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Chatham Planning & Permitting

Open your doors with a clearer path.

Planning to open, build, relocate or expand a physical business in Chatham County? Start here to identify your likely approvals, the right reviewing agencies and the next steps for your project.

Build my project path View official resources
Check before you sign.Confirm that your proposed business activity is allowed at the property before signing a lease, purchasing a site or beginning construction.

What are you planning to do?

Choose the option that most closely matches your project. The guided checklist below will adjust to your location, project and business type.

01

Find the right location

Check jurisdiction, zoning, utilities and site constraints before making a commitment.

02

Open in an existing space

Confirm the prior use, occupancy, accessibility, fire safety and sign requirements.

03

Renovate or expand

Coordinate local zoning approval with County building plans, trade permits and inspections.

04

Build a new location

Plan for site review, utilities, stormwater, access, fire review, construction and inspections.

Build your likely project path

This planning tool provides a useful starting point. Government staff must confirm the exact requirements for a specific property and project.

Use the physical address. The mailing city alone does not establish jurisdiction.

Your likely pathway

Start by confirming the jurisdiction

Address check needed

    Open the permit portal

    Project address: Not provided

    REQUIREDTypically needed for the selected kind of project.
    MAY APPLYDepends on the property, previous use, construction, utilities or business activity.
    ASK FIRSTConfirm with planning or permitting staff before committing money or beginning work.

    Official planning and permitting resources

    Use your physical property address to determine the correct planning jurisdiction. Building permits and inspections are handled by Chatham County throughout the county, including Pittsboro, Siler City and Goldston.

    Questions to answer before opening

    Should I sign a lease before contacting planning staff?
    No. First confirm that your proposed business activity is allowed at the property and ask whether a change of use, site improvements, building upgrades or other approvals may be required. If timing requires you to sign, seek qualified legal advice about an appropriate contingency.
    Do I need approval if I am not renovating?
    Possibly. A new business can involve a change in use or occupancy even when no physical construction is planned. Prior approvals do not automatically transfer to a different business activity.
    Who handles building permits and inspections?
    Chatham County handles building permits, construction plan review, trade permits and inspections in the unincorporated County and in Pittsboro, Siler City and Goldston. Town zoning or development approval may also be required.
    What additional approvals might a restaurant need?
    Requirements may include zoning, building and trade permits, Environmental Health review, water and wastewater approval, grease control, fire suppression, signage and alcohol approvals. Confirm the complete list for the property before finalizing plans.
    When am I officially ready to open?
    Open only after all required final inspections, certificates and operating approvals have been issued. The final milestone may include a certificate of occupancy or compliance, zoning approval, fire approval, health permit or state license.

    You do not have to navigate the process alone.

    Connect with the Chatham Chamber before you open, relocate or expand. We can help you identify local resources, make useful connections and prepare better questions for the appropriate reviewing agencies.

    Contact the Chatham Chamber Explore business resources

    This guide is provided for general informational purposes and does not constitute zoning, permitting, engineering or legal approval. Requirements can change and vary by property and project. Always confirm current requirements directly with the responsible government agency before making financial commitments or beginning work.

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