North Carolina Third-Party Plan Review
Commercial and multifamily plan review by a certified engineer or architect when the local government misses 45 days.
What the Program Requires
Commercial and multifamily building permit applications with complete plans sealed by a licensed engineer or architect
If the local government does not issue a permit decision within 45 days, or determines it cannot, the applicant may contract for third-party review
A licensed professional engineer or licensed architect certified under G.S. 143-151.13(f)
A written certification signed by the reviewer that the plans comply with the North Carolina State Building Codes and other applicable laws
The Details That Matter
Once the local government receives a completed third-party review with certification, it must issue the permits within three business days and refund or waive plan review and permit fees. Third-party reviewers must avoid conflicts of interest, including any involvement in making the plans under review.
Before You Take This Work
- Professional liability policies define the services they cover. Check that yours describes inspection and report work accurately, not only design, and tell your agent roughly how much of your revenue comes from this work.
- The statute does not set an insurance requirement for third-party reviewers. Reviewers sign a written certification of code compliance, so confirm plan review is covered.
Official sources
Every fact on this page comes from these sources, read in October 2026. Laws change; read the current text before relying on it.
General information, not legal advice or a statement of coverage. Laws and local rules change; read the current text at the source links and confirm requirements with the building department. Whether a policy responds depends on its wording and the facts. Hardcover is an insurance agency, not a law firm.
Doing This Work? Let’s Check Your Coverage.
We check that your policy describes the inspection work you actually do, before a report is questioned.