Permitting
The residential zoning team manages the review of single-family detached homes, duplex/duet dwellings, residential additions, residential detached accessory structures, accessory dwelling units, zoning use permits, signs, permanent and temporary uses requiring a zoning use permit in the UDO, and issues zoning verification letters.
Beginning October 1, 2024 residential zoning reviews will be incorporated into City Accela. The residential zoning team will also be housed at the Charlotte Development Center beginning on October 1, 2024.
Projects Requiring Concurrent Mecklenburg County and City LDIRL Permit Review
Single Family Detached Dwelling, Duplex/Duet/Two Unit Townhome Dwelling, Manufactured Homes, ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), Garage with ADU, Detached Accessory Structure (greater than 12 feet in any dimension), Addition, Pool, Retaining Wall, Deck, Solar Panel, Dock/Pier.
Projects Requiring Concurrent Mecklenburg County and City Zoning Use Permit Review
Sign, Temporary Construction Trailer, Tent.
How To Apply
Mecklenburg County Building Permit - This page includes helpful County information and contacts.
City of Charlotte Zoning Use Permit: The Zoning Use Permit is a permit that the city requires in addition to the Mecklenburg County building permit.
Apply for Zoning Use Permit via Accela Citizen Access
Zoning Use Permit Gateway and Review:
- Gateway (acceptance) - 3 business days
- Fees - Accessed through Accela
- Permit Review - 10 business days
*If changes are needed for compliance, additional permit reviews are 10 business days*
Projects Requiring City Residential Zoning Review After Outside Agency or City Land Development Approvals Have Been Granted
Zoning Use Permit (Adult Care Home, Adult Electronic Gaming Establishment, Childcare in Residence, Family Childcare Home, Group Home, Home Based Business, Mobile Car Wash, Mobile Food Vendor, Outdoor Fresh Produce Stand, Outdoor Seasonal Sales, Temporary Outdoor Sales (Periodic Retail)) Zoning Verification Letter, Detached Accessory Structure (less than 12 feet in any dimension), ABC Inspection.
How To Apply
Apply for City of Charlotte Zoning Use Permit via Accela Citizen Access
Zoning Use Permit Gateway and Review:
- Gateway (acceptance) - 3 business days
- Fees - Accessed through Accela
- Permit Review - 10 business days
*If changes are needed for compliance, additional permit reviews are 10 business days*
Permit Forms
Required Forms
The following forms may be required for submittal and review depending upon project type:
- ABC Inspection(PDF, 14KB)
- ADU Declaration(PDF, 165KB)
- Building Height Form(PDF, 275KB)
- Compliance Letter - Childcare in Home(PDF, 28KB)
- Compliance Letter - Childcare in Residence(PDF, 269KB)
- GIS Addressing Form
- Owner Verification of Occupancy - English(PDF, 51KB)
- Owner Verification of Occupancy - Spanish(PDF, 54KB)
- Pool Plans(PDF, 738KB)
- Plot Plan(PDF, 83KB)
- Sign Drawings(PDF, 1MB)
- Zoning Compliance Letter - Group Homes & Adult Care Home / Center(PDF, 27KB)
Permit Fees
Fees Effective July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2025
Mecklenburg County Permitting Fees will be accessed by Mecklenburg County
City of Charlotte FY25 Residential Zoning Fees will be accessed through Accela after application has passed gateway.
FY25 Residential Zoning Fees
| Fee Record Type |
Fee |
|
Residential Single-Family Reviews
|
$70 |
| Sign Permits |
$175 |
| Verification Letter |
$260 |
| Zoning Use Permits |
$330 |
Zoning Functions
Charlotte's zoning functions are administered by three city departments: The Planning, Design & Development Department, the CLT Development Center, and Housing & Neighborhood Services. Their functions include:
Planning, Design & Development
- Provides administrative support to the Zoning Board of Adjustment.
- Creates subdivisions.
- Processes zoning appeals, variances, and rezoning applications.
- Provides final interpretation of city's zoning ordinance.
- Receives residential permit applications.
- Permitting accessory structures (12 feet high, by 12 feet wide, by 12 feet deep, or smaller).
- Receives change of use permit, zoning and sign permits.
- Zoning verification letters.
- ABC permits.
CLT Development Center
- Reviews site plans and inspects new commercial construction.
- Checks for compliance with zoning ordinance regulations on new commercial construction until a certificate of occupancy is issued.
Housing & Neighborhood Services
- City zoning ordinance enforcement.
For inspections contact CLT Development Center or Housing & Neighborhood Services. For a service request contact 311.