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Licenses & Permits

Expansion, growth, and business opportunities abound here in the City of Elizabeth City and Pasquotank County. As separate entities, we have different requirements for licenses and permits. Check with the appropriate department for your needs. We welcome the opportunity to help you be successful.

City of Elizabeth City

Business License Information: 252-338-3981

Planning Department: 252-337-6672
The Planning Department handles zoning, annexation, and development plan reviews, administers the Unified Development Ordinance, enforces the City's Public Nuisance Ordinance, and administers Community Development activities.

Building Permits
Building Permits are required in Elizabeth City for all new construction, alteration, and repair which is structural in nature, whether commercial or residential, regardless of cost; for all commercial construction; and for all residential construction, structural or cosmetic, if the cost is $5,000 or more. Cost of Building Permits is calculated based on the estimated cost of construction.

Unified Development Ordinance for the City of Elizabeth City
The City of Elizabeth City's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was adopted by City Council on September 13, 1999. The purpose of the ordinance is to promote the health, safety, and general welfare of the residents of the City of Elizabeth City through the regulation of zoning, subdivisions, and land use.

From time to time, amendments to the UDO are adopted by the City Council. Every effort is made to provide complete and accurate information regarding this ordinance on this website however, the Planning and Community Development Department should be contacted regarding specific permit requirements and procedures. Questions should be addressed to the Planning and Community Development Director 252-337-6672.

Pasquotank County

Business License Information:
Pasquotank County does not require a business license.

Building Inspections Department: 252-338-1144
Commercial, Industrial and Residential building permits are issued by the County Building Inspections Department for land areas outside the Extraterritorial jurisdiction of the City of Elizabeth City. Cost for building permits is calculated based on square footage of improvements

Planning Department: 252-335-1891
The Pasquotank County Planning Department oversees the County land development regulations including but not limited to Subdivision and Zoning Administration and compliance. The department also assigns E-911 street addresses.

This department serves as staff support for the Planning Board and the Board of Adjustment

Pasquotank County Development Regulations
County Land Use Regulations are effective for all land areas outside the Extraterritorial Jurisdiction of the City of Elizabeth City.

Rezoning Property in Pasquotank County
To rezone any tract of land in the County's jurisdiction, the petition must be heard by the Planning Board which will make a recommendation to the County Commissioners who will hold a public hearing and make the decision.