Starting A Business

Currituck County is an ideal location for businesses of all sizes, from international corporations to budding startups. We are committed to ensuring that your business opening goes smoothly. If you’re new to the County’s procedures, our Planners are here to guide you through the necessary development plans, permits, and approvals.

Business / Development Service

• Free service for all residential and nonresidential development customers.
• An assigned Planner will assist you as your primary point of contact throughout the life of your project.
• Our Planners have expertise in the areas of planning, zoning, permitting, building code, and inspections.
• Work closely with all County staff involved in the development process..

Before Buying Property or Signing a Lease

Request a Zoning Determination Letter to ensure the lot or building meets County requirements and is zoned for the intended use.

• This formal letter is a written document from the Planning and Inspections Department confirming the zoning district(s) for any given parcel of land as well as any applicable zoning conditions on the parcel.
• The fee for a Zoning Determination Letter is $25.00.
• Processing may take up to 2 weeks.

Locating in a New or Renovated Building

A Change of Occupancy Use/Change of Owner-Lessee Permit (PDF) is required when locating in a new or renovated building.

Site Plan approval is required prior to construction of a new building or making alterations to the exterior or facade of an existing building. Changes may include landscaping, parking, awnings, lighting, etc.

After the Site Plan has been approved, apply for and obtain a Non-Residential Building Permit by submitting the following documents and plans to Currituck County Citizen Self Service:

• Non-Residential Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Code Summary for Commercial Projects (PDF)
• A floor plan of the space to be occupied, drawn to scale, showing and identifying each room, bathrooms, doorways, exits, reception areas, etc.
• An overall building plan, drawn to scale, that clearly identifies the name, address, and type of business for each tenant’s space.
• Food services and certain day care facilities must include a menu if the project needs to be reviewed by the Albemarle Regional Health Services Department.
  • Submit your permit application and pay associated fees directly to Albemarle Regional Health Services Department
• A sign permit (PDF) is required prior to installation of a permanent sign.  Sign regulations are found in the Unified Development Ordinance, Chapter 5: Development Standards, Section 5.12 Signage (PDF).

Locating a New Tenant in an Existing Building with No Changes to the Property or Space

A Change of Occupancy Use/Change of Owner-Lessee Permit (PDF) is required when locating in a new or renovated building.

• Change of Occupancy – moving into a space previously approved for a different building code occupancy type, such as from a business use to an educational use.
• Change of Owner-Lessee – moving into a space previously permitted for the same building occupancy type, such as business use to business use.

Once a permit has been issued, the required building/fire inspections will need to be scheduled and approved before the Certificate of Occupancy can be issued.

For the list of fees, please see the Permits & Inspections Fee Schedule.

Apply for and obtain a Non-Residential Building Permit by submitting the following documents and plans to Permits Online:

• Non-Residential Building Permit Application (PDF)
• Code Summary for Commercial Projects (PDF)
• A floor plan of the space to be occupied, drawn to scale, showing and identifying each room, bathrooms, doorways, exits, reception areas, etc.
• An overall building plan, drawn to scale, that clearly identifies the name, address, and type of business for each tenant’s space.
• Food services and certain day care facilities must include a menu if the project needs to be reviewed by the Albemarle Regional Health Services Department.
  • Submit your permit application and pay associated fees directly to Albemarle Regional Health Services Department
• A sign permit (PDF) is required prior to installation of a permanent sign.  Sign regulations are found in the Unified Development Ordinance, Chapter 5: Development Standards, Section 5.12 Signage (PDF).

Locating a Business in Your Home

Home Occupations are permitted in most zoning districts. Home Occupation regulations can be found in the Unified Development Ordinance, Chapter 4: Use Standards, Subsection 4.3.3.L.

Changing Residential Property into Commercial/Non-Residential Property

Prior to converting a house or other residential structure into a commercial/non-residential use, check with the Planning & Inspections Department to ensure the property is zoned properly.

Some State building code requirements are more stringent for commercial property. Examples include:

• Handicapped parking and access for the site and the bathrooms
• Weight-bearing limits of floors
• Minimum width of hallways and corridors
• Firewall requirements

Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina (EDPNC) Start A Business Planning Checklist, an extension of the N.C. Department of Commerce, has details on state licenses, permits and regulatory requirements. (North Carolina does not have one comprehensive business license that covers all requirements.)

How to Obtain an ABC License

Businesses that serve alcoholic beverages must receive approval from the North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control (ABC) Commission 919-779-0700.

To obtain a license, follow the process below:

1. Visit www.abc.nc.gov/permits-section to determine the type of ABC permit required and print the permit application packet.
2. Submit a completed Currituck County Alcohol License (ABC) form (PDF) with the required $100.00 fee to Currituck County Permits and Inspections at Permits Online.
3. Complete Section A of the N.C. Carolina Alcoholic Beverage Control Commission Inspection/Zoning Compliance Form (PDF).  This form must be kept at the business site.
4. Schedule a Zoning Inspection for the business site by calling Currituck County Permits and Inspections at 252-232-3378.
5.  After approval of the Zoning Inspection, schedule a Building and Fire Inspection with the Currituck County Permits and Inspections by calling 252-232-3378.
6. To obtain the required local law enforcement approval for the ABC permit application, please schedule an appointment with the Currituck County Sheriff’s Department located at 125 College Way, Barco, by calling 252-453-8204.
7. To obtain the required Local Government Opinion (LGO), schedule an appointment with the County Manager’s Office by calling 252-232-2075.  Be sure to bring the completed Inspection/Zoning Compliance form (PDF), along with the Local Government Opinion form (PDF) (with the applicant section filled out) to your appointment.
8. Complete the remaining required forms, retain copies of all documents for your records, and send the original documents to the following address:

NC ABC Commission
4307 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, NC  27699-4307

If you are using USPS Express Mail, FedEx, or UPS, please send your application packet to:

NC ABC Commission
400 East Tryon Road
Raleigh, NC  27610

If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to contact the Planning Division of the Planning and Inspections Department at 252-232-3055.

Utilities for Your New Business

Water & Sewer Service

Visit Currituck County Water and Sewer or call 252-232-2769 for water or sewer service inquiries.

Other Utilities

Dominion Energy – North Carolina Natural Gas for Business

Dominion Energy – North Carolina Electric for Business -To start new service or to add an additional service call 866-366-4357