Effective April 1, 2013, North Carolina law will require that an owner (or, as typical with permit applications, the contractor on their behalf) appoint a lien agent when they first contract for improvements to real property. A lien agent is a title insurer or agent also registered as a lien agent with the NC Department of Insurance. In accordance with North Carolina General Assembly Session law 2012-158, Inspection Departments are not allowed to issue any permit where the project cost is $30,000 or more unless the application is for improvements to an existing dwelling that the applicant uses as a residence OR the property owner has designated a lien agent and provided the inspections office with the agent’s name, address (mailing and physical) telephone and fax numbers and e-mail address

Liens NC is arranging a simple website (www.liensnc.com) that allows for a form to be printed and submitted with the permit application to satisfy the new requirements of SL2012-158.