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Main 252-533-2800
Hours Mon - Fri 8:30AM - 5:00PM

Q: Do I need to obtain a building permit to put up a small out-building in my yard?

A: Maybe, depending on its size, cost and type construction. Every zoning classification has specific setbacks that must be set. Give us a call prior to starting any construction activities to make sure proper setbacks are maintained.

The Planning and Development office answers questions concerning zoning matters, new and relocating business applications, 911 addressing, property uses, as well as building permits, building inspections, minimum housing and building codes. The Planning and Development office is also in charge of the Code Enforcement Section (Building Inspections Division) and works to insure that all State Building Codes and local requirements are met. The Planning and Development Office is located on the first floor of City Hall, 1040 Roanoke Avenue and the phone number is (252)533-2844.

Online Permitting Portal

 To apply for Permits and schedule Inspections please click here.

Need Help with the OPENGOV online permitting portal?

For help with setting up an account or applying for a permit, we have tutorial videos named, "How to sign up tutorial" and "How to apply for a permit tutorial" available on the OPENGOV site. All three categories, "Permitting", "Land Use and Building Occupancy Permits" and "Help, Links, Guides & Other Information" have these tutorial videos located at the top of the page to assist with account creation and permit applications. If further assistance is needed, please contact the Planning & Development Department office at 252-533-2844.

Zoning Districts and Zoning Map

In order to achieve the purposes of the Land Use Ordinance, all property within the planning jurisdiction of Roanoke Rapids is divided into zoning district classifications: residential, commercial, and industrial. Amendments (changes) to the Official Zoning Map are accomplished using legislative procedures described in the Land Use Ordinance. For information about the process of rezoning, please see "A Citizen's Guide to the Rezoning Process" located under permit downloads.


The Code Enforcement Staff is available to respond to questions concerning:

  • the issuance of building permits
  • electrical permits
  • plumbing permits
  • mechanical permits
  • minimum housing code requirements
  • building inspections
  • occupancy permits
  • construction plan review
  • junk cars
  • building codes and related matters

Contact us:

Office Hours are Monday through Friday: 8:30AM to 5:00 PM Phone: (252) 533-2844.

  • Kristyn K. Anderson, Interim Planning Director This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Brian Duhadaway, Code Enforcement Supervisor This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Marvin Wheeler, Code Enforcement Office (Inspections) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 
  • Anthony Price, Jr., City Planner/GIS Specialist This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Roger Bell, Code Enforcement Officer (Minimum Housing) This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
  • Lian Elliott, Administrative Support Assistant  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Roanoke Rapids' Fair Housing Policy establishes a procedure for handling complaints concerning housing discrimination at the local level. If any citizen experiences discrimination in housing because of race, color, sex, religion, handicap, familial status, or national origin, they may contact the Director of Planning and Development at (252) 533-2844. Any individual wishing TDD assistance may call 911 and indicate the need for TDD assistance, and the city will then arrange such assistance. Complaints will be reviewed and forwarded to the North Carolina Human Relations Commission in Raleigh (Phone: 919-807-4420; 866-324-7474; or Relay North Carolina TT# 800-735-2962) for further review and conciliation. For more information, please review the City's Fair Housing Complaint Procedure Document available under "Permits"

The Code Enforcement Section is pleased to offer these permit applications online for your convenience.

Select the permit application of your choice then print the form, fill out the necessary information, and either fax, mail, or deliver the form to City Hall located at 1040 Roanoke Avenue, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870.

Code Enforcement - Minimum Housing ActionsThis page is designed to provide developers and other interested parties of the potential availability and contact information concerning current minimum housing actions by City Code Enforcement staff.

A hearing, the first step in formal minimum housing process, has been held regarding the condition of the structures listed below by City Code Enforcement staff. This first step is used to identify whether the condition of a structure is determined to be dilapidated or deteriorated according to City Minimum Housing Standards.

Leaf Collection Notification

  • Leaf Collection

    The Property Maintenance Department collects loose leaves November - February. Crews work an assigned route and cannot take special requests or special arrangements. Loose leaf piles should be placed behind the curb or edge of pavement without blocking the sidewalk or street. Do not rake or blow...

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