Inspections

 

Building permits issued within the Town of Knightdale receive inspections from multiple agencies - Knightdale Public Works, Knightdale Development Services, Wake County Planning & Development Services, and Knightdale Fire. 

Both Wake County and Town of Knightdale complete next business day inspections.

The cut-off time for requesting next-day inspections is 3 p.m. (effective Monday, January 13, 2025). To schedule an inspection for the next business day, your request must be submitted before 3 p.m. of the previous business day.

 

Zoning, Infrastructure, and S&EC Inspections

The following inspections are performed by Town of Knightdale staff and scheduled via the Wake County Permit Portal. Click on each heading for additional information and sample checklists. Some elements may vary depending on the type of project and building permit. 

A Perimeter Erosion Controls inspection is required on all new single family homes and new non-residential buildings. It is the initial sedimentation and erosion control (S&EC) inspection to ensure all required erosion control measures are present. This inspection is required before the Setback Inspection.

 

Individual Lot:

  • Building permit documents
  • SWPPP/NCG01 (COC, Inspection records)
  • ESC measures installed per the approved plan
  • Concrete washout
  • Proper trash disposal/ dumpster

Whole Site:

  • Building permit documents
  • SWPPP/NCG01 (COC, Inspection records)
  • Silt fence and silt-fence-outlet (installed as per approved plan)
  • Construction entrance

*performed by Knightdale Public Works

A setback inspection is required for any new structures or expansion of existing structures. This is one of the first inspections scheduled for a building permit to ensure the structure is located correctly on the lot. The setback inspection must be completed prior to a footing inspection being scheduled. 

 

  • Property corners staked or clearly marked
  • Building corners flagged or clearly marked (include porches and decks)
  • Ensure site plan matches actual layout of structures
  • Easements, floodplain, and Neuse River buffers clearly noted on site plan

*performed by Knightdale Development Services

This inspection is scheduled after the forms have been set, but before any concrete is poured.

 

Driveway

  • Width at right-of-way (typically 12-18' for residential)
  • Setback from property line (2')
  • Minimum required length
  • Expansion joints
  • Depth > 4"; Depth of 6" for apron
  • Apron radius of 42"
  • Compaction 

Sidewalk

  • Sub base of 6" ABC
  • Depth of 4"
  • Minimum required width
  • Compaction 

*performed by Knightdale Public Works

A Final Site Stabilization inspection is required on all new single family homes and new non-residential buildings. It is the last S&EC inspection to ensure site is stabilized and free of erosion or drainage issues. This inspection must take place before a CO will be issued.

 

  • Positive Drainage: downspout disconnets or splash block with the direction of flow away from a building/ building pad
  • Permanent Ground Cover: at least 85% stabilization/germination

 *performed by Knightdale Public Works

The final inspection made by the Town to ensure that all zoning issues have been addressed prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy (or Completion). This inspection is scheduled after Wake County passes the Building Final.

 

  • Vegetation & landscaping requirements
    • lot trees, street trees, buffers, above-ground utility screening
  • All construction debris & dumpsters removed
  • No damage to public infrastructure
  • Elevations match approved plans
  • Meter box & clean out at grade

*performed by Knightdale Development Services

All building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical inspections are completed by the Wake County Permits & Inspections on behalf of the Town.

Fire related inspections are scheduled by contacting the Knightdale Fire Marshal directly by either phone or email. These inspections are not scheduled via the Permit Portal.