replacement or alteration with a total cost more than $40,000.00.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Construction, installation, repair, replacement, alteration, and specified building-system work in Davie County.
      “A building permit is required for ANY construction, installation, repair, replacement or alteration with a total cost more than $40,000.00. A permit is also required, no matter the cost, if the work involves the addition, repair or replacement of load bearing members or structures, the addition of plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    New construction and renovations subject to county building permits.

    • The inspection division performs plan review and inspections.
    • Inspection requests must be received by 4:30 p.m. the day before the requested inspection.
    • Friday requests are scheduled for Monday, subject to the stated holiday exception.

    inspection request deadline: 4:30 pm day before inspection (Friday requests are scheduled for Monday; holidays move scheduling to the next business day.)

    “Duties of the Inspections Division include issuance of building permits, plan review and inspections of new construction including renovations.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    Projects processed by Davie County Planning and Development Services in the county inspection jurisdiction.

    • The official FAQ states that a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued when the project is 100% complete.
    • This evidence establishes the county's issuance practice at completion, not a universal legal requirement that every project must obtain a certificate.

    completion threshold: 100 percent

    “Yes, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued when your project is 100% complete. You will receive and email and a notification in the online portal when the Certificate of Occupancy has been issued. You will be able to print it from the online if desired.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    County zoning administered by Davie County Planning and Development Services.

    • The source states that the Zoning Division administers local land-use regulations established by the County Commissioners and issues zoning permits.
    “The County has numerous zoning classifications.”
  • Local zoningVaries (with conditions)

    Aggregate zoning coverage across Davie County, including county-administered areas and incorporated municipalities.

    • The conclusion aggregates different subordinate zoning authorities and must not be read as stating that Davie County administers every municipal ordinance.
    • Davie County administers county land-use regulations; the county GIS separately identifies zoning boundaries for Davie County, Bermuda Run, Cooleemee, and Mocksville.
    • Zoning permits, permitted uses, setbacks, densities, heights, rezoning, and other requirements depend on the applicable jurisdiction and classification.
    “Polygon features representing zoning boundaries adopted by the governing boards within Davie County, NC. The zoning class attribute represents the zoning classification associated with the applicable zoning regulation. This feature class represents zoning boundaries for Davie County, Bermuda Run, Cooleemee, and Mocksville.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Varies (with conditions) — Aggregate local zoning across Davie County zoning areas and incorporated municipalities; the county aggregate does not mean Davie County administers each municipal ordinance.
      “This feature class represents zoning boundaries for Davie County, Bermuda Run, Cooleemee, and Mocksville.”
    • Present (with conditions) — County-administered zoning and land-use regulation in Davie County.
      “The Zoning Division is responsible for the administration of local land-use regulations established by the County Commissioners.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Davie County zoning districts and district-based use regulation.

    • The ordinance identifies R-A, R-20, R-12, R-8, R-M, H-B, N-B, C-S, G-I, H-I, and OD districts.
    • Uses within districts are subject to the official zoning map and the table of permitted uses.
    “For the purpose of this chapter, the county is divided into the following zoning districts:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Published Davie County zoning districts and zoning classifications.
      “DAVIE COUNTY, R-12 DAVIE COUNTY, R-20 DAVIE COUNTY, R-8 DAVIE COUNTY, R-A”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Accessory dwelling units attached to, within, or detached from a single-family dwelling in the county zoning jurisdiction.

    • The principal use of the lot must be residential and the principal structure must be a single-family residential building.
    • No more than one accessory dwelling is permitted on a single lot of record with the principal dwelling.
    • The accessory dwelling must be owned by the same person as the principal dwelling.
    • The owner must live on the parcel containing the accessory dwelling.
    • A detached accessory dwelling must be in the rear yard.
    • A detached accessory dwelling is limited to the lesser of 1,100 square feet or 75% of the principal dwelling's living area and may have no more than two bedrooms.
    • A manufactured home may not be used as an accessory dwelling unit.

    minimum accessory dwelling unit floor area: >= 600 square feet · maximum detached accessory dwelling floor area: lesser of 1,100 or 75% of principal dwelling living area square feet / percent

    “No accessory dwelling unit shall be smaller than 600 square feet.”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    One dwelling unit in the county R-20 Residential District.

    • The county zoning jurisdiction covers land outside the corporate limits of Mocksville's extraterritorial planning jurisdiction.
    • Two-family dwellings have a minimum lot size twice the underlying district requirement; when served by an individually owned septic tank, the County Health Department determines lot size, but no such unit may have less than 20,000 square feet.

    minimum lot area per dwelling unit: >= 40000 square feet (or another alternative described in § 155.142)

    “Lot size. Forty thousand square feet shall be the minimum lot area per dwelling unit or any other alternative as described in § 155.142.”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Specified — One dwelling unit in the county R-A Residential-Agricultural District.
      “Lot size. Forty thousand square feet shall be the minimum lot area per dwelling unit or any other alternative as described in § 155.142.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Dwelling units in Davie County R-A Residential-Agricultural and R-20 Residential Districts.
      “Lot size. Forty thousand square feet shall be the minimum lot area per dwelling unit or any other alternative as described in § 155.142.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family, duplex, multifamily, and nonresidential uses in the Davie County R-12 Residential-Suburban District.
      “Lot size. Twelve thousand square feet shall be the minimum lot area for the first dwelling, 6,000 additional square feet for the second unit, and 4,000 square feet for each unit in excess of two units.”
    • District specific (with conditions) — Single-family and multifamily dwellings in the Davie County R-8 Residential-Multiple Dwelling District.
      “Lot size. Eight thousand square feet shall be the minimum lot area for a single dwelling unit. Any portion of the property located in the road right-of-way shall not be included in this minimum lot area.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Zoning standards for land and structures in Davie County.

    • Requirements vary by zoning classification and permitted use.
    “Each one has a list of permitted uses and standards for building setbacks, densities, heights, etc.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Height standards under county zoning classifications.

    • Requirements vary by zoning classification and permitted use.
    “Each one has a list of permitted uses and standards for building setbacks, densities, heights, etc.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured homes used as dwellings, including manufactured-home parks and individual lots.

    • Manufactured homes must meet Class A, B, or C definitions; Class D homes are prohibited.
    • Manufactured homes must satisfy skirting, anchoring, electrical-service, zoning, building, health, and district requirements.
    • Manufactured-home parks require county planning review and Board of Adjustment action.

    manufactured-home park minimum area: >= 5 acres · manufactured-home park space minimum: >= 10000 square feet (Each space must also be at least 40 feet wide.)

    “All manufactured homes brought into the county shall meet the definitions of a manufactured home Class A, Class B, or Class C. Class D manufactured homes shall not be permitted.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Attached, internal, or detached accessory dwellings on residential lots governed by Davie County zoning.

    • The principal lot use must be residential and the principal structure must be single-family.
    • No more than one accessory dwelling is permitted per lot.
    • The accessory dwelling must be owned by the same person as the principal dwelling.
    • The owner must live on the parcel.
    • A detached accessory dwelling must be in the rear yard and be no larger than the lesser of 1,100 square feet or 75% of the principal dwelling's living area.
    • A detached accessory dwelling may have no more than two bedrooms.
    • An accessory dwelling must be at least 600 square feet.
    • A manufactured home may not be used as an accessory dwelling.
    • Driveway and corner-lot approval conditions apply.

    maximum detached accessory dwelling area: <= 1100 square feet (Also limited to 75% of the principal dwelling living area.) · minimum accessory dwelling area: >= 600 square feet · maximum detached accessory dwelling bedrooms: <= 2 bedrooms

    “No more than one accessory dwelling shall be permitted on a single lot of record in conjunction with the principal dwelling unit.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    County Environmental Health administration of septic and well permit applications.

    • The source concerns Environmental Health applications and site evaluation; applicable state wastewater rules may also govern.
    “Davie County's Environmental Health staff are dedicated to providing excellent quality services in a timely manner.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • County (with conditions) — On-site wastewater evaluations and related environmental-health administration.
      “The waste water program provides on-site evaluations prior to any construction to verify that a site is suitable to support an individual on-site waste water system.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Septic permit applications and wastewater site evaluation in Davie County.

    • Environmental Health application materials must be complete before submittal.
    • The lot must be cleared sufficiently for evaluation; otherwise the evaluation is placed on hold and a site revisit fee may be charged.
    • Backhoe pits are required for applications requiring a soils evaluation and may not be dug until authorized and scheduled.
    “ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REQUIREMENTS for SEPTIC and WELL PERMITS”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Environmental Health site evaluation and inspection of proposed septic locations and systems.

    • Inspectors must be able to evaluate the property, elevations, drain field, and soils work.
    • Backhoe-pit requirements apply only to applications requiring a soils evaluation.
    “Inspectors must be able to evaluate the property”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private drinking-water wells in Davie County.

    • Wells with designed capacity of 100,000 gallons per day or greater, and wells in a geographic area where the Environmental Management Commission has found prior permission necessary, are permitted and inspected by the Environmental Management Commission rather than the local health department.
    • All other private drinking-water wells are subject to local-health-department permitting and inspection under G.S. 87-97.
    • Davie County publishes a private well application form and operates a private water supply program.

    high-capacity threshold: >= 100000 gallons per day (Environmental Management Commission permitting and inspection applies)

    “Private drinking water wells (i) with a designed capacity of 100,000 gallons per day or greater or (ii) that are to be constructed in a geographical area where the Environmental Management Commission has found that prior permission is necessary shall be subject to permitting and inspection by the Environmental Management Commission and shall not be subject to permitting and inspection by a local health department. All other private drinking water wells shall be subject to permitting and inspection by the local health department as provided in G.S. 87-97.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision review and regulation in Davie County.

    • The Zoning Division performs subdivision review.
    • The county ordinance page identifies a separate Davie County Subdivision Ordinance.
    “Duties of the Zoning Division include issuance of zoning permits, subdivision review, road naming, rezoning of land from one zoning district to another and investigating complaints regarding non-compliance with ordinances.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Davie County planning, zoning, inspection, environmental-health, and related permit fees.

    • The published schedule is for Fiscal Year 2027 and states that fee schedule changes are in red.
    • Fees vary by permit type, project size, square footage, construction cost, bedrooms, lots, or spaces.

    residential zoning permit: 40 USD · non-residential zoning permit: 60 USD · minor subdivision plat review: 120 USD · major subdivision plat review: 300 USD · residential new construction inspection: 0.5 USD per heated square foot (Unheated construction is $0.30 per square foot; all residential fees have an $85 minimum.)

    “Residential $40.00 Non-Residential $60.00 PLAT REVIEW FEES Minor Subdivision $120.00 Major Subdivision $300.00”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Davie County building-permit application, issuance, inspection, and completion process.

    • A permit is required for construction, installation, repair, replacement, or alteration costing more than $40,000.
    • A permit is required regardless of cost for load-bearing work; plumbing; heating; air conditioning; electrical wiring, devices, appliances, or equipment.
    • Required permits must be obtained before work begins.
    • A completed application with all required documentation may take up to 10 business days for issuance.
    • Inspection requests must be received by 4:30 p.m. the day before the requested inspection; Friday requests are scheduled for Monday, subject to holiday adjustment.
    • Permit payment may be made through the online portal, in person, or by mailed check; major credit cards except American Express are accepted, and cash is accepted in person; payment is not accepted by phone.
    • Appendix B is no longer required, but a Commercial Project Information Worksheet is required if Appendix B is not submitted.

    cost threshold: > 40000 USD (certain listed work requires a permit regardless of cost) · issuance time: <= 10 business days (once a completed application with all required documentation is received) · inspection request deadline: 4:30 pm day before inspection (Friday requests are scheduled for Monday; holidays move scheduling to the next business day)

    “A building permit is required for ANY construction, installation, repair, replacement or alteration with a total cost more than $40,000.00. A permit is also required, no matter the cost, if the work involves the addition, repair or replacement of load bearing members or structures, the addition of plumbing, heating, air conditioning, electrical wiring, devices, appliances or equipment.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Published — Published county permitting procedures for residential and commercial projects and inspection requests.
      “POLICIES & PROCEDURES How to Create an Account for the OpenGov Online Portal Steps for Residential Permitting Steps for Commercial Permitting How to Request an Inspection Inspection Policies and Procedures”
    • Published (with conditions) — Residential zoning and building-permit applications in Davie County.
      “Step 4- Apply for the appropriate “Residential Building Permit”. Please see below for permit types and descriptions. All required documents must be uploaded in PDF format.”

North Carolina rules that apply here

  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    A person, firm, or corporation constructing or altering a building on land it owns in North Carolina, where the building is intended solely for occupancy by that person and family, firm, or corporation after completion, subject to the statutory permit and affidavit requirements.

    • The building must be constructed or altered on land owned by the person, firm, or corporation.
    • The building must be intended solely for occupancy by that person and the person's family, firm, or corporation after completion.
    • The person, firm, or corporation must comply with G.S. 87-14.
    • If the building is not occupied solely by the person and the person's family, firm, or corporation for at least 12 months following completion, the statute presumes there was no qualifying intent.
    • For construction or improvement projects where the cost is $40,000 or more, the permit applicant must furnish satisfactory proof of licensure or exemption before receiving the permit.
    • An applicant claiming this exemption must execute a verified affidavit.
    • The affidavit must attest that the applicant owns the property; for a firm or corporation, the submitting person must be an owner, officer, or member of the owning firm or corporation.
    • The applicant must personally superintend and manage all aspects of construction, and may not delegate that duty to another person who is not licensed under Article 1 of Chapter 87.
    • The applicant must be personally present for all inspections required by the North Carolina State Building Code, unless the building plans were drawn and sealed by an architect licensed under Chapter 83A.
    • The building inspector or other permitting authority must transmit the affidavit to the North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors, which verifies entitlement to the exemption.
    • If the Board determines the applicant was not entitled to the exemption, the building permit must be revoked pursuant to G.S. 160D-1115.
    • The applicant must furnish proof of workers' compensation insurance as required by Chapter 97.
    • G.S. 87-14 also requires lien-agent information for covered improvements costing $40,000 or more, except for improvements to an existing owner-occupied single-family residence and incidental accessory buildings or structures as specified in the statute.

    construction-cost threshold: >= 40000 USD (G.S. 87-14's permit proof requirement applies to construction or improvements where the cost is $40,000 or more.) · post-completion occupancy period: 12 months (Failure to occupy solely as specified for at least 12 months creates a statutory presumption that qualifying intent did not exist.)

    “(2) Any person, firm, or corporation who constructs or alters a building on land owned by that person, firm, or corporation provided (i) the building is intended solely for occupancy by that person and his family, firm, or corporation after completion; and (ii) the person, firm, or corporation complies with G.S. 87-14.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The 2018 North Carolina State Building Code statewide, including its component administrative, building, residential, energy, existing-building, fire, fuel-gas, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical codes.

    • The North Carolina Building Code Council adopts and amends the State Building Code for implementation across North Carolina.
    • The 2018 North Carolina State Building Code was effective from January 1, 2019 and was reported by OSFM as currently effective on the official Current and Past Codes page.
    • As of December 2025, construction and code enforcement were ongoing under the 2018 North Carolina Building Code while the mandatory effective date of the 2024 code remained subject to seating of the Residential Building Code Council.

    effective date: 2019-01-01

    “The following 2018 Codes were effective from January 1, 2019 and are currently effective. The 2018 Codes were also available during a transition period from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — North Carolina State Building Codes enforced by Davie County in the county inspection department's jurisdiction.
      “The 2018 NC Codes (Effective 1/1/2019) include the 2018 NC Ad-Hoc Committee amendments as adopted by the Building Code Council and approved by the Rules Review Commission along with the 2015 International Codes. Available to FREE VIEW or BUY at the ICC website. The following 2018 Codes were effective from January 1, 2019 and are currently effective.”
    • Adopted — The North Carolina State Building Code statewide, including residential construction in county jurisdictions.
      “Except as otherwise provided in this section, the North Carolina State Building Code shall apply throughout the State, from the time of its adoption.”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes intended for use as permanent single-family dwellings in North Carolina.

    • The tiny home must be permitted by the local building official having jurisdiction over the building site.
    • The unit must be of open construction for inspection, unless off-site closed construction is inspected and certified under the North Carolina Modular Construction Program.
    • Applicable local zoning and setback requirements must be met.
    • Applicable community protective covenant requirements must be met.
    • The unit and foundation must comply with the North Carolina State Residential Code, 2018 Edition, Section 101.3.2.10 of the North Carolina Administrative Code.
    • Habitable rooms must have at least 70 square feet, except kitchens, and must be at least 7 feet in every horizontal dimension.
    • Ceilings must be at least 7 feet in habitable spaces, hallways, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
    • The dwelling unit must have toilet facilities, a kitchen area with a sink, approved sewer or private sewage disposal, heating, compliant means of egress, and energy conservation compliance.
    • If constructed through the NC Modular Construction Program, additional modular-home design and foundation standards apply.
    • If constructed through the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction Program, the unit must contain at least 320 square feet when erected.
    • Units manufactured and certified by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association are recreational vehicles and should be treated as such.

    minimum habitable room area: >= 70 square feet (Kitchens) · minimum habitable room dimension: >= 7 feet · minimum HUD-program floor area when erected: >= 320 square feet (Applies if constructed through the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction Program)

    “Tiny Homes are acceptable as permanent single-family dwellings in North Carolina provided they meet the following minimum requirements.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Chemical and portable toilets and other sanitation arrangements used instead of or alongside permanent wastewater treatment systems.

    • A chemical or portable toilet may be placed where it can be operated and maintained under sanitary conditions.
    • It may not replace or substitute for a water closet or urinal connected to a permanent wastewater treatment system where the North Carolina State Building Code requires that permanent connection.
    • It may supplement a water closet or urinal during periods of peak use.
    • It may not be used as an alternative to repair of a water closet, urinal, or wastewater treatment system.
    • Human waste may be discharged only into a wastewater system approved by the Department under Commission or Environmental Management Commission rules, or at a site permitted under G.S. 130A-291.1.
    “A chemical or portable toilet shall not be used as an alternative to the repair of a water closet, urinal, or wastewater treatment system.”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Qualifying nonresidential farm buildings, primitive camps, and primitive farm buildings under North Carolina building rules.

    • Building rules do not apply to farm buildings outside the building-rules jurisdiction of any municipality.
    • Inside a municipality's building-rules jurisdiction, the exemption applies to greenhouses and therapeutic equine facilities.
    • The exemption also applies to primitive camps and primitive farm buildings.
    • A farm building means a nonresidential building or structure used for a bona fide farm purpose under G.S. 160D-903(a).
    • Qualifying farm buildings remain subject to specified annual safety inspections for grandstands, bleachers, or other spectator-seating structures.
    • A produce display and sale structure must be no more than 1,000 square feet, open to the public no more than 180 days per year, and certified as a Certified Roadside Farm Market.
    • Certain agricultural storage buildings must be surrounded and adjoined by public ways and yards at least 60 feet wide and must display the required Ag. Exempt placard.

    maximum produce-market area: <= 1000 square feet (Structure must also be open to the public no more than 180 days per year and certified by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services as a Certified Roadside Farm Market.) · minimum surrounding public ways and yards: >= 60 feet (Applies to qualifying agricultural storage buildings; required Ag. Exempt placard must also be posted.)

    “Building rules do not apply to (i) farm buildings that are located outside the building-rules jurisdiction of any municipality,”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Available (with conditions) — Bona fide farm property subject to county zoning, and qualifying bona fide farm property in a city's extraterritorial planning and development regulation jurisdiction.
      “County zoning regulations may not affect property used for bona fide farm purposes;”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development activities in Special Flood Hazard Areas statewide, including new buildings, additions, improvements, renovations, repairs, manufactured homes, subdivisions, temporary or accessory structures, agricultural buildings, roads, bridges, culverts, fill, grading, excavation, mining, dredging, stream-channel alterations, and drilling.

    • The cited guidance states that the local community’s floodplain development permitting process applies.
    • Local communities may have additional situations requiring a Floodplain Development Permit.
    • The permit review addresses whether the site is in a mapped FEMA floodplain or floodway, whether other state and federal permits have been obtained, flood safety, site-plan information, substantial improvements, additions, elevation of buildings and utilities, manufactured-home elevation and anchoring, foundations, and possible Elevation Certificate requirements.
    “The following development activities require a Floodplain Development Permit. The Code of Federal Regulations defines “development” as any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation, or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials. Keep in mind that your local community may have additional situations that stipulate the need for a Floodplain Development Permit.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping and habitation within the boundaries of North Carolina Coastal Reserve components.

    • Camping and habitation are prohibited on Reserve uplands and wetlands except on the uplands at Masonboro Island Reserve.
    • Masonboro Island camping is limited to no more than two consecutive nights.
    • The rule applies to the Reserve components identified in 15A NCAC 07O .0105.

    maximum camping duration at Masonboro Island Reserve: <= 2 consecutive nights (Applies only on the uplands at Masonboro Island Reserve.)

    “Camping or any form of habitation on the uplands or wetlands of the Reserve is prohibited except on the uplands at the Masonboro Island Reserve, where camping is allowed for no more than two consecutive nights.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Permanent dwelling use of recreational park trailers or park model trailers in North Carolina RV parks.
      “Recreational Park Trailer – Permanent Installation: Recreational Park Trailers “cannot be accepted as a permanent dwelling structure in North Carolina” unless the units are dual labeled and “also constructed and labeled under either the NC Modular Construction Program as a single-family modular dwelling or under the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards as a single family (HUD) manufactured home.””
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Carolina counties adopting zoning or subdivision regulations in their county planning and development regulation jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas not subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction.

    • County powers under Chapter 160D may be exercised throughout the county except in areas subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction.
    • A county may apply zoning or subdivision regulations to all or part of its county planning and development regulation jurisdiction.
    • The local government's planning and development regulation jurisdiction does not include an area ceded pursuant to an agreement under G.S. 160D-203.
    “(b) Counties. - All of the powers granted by this Chapter may be exercised by any county throughout the county except in areas subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction. (c) Partial Jurisdiction Regulation in Cities and Counties. - If a city elects to adopt zoning or subdivision regulations, each must be applied to the city's entire planning and development regulation jurisdiction. If a county elects to adopt zoning or subdivision regulations, each may be applied to all or part of the county's planning and development regulation jurisdiction.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County building-permit requirements and local building-related codes for residential construction in North Carolina, including unincorporated areas.

    • The North Carolina State Building Code applies throughout the State from the time of adoption.
    • Any political subdivision, including a county, may adopt a fire prevention code and floodplain management regulations within its jurisdiction.
    • Local fire-prevention-code provisions may not apply to dwellings subject to the North Carolina Residential Code unless they are prescriptively required by that Code.
    • County jurisdiction for the State Building Code includes all other areas of the county after municipal corporate limits and qualifying extraterritorial jurisdiction are excluded.
    • Local codes or regulations, other than floodplain management regulations and regulations permitted by G.S. 160D-1128, require official approval by the responsible Code Council before becoming effective.
    • Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement, removal, or demolition of a building or structure generally requires permits before work begins, subject to the statutory exceptions in G.S. 160D-1110(c) and G.S. 160D-1110.1(h).
    “(e) Effect upon Local Codes. - Except as otherwise provided in this section, the North Carolina State Building Code shall apply throughout the State, from the time of its adoption. Approved rules shall become effective in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.3. However, any political subdivision of the State may adopt a fire prevention code and floodplain management regulations within its jurisdiction. Provided a political subdivision shall not adopt local fire prevention code provisions which apply to dwellings subject to the North Carolina Residential Code which are not prescriptively required by the North Carolina Residential Code. The territorial jurisdiction of any municipality or county for this purpose, unless otherwise specified by the General Assembly, shall be as follows: Municipal jurisdiction shall include all areas within the corporate limits of the municipality and extraterritorial jurisdiction areas established as provided in G.S. 160D-202 or a local act; county jurisdiction shall include all other areas of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — North Carolina statutory authority for counties to administer building-code inspections and require permits for residential construction in county planning and development regulation jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas outside municipal jurisdiction.
      “The duties and responsibilities set forth in subsection (a) of this section include the receipt of applications for permits and the issuance or denial of permits, the making of any necessary inspections in a timely manner, the issuance or denial of certificates of compliance, the issuance of orders to correct violations, the bringing of judicial actions against actual or threatened violations, the keeping of adequate records, and any other actions that may be required in order adequately to enforce those laws.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Lot coverage — Numeric lot-coverage standards by Davie County zoning district.
  • Living in an RV — Long-term or residential RV occupancy in Davie County.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private property in Davie County.
  • Mandatory utility hookup — Water and sewer utility connection requirements in Davie County.
  • Driveway access — Driveway access permits or standards in Davie County.
1 more unanswered
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Davie County, North Carolina

Is Davie County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Davie County scores 48/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: workable self-sufficiency basics: 44.4″/yr rainfall and 62.5% wooded land and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: about 410,153 people within a 30-minute drive and more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Davie County, North Carolina?

Davie County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Davie County Environmental Health. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Davie County, North Carolina?

Land in Davie County runs about $5,867 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Davie County?

Davie County gets about 44.4" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 1.4% of years.

How remote is Davie County?

A representative private-land location has about 410,153 people within a 30-minute drive and 7,407,710 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Davie compares in North Carolina

Compare side-by-side →See all 100 North Carolina counties ranked →