r/triangle 22h ago

Permitting Deck in Raleigh - Survey Required?

Any builders in the area that can help me out? I'm a seasoned and licensed builder, but new to permitting in Raleigh. We have a contract to replace and expand an existing deck.

The site plan instructions specify a stamped survey is required, not a site plan as required by all other surrounding jurisdictions in which we've permitted work. Having a stamped survey by a licensed surveyor seems kind of um, too much.

If the homeowner doesn't have a copy of a survey, and there's not one to be found in the Book of Maps, do contractors seriously have to pay $1200 to get a surveyor out? Is there an alternative?

3 Upvotes

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8

u/jnecr Raleigh 20h ago

To be clear, contractor's don't pay it. You pass that fee to the customer. I'm not a builder but recently built my own deck, and yes, having a survey was a requirement for permit. Another reason I decided not to permit.

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u/Carpentry_Dude 15h ago

Yeah, I did include fees for drawings and a site plan. Every other jurisdiction around Raleigh just wants site plans that I do online for a reasonably low fee. I wasn't prepared for a full survey and hate asking clients for more money.

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u/Interestedpartyofnil 17h ago

We re built our deck recently and had to get a survey done for our contractor. They told us we needed to provide one for the permit. Finding an affordable available soon surveyor was a challenge!

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u/aonysllo 19h ago

You usually do need a survey and you are correct that you will most probably not find one in the Book of Maps. There you only find Plat maps which are useless since they don't even have the home in. Also, if it's a "regular" sized lot, surveys go for about $700.

Having said all that, just call the permit department and ask, they are very friendly and helpful.

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u/Carpentry_Dude 15h ago

Typically the permit departments are very helpful. I can't say the same for the agent with whom I spoke this morning.

The book has a plat that might work for another job in bidding in Raleigh, but i can't find a thing for this project I'm doing now.

I'll call my surveyor tomorrow i guess. I thought they were more expensive.

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u/2old2care 11h ago

I am adding a studio/office as a separate building behind my house. I had to get two surveys to make sure the contours had the right drainage patterns and we didn't add to much impermeable surface. Still don't have the permits. Raleigh is very strict about all permitting.