Building Permit Information

Applicability

Commercial Building Permit are required for businesses that meet the following criteria:

  • The occupancy class will change from the previous business, and the new classification is more hazardous based on life and fire risk as defined in section 1012 of the North Carolina Existing Building Code.
  • The scope of work includes the reconfiguration of space, the addition or elimination of any door or window, the reconfiguration or extension of any system (plumbing, mechanical, electrical), or the installation of any additional equipment.
  • All zoning, land use, and watershed regulations are met.

Submittal Requirements

Prior to issuance of a Commercial Building Permit, the applicant must:

  • Submit an online application through the Town’s ViewPoint permitting system.
  • Submit a 2018 Building Code Summary Sheet (Appendix B).
  • Submit a layout of the proposed floor plan that shows with sufficient clarity all work being performed.
  • A detailed site plan is required for businesses that include outdoor elements, such as parts or equipment storage, or parking requirements are in question.

Sealed Plans Requirement

If the work alters or affects the structural system of a building, changes the building’s access or exit pattern, or changes the live or dead load on the building’s structural system; plans sealed by a design professional will be required.

Next Steps

After the required application and conference, the remainder of the permit process includes:

  • Plan reviews from building, fire, and zoning officials.
  • Payment of the permit fee. Fees vary based on the type of work being performed and the size of the building.
  • Issuance of a Commercial Building Permit.
  • Inspections from building, fire, and zoning officials.
  • Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy.

 

Once a Certificate of Occupancy is issued, your business is legal and you may commence business operations.

Again, while not necessarily required, we recommend you work with an architect or contractor to assist you in determining the occupancy classification, space layout, occupancy load, exiting requirements and other requirements based upon the new use (occupancy classification). For instance, it is common that certain business uses will require additional improvements such as larger ventilation and/or exhaust systems, a fire alarm, additional plumbing fixtures, and if you are opening a food service business the approval of fats, oils and grease systems. Your architect or general contractor should be familiar with the State Building Code requirements and offer advice with options and the costs associated with these improvements.

Applying for a Permit

Follow these steps to apply for a Commercial Building Permit:

  1. Log on directly at https://kernersvillenc.viewpointcloud.com/.
  2. In the upper right-hand corner, click log in and choose “Sign up”.
  3. Enter your email address and enter what you would like your password to be. Passwords must have at least 8 characters and include 1 upper case letter, 1 lower case letter, and 1 digit. Log on.

Please note: If you do not remember your credentials at any time, click on “Don’t remember your password?” to reset your information.

  1. You can then proceed with applying for a permit. During the application process, you will be able to complete your profile. Alternatively, after logging on, you can go back to the upper right-hand corner, click your icon (your initials), and select “Your Profile”. Complete your profile by adding your name, phone number and address. You will only need to complete your profile once, as it will be saved.

Please note: You can turn on or off email notifications or reset your password by going to “My Account” then select “Profile” followed by “Edit Profile”. We recommend leaving email notifications turned on since you will be notified by email when communicating the City throughout the permitting process.

  1. Once you are logged in, follow the steps on each page to complete the permit applications.

Once reviewed and approved, you will receive an email informing you that your fees are ready to be paid. Once the fees are paid, you will receive another email with your e-permit. If you would like a larger permit placard to put in the window of your job (recommended), you may pick one up at the Community Development office in Town Hall. At the appropriate times during the project, it will be necessary for the Town to inspect the progress to verify compliance with the Building Code. You can schedule inspections online in ViewPoint, or by calling (336) 996-7166. Once the improvements are completed and approved, you will receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) or Certificate of Completion (CC) from the Town.