Durham – Innovation, Arts
Historic Charm in North Carolina
Durham, NC: A Historic City with a Modern Edge
Located just west of Raleigh, Durham, North Carolina is a vibrant city known for its rich history, world-class universities, and thriving food and arts scenes. Once a hub of the tobacco industry, Durham has reinvented itself as a center for innovation, research, and culture, earning a spot on numerous “best places to live” lists.
Living in Durham
Residents of Durham enjoy a blend of historic charm and modern convenience. The revitalized American Tobacco Campus houses restaurants, breweries, and performance spaces, while the historic Brightleaf District offers boutique shopping and nightlife. Durham’s neighborhoods range from tree-lined historic districts to contemporary mixed-use developments, giving newcomers and longtime residents alike plenty of housing choices.
Location & Accessibility
Durham sits at the crossroads of I-85, NC-147, and U.S. 15-501, making it easy to travel to Raleigh, Chapel Hill, and Research Triangle Park. Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU) is just minutes away, providing direct flights to major destinations. The city is also served by Amtrak and regional transit systems for commuters and visitors.
Sports & Community Spirit
Durham is famous as the home of the Durham Bulls, one of the most recognized minor league baseball teams in the country. Games at Durham Bulls Athletic Park are a staple of summer in the city and draw fans from across the Triangle. The presence of Duke University adds another layer of excitement, with nationally ranked Blue Devils basketball and other collegiate sports creating year-round buzz.
Durham Permit Process
In Durham, building, trade, and zoning approvals are managed jointly through the City-County Inspections Department. The permitting process exists to ensure that all construction and regulated work complies with North Carolina’s building codes as well as local land-use and safety standards.
Plans are reviewed for compliance before work begins, and inspections take place during key stages of a project. This system helps maintain the quality, safety, and long-term value of Durham’s homes and businesses while supporting the city’s steady growth and revitalization efforts.
City-County Inspections Department
101 City Hall Plaza
Durham, NC 27701
Phone: (919) 560-4144
Durham Inspections Office & Contact Info
- The Durham City-County Inspections Department / Building & Safety handles permits, plan review, and inspections across Durham. (Durham, NC)
- Address: 101 City Hall Plaza, Ground Floor, Durham, NC 27701 (Durham, NC)
- Phone: (919) 560-4144 (Durham, NC)
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Durham, NC)
Services & Responsibilities
Durham’s inspections and building department provides:
- Permits & plan review for building, plumbing, electrical, mechanical work (Durham, NC)
- Inspections of ongoing construction to ensure compliance with the NC State Building Code, local zoning, and safety standards (Durham, NC)
- Issuance of Certificates of Compliance (or completion) once work passes final inspection (Durham, NC)
- Fire-code related permit and inspections via the County’s Fire Prevention & Life Safety division for properties in Durham’s jurisdiction (Dconc)
- Environmental health inspections (for restaurants, daycare, lodging, etc.) through Durham County’s Public Health / Environmental Health offices (dcopublichealth.org)
How to Get a Permit & Schedule Inspections
Here’s a simplified flow for how permits and inspections work in Durham:
- Apply for a permit
Submit your application via the Land Development Office (LDO) portal (or in person at the inspections office), including plans, required documentation, fees. (Durham, NC) - Plan review
The department reviews submitted plans (e.g. cross-connection plans, structural plans) for compliance. For example, cross-connection plan reviews must be completed within eight business days once the application and fee are submitted. (Durham, NC) - Permit issued
Once the review is approved and fees are paid, a permit is granted. - Schedule inspections
During construction, you request inspections at each stage (foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, etc.). Inspections are scheduled through the LDO portal. (Dconc) - Inspection & reinspection
Inspectors come to verify work meets code. If work fails, corrections must be made and a reinspection requested. - Final approval / Certificate of Compliance
After all required inspections pass, the project is closed out with official compliance certification.
Be In The Know About Durham NC
Cities We Serve
Alexander Services provides Heating, Air Conditioning, Electrical and Plumbing Services in the Greater Raleigh Area and surrounding areas. Offering both Commercial and Residential Services, we provide emergency services and are open 7 days a week to provide you quick, award-winning same-day service.
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Alexander Services
Heating, Air, Plumbing, Electrical
Open 7 Days a Week
Servicing Holly Springs,
Apex, Cary, Fuquay-Varina and Greater Raleigh Area
Phone: (919) 886-4822
Text: (919) 551-5996
Sales: (919) 629-1091
Location:
128 Thomas Mill Rd
Holly Springs, NC 27540