Planning and development services update

Updated December 24, 2022
View the City’s latest COVID-19 information

Resources for application submittal and fee payment

  1. DPlans
  2. External LDO portal
  3. Inspections fee schedules
  4. Small Project Plan Review
  5. Online application guide / application submittal portal
  6. Fee schedule and payment portal
  7. Development Regulations
  8. Application and case review portal (for employees)
  9. Schedule Concept Meeting or Multi-departmental Pre-submittal Meeting 
  10. Schedule Pre-submittal Meeting for Growth Management or Historic Preservation

Walk-in Services, Feasibility Questions, and Meetings

The Development Services Center lobby is open 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday - Friday. Submittal and review processes are digital and paper-free. Paper applications, thumb drives, and checks will not be accepted in person or via mail. Kiosks are available in the DSC lobby for walk-in customers wishing to use a City computer to access digital development services and staff are available to assist with questions. 

Phone and Email Contact

Inspections customer service 

Phone: 919-560-4144
Email: PermitTechnicians@DurhamNC.gov

Check the City-County Inspections web page for the latest information regarding permit application, plan review, and building inspection processes.

Planning customer service

Phone: 919-560-4137
Email: Planning@DurhamNC.gov

Development Application Online Submittal and Payment

  • Application submittals (new applications and re-reviews) and payments are now fully electronic, either through the existing DPlans and LDO system for Inspections, or through the DSC web site. See links at the top of this page. 
  • Please do not send any items via the mail. Delivering items via mail will slow application processing time. Mailed items will not be returned and customers will be asked to cancel any checks and make the payment online instead.

Development Review Process and Timelines

Timelines for Administrative Approvals 

Application Type

Business Days for Review

As-built Drawing

15

Construction Drawing

30

Finals for Signature7
Minor Certificate of Appropriateness
10

Plat - Preliminary (All types)

Initial review

30

Re-review30

Plat - Final

30

Plat - Exempt

Planning only

10

Multiple departments10

Other Minor Development

10

Right-of-Way Withdrawal

15

Site Plan - Level 1

10

Site Plan - Level 2

30

Site Plan - Level 3

30

Site Plan - Level 4

Initial review

30

Re-review

30

Site Plan - Major

30

Street Closing or Renaming

15


Issuance of Approvals and Permits

  • Mylars and items requiring hand signature can be dropped off in a secure storage box near the Mangum Street entrance of City Hall. Contact the case review planner for information.

Inspections and Sign-offs

Planning

  • Planning enforcement and site compliance activities continues as usual, with strict social distancing practiced by staff. Staff reserves the right to refuse to inspect a location or facility where these standards are not adhered to.
  • Site Compliance Inspection fees are now required for Planning inspections.

Inspections

City-County Inspections Department resources and updates.    

Public Works

The Engineering Inspections web page includes a range of updates on remote and field-based services. Requests can be made via the Engineering Inspections Request Form.