LENOIR COUNTY — Beginning Jan. 1, 2023, a consolidated Building Inspections Department will provide Permitting, Plan Review and Inspections services for the Town of La Grange, Town of Pink Hill and all of unincorporated Lenoir County.  

The county has provided inspections services for the Town of Pink Hill for many years. Now, an inter-local agreement recently executed by the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners and the LaGrange Town Council will further streamline the delivery of services to residents and developers in Lenoir County who are involved in renovations or new construction projects. 

The consolidated Lenoir County Inspections Office will fall under the umbrella of Lenoir County government and report directly to Adam Short, Assistant County Manager and Planning Director. In consolidating these services under one roof, the Town of La Grange and Lenoir County hope to minimize confusion for developers and maximize efficiency.  

Furthermore, by partnering to provide these services at one location, the organizations aim to limit inter-agency competition for positions that perform similar job functions in an increasingly competitive job market.  

“We are excited to provide these services for the Town of La Grange,” Short said. “This is a positive step forward for our county and a positive way to build relationships between the county, the Town of La Grange and our development community.” 

The Town of LaGrange will still review and approve development proposals to ensure compliance with local ordinances (e.g., site plan, zoning, subdivision, floodplain, public safety and public utilities). Once a development is approved by the Town, the county would proceed with the permitting process.  

“We are hopeful this partnership can maximize our existing resources in a centralized manner, which will improve customer service to our residents,” said Lenoir County Commissioners Chair Linda Rouse-Sutton. “I appreciate Mayor Wooten and the Town Council for their foresight and willingness to partner with the County. We are all in this together, as we work to further create a business-friendly environment in our community.”  

Anyone with questions can contact the Lenoir County Planning and Inspections Office at 252-559-2260.