Inspections and Codes

Frequently Asked Questions?

What are the office hours? Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

How do I schedule an inspection? Log into your OPENGOV account and schedule inspections for any of your active records or you may call the Inspections & Codes Department at (704)-734-4599.

What is the turn around time for an inspection? Inspection request scheduled by 5:00 PM will be performed the next business day. 

Can I request a specific time for an inspection? An AM or PM timeframe may be requested when scheduling an inspection. You may also call the inspector before 8:00 AM on the morning of the inspection for a more specific timeframe. To request an "on-time" inspection, please contact the Inspections & Codes Department at (704) 734-4599 to schedule and pay an "on-time" inspection fee. 

How will I know if my inspection passed or failed? You may log into your OPENGOV account and view inspection results for any of your active records.

When do I need a lien agent? A lien agent is required when the project cost is $40,000 or more. However, a lien agent is not required for improvements to an existing single family home that the owner occupies as a residence.

How do I obtain a lien agent?  Learn more about obtaining a lien agent

How do I obtain a Certifcate of Occupancy or approval to occupy an existing commercial building?  Learn more about occupancy

How do I submit plans for review? Plans can be hand delivered or mailed to: 
Inspections & Codes Department 1013 N. Piedmont Ave. Kings Mountain, NC 28086

How many sets of plans are required to be submitted for commercial or fire plan review? Two

What is the turn around time for a commercial plan review?  Typically 1 to 3 weeks.

What do I need to know about Asbestos? The City of Kings Mountain is not responsible for testing, abatement or disposal of materials containing asbestos during remodels or demolition of a structure. This is solely the permit applicants responsibility. Learn more about asbestos requirements.

How can I access the building codes?  Learn more about building codes here.

How do I request an informal review of an inspection decision? Download an internal review request form if you wish to dispute an inspection decision made by an inspector. Submit this form to the Inspections & Codes Director by email or deliver to the inspections office.

How can I get permanent electrical service prior to obtaining a Certificate of Occupancy? Fill out the Pre Final Electric Application form and then submit to the Inspections and Codes Department.

What are the fees for a permit/plan review? Fee Schedule.  NOTE: Permit fees for new construction are calculated by utilizing the latest February publishing of the Building Valuation Data (BVD) as provided by the International Code Council (ICC) in conjunction with the Fee Schedule. Learn more about the Building Valuation Data.

How do I file a Minimum Housing, Community Appearance or Junk Vehicle complaint? You may submit a complaint ONLINE or by visiting the Inspections & Codes Department located at 1013 N. Piedmont Ave. Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

How do I get approval to install a new septic tank? Apply and submit a permit application in the OPENGOV permitting portal. The applicant will then need to contact the City of Kings Mountain's Planning Department at (704) 734-4595 to obtain a pre-approval letter to be submitted to the County Environmental Health Department. The applicant will then need to contact the appropriate County Environmental Health Department to obtain an Improvement Permit. Cleveland County: (980) 484-4779 or Gaston County: (704) 853-5200. Once you have obtained the Improvement Permit, upload into the building permit application in OPENGOV. 

What if there is an existing septic tank on my property? When constructing an addition to an existing dwelling or constructing a new building or structure that will not increase the design daily flow or wastewater strength of the existing system, an Improvement Permit from the Health Department may not be required. Apply for the building permit in the OPENGOV permitting portal and upload a completed APPENDIX H.