Chapel Hill plan check and resubmittal guide
What we could verify about the Town of Chapel Hill’s permit office from government and permit portal pages, what North Carolina law says about plan check there, and how to answer a correction letter. Each fact links to its source.
The Town of Chapel Hill permit office
Links and facts checked on October 31, 2026.
How to resubmit, at a glance
In our words, from Chapel Hill’s own page. The exact steps are on the page linked below.
- Prepare a revised scope of work, updated construction costs, and plans drawn at 1/4" scale.
- Highlight and bubble each change on the revised plans.
- Sign any required forms, then scan them electronically.
- Upload the attachments to your permit in the Online Permit Center, or email them.
From Chapel Hill’s own page, read October 31, 2026: chapelhillnc.gov
What to include
- A revised detailed scope of work (including additional fixtures or appliances)
- Revised plans drawn to 1/4" scale
- Use highlights and bubbles to indicate changes on revised plans
From Chapel Hill’s own page, read October 31, 2026: chapelhillnc.gov
Codes its letters cite
Building code named on the city’s pages: 2018 North Carolina State Building Code.
Local amendments to the building code
The North Carolina State Building Code applies statewide and local governments cannot amend it, except local fire-prevention rules that the state Code Council has signed off.
Chapel Hill and Durham County
Chapel Hill is in Durham County.
North Carolina rules every plan check here follows
These come from North Carolina law and state agencies, so they apply in Chapel Hill as well. Each links to its source.
Code for homes
The 2018 North Carolina Residential Code has applied since January 1, 2019.
Source: NC Office of State Fire Marshal, checked October 31, 2026
Other building codes
The 2018 North Carolina building, energy, fire, mechanical and plumbing codes have applied since January 1, 2019.
Source: NC Office of State Fire Marshal, checked October 31, 2026
The 2024 code is not in force yet
The 2024 North Carolina State Building Code starts 12 months after the State Fire Marshal certifies that set steps are done, so check the date before you design to it.
Source: NC State Fire Marshal letter on the 2024 code, checked October 31, 2026
What a good response to plan check corrections has
General guidance, not the Town of Chapel Hill’s own rules. Check its page before you resubmit.
- Answer every comment, in the reviewer’s order and numbering, so nothing is missed.
- Say plainly what you changed for each comment, or why no change is needed.
- Name the sheet and detail where each change is, so the reviewer can find it fast.
- Mark changes on the drawings (clouds or deltas are common) and keep sheet numbers the same.
- Send the response letter, the revised drawings and any new calculations together.
Other North Carolina city guides
How we help
Send us the whole correction letter. We draft a response to every comment and list the drawing changes sheet by sheet. Your first letter is free. You review each response, then you sign and submit to the Town of Chapel Hill yourself.
Cleared to Build is an independent service. We are not the Town of Chapel Hill and are not affiliated with it.
Upload your correction letterOnly one comment to answer? Try the free one-comment tool.
Questions
How do I respond to Chapel Hill’s plan check corrections?
In short: Prepare a revised scope of work, updated construction costs, and plans drawn at 1/4" scale. Highlight and bubble each change on the revised plans. Sign any required forms, then scan them electronically. Upload the attachments to your permit in the Online Permit Center, or email them. Answer every comment in a response letter that says what changed and on which sheet.
Is Cleared to Build part of the Town of Chapel Hill?
No. Cleared to Build is an independent service, not affiliated with the Town of Chapel Hill or any permitting agency. You submit to the city yourself.