Permits, Applications, & Fees

All building permits for properties located in Cornelius are submitted online through the Mecklenburg County website. The Cornelius Planning Department will be automatically notified by Mecklenburg County to perform a zoning review on your permit. Building permits may be required for new construction, additions, demolitions, interior upfits, accessory structures, decks, pools, docks or piers, etc. Note that permits are issued by Mecklenburg County and Mecklenburg County staff perform all inspections.

Do I need a permit?

Your permit application will remain in a deferred status until we have completed the zoning review. If you do not see any action taken by the Town within 48 business hours of submittal, PLEASE contact us by email or by phone. Providing your permit number will help us locate your permit within Mecklenburg County's online system.

Before submitting a permit, we encourage you to contact us to obtain information about the property in question. This helps save you time, and possibly money, by knowing the regulations specific to your property before plan design. You may also research property information online.

Cornelius fees are separate from Mecklenburg County fees and may be paid online below. The Cornelius zoning review fee is $10 for interior upfits, docks or piers, and demolitions.  All other building permits are $25.  

Please note that for your application to be considered, it must be accompanied by the required fee, reviewed by our staff, confirmed to be complete, and signed by all appropriate parties. Please submit all applications to planninginfo@cornelius.org.

Applicants will be notified as soon as your application has been accepted.

 Please note that the Town does not review trade permits (mechanical, electrical, plumbing).