News and Updates
Please check this page frequently for updated information on new codes and interpretations, for upcoming changes in Building Department policies and procedures, and for general information helpful to you as a professional builder 
or homeowner/builder.
You can also choose to receive these updates by email - follow this link to register and select "Building Inspections".
Session Law 2012-158, Senate Bill 42
Beginning on April 1, 2013 Both the City of Gastonia and Gaston County Building Inspection will follow the guidelines set forth in Senate Bill 42 for Lien Agent requirements.
Termination of I.V.R. Phone System
On January 1st of 2013 the Gaston County Building Inspections department will retire the IVR phone system that we currently use for customers and contractors to schedule inspection.
Mechanical Code Changes 2012
Mechanical Code Changes 2012
2012 Code Changes
This is to inform all Building Inspections customers that the North Carolina codes will be changing this year and there are mandatory enforcement dates that our office as well as our customers will have to follow.
New Lead Based Paint Requirements
On January 1st, 2010, new legislation became effective to create the North Carolina Lead-Based Paint Hazard Management Program...
New Requirements for Carbon Monoxide Alarm Installation
Beginning April 1, 2011, Gaston County Building Inspections will begin enforcing the State mandated requirement that approved carbon monoxide detectors be installed per Sec. R313 of the NC Residential Code.
Permits Issued to Unlicensed Contractors
Beginning Monday, October 25, 2010, an unlicensed General Contractor submitting an application for a building permit must also submit a signed and written contract between the GC and the homeowner that verifies the contract price...
Post and Beam Construction Plans for Detached Pole Buildings and Carports, etc.
The NC Residential Code does not provide prescriptive plans for post/beam type structures as it does for conventionally framed structures.
Electric Services for well pumps, electrified fences, motorized gates, etc. when no Building Permit has been issued
We will issue 100 amp maximum rated services with one disconnect only for the purposes listed above on property that does not otherwise have a building permit issued...
Updated and Improved On-Line Web Scheduling
Gaston County will no longer be paying for the services of MobileHWY to provide on-line scheduling on the County website.
Restaurant Grease Hood Acceptance Test
Beginning January 2, 2009, Gaston County will require a “capture and containment” performance test to be witnessed by the Fire Inspector having jurisdiction...
Requirements for Detached Garages, Storage Buildings and Other Residential Accessory Structures less than 1000 Sq. Ft.
Building permit applications may be submitted during all normal business hours at the Building Inspections Office. Before doing so, please review the following checklist...
Memo on Requesting Inspection Times
If a customer who has a scheduled inspection on that day calls a Permit Facilitator to find out when the inspector will be on the jobsite, the procedure will be as follows...
Pier and Curtain Wall Height
The height of the 4” curtain wall will be determined by measuring from the top of the footing, if the wall is sitting directly on the continuous footing...
Guard Rails on Screened Porches
On screened in porches that have a walking surface more that 30” above the adjacent grade, screen material , without vertical pickets, may be accepted...
You may now access all Building Department records online
It is now possible to directly access Gaston County Building Inspections Department records on line. All that you need to do is...
NEC Ground Rod Requirements
On January 1, 2008, Gaston County Building Inspections will begin to enforce Article 250.56 of the National Electrical Code. This Article requires that...