Construction Law

4 Types of Work That Must Be Permitted in Raleigh featured image

4 Types of Work That Must Be Permitted in Raleigh

In the City of Raleigh, Sec. 11-6001 of the Code of Ordinances deems that any contractor that intends to work in the “public streets” must file a bond valued at $5,000 or more with the Director of Transportation or an authorized agent before they are permitted to work. The value of this bond can vary depending on the value deemed necessary to ensure performance of the work. Contractors are also required to possess liability insurance valued at $500,000 for bodily injuries or death to a single person, $1,000,000 for the injuries or deaths of multiple people relating to a single accident, and $500,000 for property damage.

Over the course of this article, a Raleigh construction lawyer from Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will discuss the four types of work that must be permitted in compliance with the above regulations. Before breaking ground on a project within the Raleigh city limits, consult a lawyer for assistance with securing the proper Raleigh construction bond and the proper permitting. 

Penalties for Working Without a Permit

Raleigh contractors that work without the proper permitting can expect to suffer the following penalties:

  • The first violation for working without a permit is the permit fee and a civil penalty of $100.
  • The second penalty for working without a permit (in the same twelve-month period) is the above penalty plus an additional civil penalty of $200.
  • The third, fourth, and fifth penalties for working without a permit (in the same twelve-month period), are the collective fines from the prior penalties plus an additional $500 penalty.
  • After the fifth violation, the penalty is a twelve-month suspension from working in the public streets starting from the date of the sixth violation.

Excavation

Any project that involves excavation, digging, trenching, or tunneling must be permitted in Raleigh. This also includes digging across or under a street, sidewalk, or other public area to install pipes, wires, poles, and the like.

Grading

Contractors must also be permitted for projects that involve grading, constructing, paving, improving, or repairing streets and sidewalks. This also includes driveways extending into the city limits.

Obstructions

Any work that leads to significant obstructions or has a tendency to block traffic or hinder passage along roadways or sidewalks requires permitting.

Construction

In order to engage in projects that require the erection, construction, repair, demolition, renovation, or maintenance of a building within five feet (horizontally) of any public street requires permitting.

If you would like to speak with a Raleigh construction attorney, please contact us today.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.