Applying for a Residential Zoning PermitPlanning & Zoning
Residential zoning permits are required for:
- new construction
- manufactured homes
- modular homes
- adding on to a house
- placing or constructing sheds or outbuildings on a residential parcel
- pools
- constructing deck/patios/porches etc.
- home occupations
To apply for a zoning permit:
- Fill out the zoning permit application (available below under documents)
- Draw a plot plan showing the location of property lines, existing and proposed structures, and required setbacks. If you are not sure what the setbacks are for your zoning district, the planning staff can help you determine these.
- Bring the application and plot plan the the Planning Department at 118 South Main Street, Kannapolis, NC.
For any questions regarding residential zoning permits or ordinance requirements, please feel free to contact the planning staff at 704.933.5999. You may also find email addresses for the community planners who can answer your questions under the Department Personnel section. Also, available at the bottom of this page is a Contact section which you may use to send your questions.
Documents
Questions & Answers
Do I get my building permit from Cabarrus or Rowan County?
If you live within the city limits of Kannapolis, including parts of Rowan County, call Cabarrus County Building Inspections Department at 704.920.2128.
If you live in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of Kannapolis, call Rowan County Building Inspections Department at 704.216.8619.
If you are unsure which Building Inspections Department to contact, please call the Planning Department at 704.933.5999 and ask to speak to the Planner on Call.
Do I need a zoning permit for a fence?
A zoning permit is not required for a fence. A waiver may be issued at no charge.
Fences may not be placed in the right-of-way or sight triangle.
Do I need a zoning permit for a shed or outbuilding?
Yes. A zoning permit is required before a shed or outbuilding is allowed to be placed or constructed on a property.
Do I need a zoning permit for an addition to my house?
Yes. A zoning permit is required for any addition.
Do I need a zoning permit for demolition of a structure?
A zoning permit is not required for demolition. However, the county will require a waiver from the Kannapolis Planning Department. Waivers are free of charge and are issued at the Planning Department Monday through Friday between 8am and 4:30pm.
Do I need a zoning permit if I am remodeling the inside of my home?
A zoning permit is not required for interior renovations or remodeling of residential structures for residential use.
However, any changes to the footprint of the home would require a zoning permit.
A permit may be required from Cabarrus or Rowan County Building Inspections Department for certain types of renovations. If you live within the city limits of Kannapolis, including parts of Rowan County, call Cabarrus County Building Inspections Department at 704.920.2128. If you live in the extra-territorial jurisdiction (ETJ) of Kannapolis, call Rowan County Building Inspections Department at 704.216.8619. If you are unsure which Building Inspections Department to contact, please call the Planning Department at 704.933.5999 and ask to speak to the Planner on Call.
How can I find out what a property is zoned?
You may contact the Planning Department at 704.933.5999 and ask to speak to the Planner on Call. They will be able to tell you the zoning classification for the parcel and can let you know about any overlay districts (watersheds, floodplains, etc.) that apply to the parcel. Having an address or parcel ID number (PIN) available is helpful in quickly identifying the property in question.
How can I find out what the setbacks are for a property?
Setback regulations are located in table 4.7-1 of the UDO.
All street side setbacks will meet the requirements for the front yard setback.
How long does it take to get a zoning permit?
Residential zoning permits are typically issued the same day the application is received.
Commercial zoning permits which do not require site plan review are also typically issued the same day the application is received.
What do I need in order to get a residential zoning permit?
The following items are required in order to get a residential zoning permit:
- application
- plot plan
- fees
The application is available online under Documents.
A plot plan is a drawing that indicates the location of structures, including but not limited to all proposed decks, steps, or other similar structural improvements. The plot plan should show location of property lines and include building setbacks.
Please see the current fee schedule to determine fee amounts.
If you have any questions about obtaining a residential zoning permit, please call 704.933.5999 and ask to speak to the Planner on Call.
What is the fee for a zoning permit?
Please see the Planning Department schedule of fees under the Documents section for a list of fees.
When are zoning permits issued?
The Planning and Zoning Department is open Monday through Friday between the hours of 8am and 5pm.
Permits are issued between 8am and 4:30pm.
Contact