The duties and responsibilities of the building department in compliance with state statute
160a-412 are to enforce building codes and state and local laws relating to:

- The construction of buildings and other structures.
- The installation of plumbing systems, electrical
- Systems, heating systems, refrigeration systems, and air-conditioning systems.
- The maintenance of buildings and other structures in a safe and healthful condition.
- Other matters that may be specified by the town council.

These duties include the receipt of applications for permits, plan review, issuance or denial of permits, the making of any necessary inspections, the issuance of orders to correct violations, the bringing of judicial actions against actual or threatened violations, the keeping of adequate records, and any other actions that may be required in order to adequately enforce those laws.

A large part of the processes is permitting. Permitting involves the taking of the application, review of blueprints and specifications submitted, checking of licensure of all contractors involved, pricing of permits, and issuance of the necessary forms to complete the transaction. Records are kept of all permits issued and all inspections performed are recorded on those records. Upon completion of the construction and inspection processes, a certificate of occupancy is issued by the building department and the file is stored according to state regulations.

Contractor's Checklist (PDF)