Current Code Adoption and Regulations

Building Codes

The City of Burlington Inspections Department has adopted the 2018 North Carolina Building Codes and the 2017 National Electrical Code. A link has been provided below to provide access to those seeking additional information pertaining to the Codes.

NC Building Codes

Administrative Policies

In accordance with Section 107 of the North Carolina Administrative Code, the City of Burlington Inspections Department is required to conduct the following inspections:

  • Footing Inspection
  • Underslab Inspection, as appropriate
  • Foundation Inspection
  • Rough-In Inspection
  • Building Framing
  • Insulation
  • Fire Inspection
  • Final Inspection.

More information regarding these eight inspections can be found within the NC Administrative Code.

The following occupancies found within the NC Administrative Code must be submitted to the NC Department of Insurance Engineering Division for plan review approval, specifically for the City of Burlington jurisdiction. The plans will also be reviewed internally as well.

Occupancy Group Building Plans To Be Approved
Section 403 - Highrise1 All Buildings
Section 402 - Covered Mall Buildings1 All Buildings
City/County Owned1 All Building 20,000 Sq. Ft or greater as required by GS 58-31-40
Group A1,2 Occupant Load over 1,000
Group E1 Over 2 Stories or over 20,000 Sq. Ft / Story
Group H1 Occupant Load over 100
Group I1 Over 3 Stories or over 10,000 Sq. Ft / Story
Group  R1 Over 4 Stories or over 100 Units/Building

1 - Plans and specifications are not required by the Engineering Division on buildings, except city/county owned, that is located in a city or county inspection jurisdiction approved to perform plan reviews.

2 - Except temporary bleachers.

Primary and Secondary Fire Limits / Districts

  • The City of Burlington has established these limits within the City. Please contact the Inspections Department to obtain further information about these locations.