Building permits and zoning in High Point

Last checked Oct. 11, 2026. Facts on this page come from the city’s Build High Point guide and its Planning & Development Department.

Permits and zoning in High Point run through one place: the Development Services Center on the third floor of the Municipal Building, 211 S. Hamilton St. Applications are filed online through the city’s Accela Citizen Access portal, and the city’s Build High Point guide walks through each process.

Who to call

• Permits and plan review (Development Services Center): 336-883-3151
• Zoning and planning questions: 336-883-3328, build@highpointnc.gov
• Office: 211 S. Hamilton St., Room 316. Permit applications are accepted 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.; office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays.
• Apply and schedule inspections: Accela Citizen Access
• Look up zoning: thePoint interactive map

When you need a permit

The North Carolina Building Code requires a building permit before you build, repair or alter a home or commercial building, according to the city’s permits required page. The city’s Development Ordinance adds a zoning permit for work the building code does not cover. Typical zoning permit projects:

• Fences and signs
• Accessory buildings with every dimension (height, width and depth) 12 feet or less
• Home occupations
• Seasonal outdoor sales, such as Christmas trees and pumpkins
• Special events, such as craft shows, concerts and carnivals
• Temporary construction trailers and real estate offices

Not sure? Call a permit specialist at 336-883-3151 before you start.

Who can pull the permit

A permit must be taken out by the person legally allowed to do the work, according to the city’s obtaining a permit page:

• A state-licensed contractor is required for projects costing $40,000 or more and for any plumbing, mechanical, electrical, fire protection or gas work.
• An unlicensed contractor can do only building work on projects under $40,000, and must file the city’s unlicensed contractor form.
• Homeowners can pull their own permit under the owner-occupied exemption. You must own the land, live in the building alone for at least 12 months after it is finished, supervise the work, be at every inspection, carry workers’ compensation insurance, name a lien agent where required and sign a Work By Owner affidavit (PDF). You cannot rent, lease or sell the property during that time.

For zoning permits, either the landowner or the person doing the work can apply.

How the process works

1. Check your zoning on thePoint.
2. Apply online through Accela Citizen Access. The city’s Selecting the Correct Record Type (PDF) guide helps you choose the right permit.
3. Pay the fee. Amounts are on the Development Fee Schedule (PDF). The city takes cash, Discover, MasterCard, Visa and checks payable to the City of High Point; online payments also take e-checks.
4. Schedule inspections in Accela. Same-day requests close at 6 a.m., according to the city’s inspections page. Required inspections are listed on your permit and included in the fee; after-hours inspections and temporary certificates of occupancy cost extra.
5. Final inspection. When it passes, the city issues a certificate that the work meets state and local codes.

Permits expire if work does not start within six months of issue, or if work stops for 12 months.

Rezoning, variances and appeals

A zoning map amendment (rezoning) needs a pre-application conference within three months before you apply, and the applicant must hold a citizen information meeting before the Planning and Zoning Commission takes it up, according to the city’s zoning map amendment page. Neighbors get mailed notice, a published notice and posted signs before both public hearings. The commission recommends and the City Council decides. The city estimates about 50 business days from the monthly filing deadline to the council hearing.

Variances and appeals of staff decisions go to the Board of Adjustment.

Meeting dates

All meet in Council Chambers, third floor, 211 S. Hamilton St.

Dates are from each board’s 2026 regular meeting schedule. Applications for the Jan. 26, 2027, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting are due by 5 p.m. Nov. 30. Agendas are posted in the city’s Agenda Center before each meeting.

The long-range plan

Rezoning requests are measured against the High Point 2045 Comprehensive Plan, the city’s official policy for future growth and development.

What this means for you

• A fence or a small shed still needs a zoning permit.
• Doing your own work? You can pull the permit only if you will live there for 12 months after.
• Neighbors of a rezoning get notice by mail and signs on the property, and can speak at both hearings.

Related: property taxes, who to call at City Hall and moving to High Point.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a permit to build a fence in High Point?

Yes. Fences, signs, home occupations and small accessory buildings with every dimension 12 feet or less need a zoning permit from the city, according to Build High Point.

How do I apply for a building permit in High Point?

Apply online through the city’s Accela Citizen Access portal. Questions go to the Development Services Center at 336-883-3151, 211 S. Hamilton St.

Can a homeowner pull their own building permit in North Carolina?

Yes, under the owner-occupied exemption, if you own the land, live in the building for at least 12 months after it is finished, manage the work and sign a Work By Owner affidavit.

How do I find the zoning of my property in High Point?

Search your address on thePoint, the city’s interactive map, which shows the current zoning. Planning staff answer zoning questions at 336-883-3328.

When does the High Point Planning and Zoning Commission meet?

At 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of most months in Council Chambers, 211 S. Hamilton St. In November and December it meets on the second Tuesday: Nov. 10 and Dec. 8, 2026.