- Home
- Departments
- Development Services
Development Services
Development Services supports the Planning, Engineering, and Inspections departments by overseeing all aspects of the site development and permit process. The department is responsible for receiving, processing, assessing fees, and issuing approvals for all plan and permit types.
Development Services staff serve as the primary point of contact between customers and internal teams to ensure applications are handled accurately and efficiently from start to finish.
There are a number of projects and processes that require permits or approvals, including:
- Starting a new business
- New development
- Subdivision of land
- Putting up a fence
- Installing a sign
- Modifying a building
Forms
Inspections Department Permits & Applications
- Affidavit of Workers' Compensation Coverage (PDF)
- Building & Zoning Compliance Permit Application (PDF)
- Business Services Application (PDF)
- Change of Contractor Application (PDF)
- Commercial After Hours Inspection Form (PDF)
- Commercial Building Plan Review Submittal Design Professional Application (PDF)
- Conditional Power - Gas Application (PDF)
- Driveway Permit Application (PDF)
- Inspection Checklist (PDF)
- Manufactured Home Foundation Certificate of Completion Form (PDF)
- Owner's Consent Form (PDF)
- Owner Exemption Affidavit (PDF)
- Plumbing Irrigation Permit (PDF)
- Preliminary Commercial Building Plan Review Submittal Design Professional Application (PDF)
- Procedures for Permits and Inspections for Previously Completed Non-Permitted Work and Work Begun without Permits (PDF)
- Residential After Hours Inspection Form (PDF)
- Residential Plot Plan Checklist (PDF)
- Solar Interconnection Permit Packet (PDF)
- Tent Permit Application (PDF)
- Trade Permit—Commercial & Residential
- Unlicensed Contractor Affidavit (PDF)
Planning Department Permits & Applications
- Administrative Adjustment (PDF)
- Administrative Appeal (PDF)
- Alternate Plan Permit Application (PDF)
- Annexation Application (PDF)
- Conditional Rezoning Type 1 (PDF)
- Conditional Rezoning Type 2 (PDF)
- Conditional Rezoning Type 3 (PDF)
- Conservation Subdivision Application (PDF)
- Conventional Rezoning Application (PDF)
- Determination Letter (PDF)
- Exempt Plat Application (PDF)
- Limited Subdivision & Final Plat Subdivision Application (PDF)
- Minor Modification (PDF)
- Neighborhood Meeting Information (PDF)
- Owner's Consent Form (PDF)
- Permanent Sign Permit (PDF)
- Site Plan Application (PDF)
- Site Subdivision Construction Drawing Application (PDF)
- Special Use Permit (PDF)
- Street Closure Application (PDF)
- Street Name Change Petition Application (PDF)
- Subdivision - Major Subdivision (Preliminary Subdivision) (PDF)
- Temporary Sign Permit (PDF)
- Temporary Use Permit (PDF)
- Tree Clearing Application (PDF)
- Urban Archery Application (PDF)
- Variance - Flood Hazard Overlay Variance Application (PDF)
- Variance - Reasonable Accommodation Variance Application (PDF)
- Variance - Stormwater Variance Application (PDF)
- Variance - Water Supply Watershed Variance Application (PDF)
- Variance - Zoning and Subdivision Variance Application (PDF)
- Zoning Compliance Permit Applicaiton (PDF)
- Zoning Verification Letter Request (PDF)
- Construction Drawing Application (PDF)
- Driveway Permit Application (PDF)
- Erosion Control Financial Responsibility (PDF)
- Erosion Control Permit Application (PDF)
- Erosion Control Permit Transfer Request (PDF)
- Erosion Control Plan Review Application (PDF)
- Example of Landowner-Builder Agreement (PDF)
- Floodplain Development Permit (PDF)
- Homebuilder Erosion Control Plan (PDF)
- Homebuilder NCG01 Information (PDF)
- NCDEQ Erosion and Sedimentation Control Checklist (PDF)
- Public Utility Record Drawing (As-Built) Application (PDF)
- Stormwater As-Built Certification Form (PDF)
- Stormwater Permit Application (PDF)
- Stormwater Record Drawing (As-Built) Application (PDF)
- Wastewater Allocation Policy and Request Form (PDF)
Operation and Maintenance Agreements
Stormwater Control Measure Inspection Forms
- Annual Inspection Report of Stormwater Control Measure (PDF)
- Bioretention Cell Inspection Report
- Disconnected Impervious Surface Inspection Report
- Dry Pond Inspection Report
- Erosion Control Checklist (PDF)
- Green Roof Inspection Report
- Infiltration System Inspection Report
- Level Spreader-Filter Strip Inspection Report
- NCDEQ Erosion and Sedimentation Control Checklist (PDF)
- Permeable Pavement Inspection Report
- Rainwater Harvesting Inspection Report
- Sand Filter Inspection Report
- Stormwater Wetland Inspection Report
- Treatment Swale Inspection Report
- Wet Pond Inspection Report
Submittal Information & Guidelines
Guidelines for Land/Site Development Submission and Resubmission:
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
- 1. File Format and Naming:
- Submit all documents in PDF format only. Non-PDF files will not be accepted.
- You may submit individual PDFs, a zipped folder of PDFs, or a file-sharing link (e.g., Dropbox). For security reasons, staff cannot enter passwords or personal information into file-sharing links.
- All documents must be submitted in PDF format, with each item saved as a separate file:
- The application as its own PDF
- Drawings as their own PDF
- Supporting documents (e.g., owner’s consent, exemption affidavit, neighborhood meeting letter, etc.) as a separate PDF
- The following application types will now require Plan Review Stamp (PDF) to be on the cover sheet of the plans. Plans that fail to provide the review stamp on the cover sheet will not be accepted.
- Subdivisions
- Site Plans
- Construction Drawings (CD)
- Combos
- Type 3 Rezonings
- Alternative Plans
- Special Use Permits (SUP)
- File names should include the following information: Project Name, Application Type, Content, and Review Cycle. For resubmissions, include the project number in the file name.
- Example File Naming Convention:
ProjectName_ApplicationType_Content_ReviewCycle.pdfRollingHillsRezoning_ConditionalRezoning_ResponsetoStaffComments_1stRev.pdf- ***For resubmittals, the file name should include the project number
- 2. Submission Email Addresses: Land/Site Development Submittals and Resubmittals are to be emailed to Planning-EngineeringSubmittals@townofclaytonnc.org.
- 3. No Additional Recipients: Do not CC or BCC Town employees as this can delay the processing of your application.
- 4. Questions: Inboxes are strictly for document submissions. Questions should be directed to the appropriate department prior to submitting your application.
- For inquiries regarding application fees, application status, or procedures, please contact a Development Services Coordinator at 919-553-5002 or through the directory.
- For questions regarding the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), please contact the Planning Department at 919-553-5002 or through the directory.
- For review comments, reach out to Planning at 919-553-5002, Engineering at 919-553-1554, or the staff member reviewing the project via the staff directory.
- 5. Payment: All fees shall be paid prior to staff commencing the review process.
- RESUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
- Follow all submission instructions above, and additionally:
- Revised Plans: Make sure your plans clearly address all feedback provided by the staff.
- Detailed Written Response: Include a written response for each staff comment provided. Not addressing all staff comments may lead to delays in the application's approval.
Guidelines for Residential and Commercial Permits Submission and Resubmission:
SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:
- 1. File Format and Naming:
- All documents must be submitted in PDF format (Non-PDF files will not be accepted), with each item saved as a separate file:
- The application as its own PDF
- Building plans as their own PDF
- Truss drawings as their own PDF
- Site plan as its own PDF
- Supporting documents (e.g., owner’s consent, lien agent form, exemption affidavit, etc.) as a separate PDF
- You may submit individual PDFs, a zipped folder of PDFs, or a file-sharing link (e.g., Dropbox). For security reasons, staff cannot enter passwords or personal information into file-sharing links.
- The email subject line for your submission must include the property address and application type (e.g., "123 Main Street - Zoning Compliance Permit Application").
- All documents must be submitted in PDF format (Non-PDF files will not be accepted), with each item saved as a separate file:
- 2. Submission Email Addresses: permitsubmittals@townofclaytonnc.org
- Effective July 1, 2025, Development Services will now require all document to be submitted electronically via email. Paper submissions will only be accepted in person by visiting our office on 111 E Second St.
- 3. No Additional Recipients: Do not CC or BCC Town employees as this can delay the processing of your application.
- 4. Questions: Inboxes are strictly for document submissions. Questions should be directed to the appropriate department prior to submitting your application.
- For inquiries regarding application fees, application status, or procedures, please contact a Permit Specialist at 919-553-5002 or through the directory.
- For questions regarding the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), please contact the Planning Department at 919-553-5002 or planning@townofclaytonnc.org.
- For questions regarding comments made on a permit during a review, please reach out to the staff member reviewing the permit via the staff directory.
- 5. Payment: With the exception of building trade permits, all fees shall be paid prior to staff commencing the review.
RESUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:If your permit requires changes, you will receive an email directly from the permit's plan reviewer outlining the necessary revisions. Once you have addressed the reviewer's comments, email the revised plans directly to the plan reviewer.
Important: Do not resubmit revised applications or plans to permitsubmittals@townofclaytonnc.org.
Review Timelines
The Town of Clayton has established internal deadlines for applications based on industry trends and historical performance. Please note that review times are estimates and not guaranteed turnaround times. They are subject to change without notice. To preview the new review timelines, visit Community Development Submittal Schedule (PDF).
Review times only reflect the duration for technical review by staff and do not include Development Services' processing time, known as a Sufficiency Check.
Inspection Request
To request a building inspection, call the Inspection Request line, 919-359-8717, before 4:00 p.m. the day before the inspection is needed.
Payments
Payment must be received prior to plan/permit reviews and re-reviews, unless stated otherwise.
Please refer to the comprehensive list of fees and charges.
Accepted Forms of Payment:
- Cash
- Check
- Any major credit or debit cards
Please note: A 3.5% processing fee will be applied to all debit and credit card transactions.
Online Payment Center – NEW
You can now pay for Building or Zoning permits online through our secure Payment Center.
• View eligible permits and make a payment
In Person: 111 E. Second Street
By Phone: 919-553-5002 and ask to speak to the Development Services Department.
NOTE: Scammers are using public email accounts to impersonate Town of Clayton staff. These emails may look official but are not from authorized personnel.
Your awareness helps protect our community. |
Resources and Helpful Information
Questions and Resources
- Need to schedule a Pre-Application Conference meeting? Visit the Pre-Application Conference webpage to schedule the virtual meeting.
- North Carolina licensed contractors can apply for single trade permits, upload documents, and schedule inspections and track results using the Town of Clayton's Permits Portal.
- Want to determine the construction utility fees should your proposal be approved? Please contact Clayton's Engineering Department for an estimate of these fees.
- Need a fence, shed, or garage permit? Check out our Accessory Structure Site Plan Guide and Fence Site Plan Guide.
- Not sure where to begin? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions or give us a call at 919-553-5002.
Combined Site/Subdivision & Construction Drawing Submittal
In an effort to streamline processes, the Planning and Engineering Departments are now offering the option of a combined site plan (or major subdivision/preliminary plat)/CD review process.
Site Plans, Construction Drawings, and Stormwater Management plans can now be reviewed concurrently.
A new application for the combined site plan/construction drawing review has been created and can be found on the list of Planning Applications above. The Town will continue to offer the option for these plans to be submitted and reviewed separately at the applicant's request. For questions regarding the new combined process, please contact the Planning Department.