The City of Shelby’s new online Permit Portal, GovWell, went live on Monday, September 23, 2024. Starting on that date, all new planning, zoning, and building applications must be submitted through the portal at www.cityofshelby.com/PermitPortal. 

Scroll to the bottom of the page for application checklists and forms that are still required for submittal. 

What does the transition to an Online Portal mean for me?

• No More Emailed or Paper Applications: As of September 23, emailed or hard copy applications are no longer accepted. This applies to all planning, zoning, and building-related applications.

•  Note: A hard copy of plans is required for the following application types: 
  • Commercial site plans
  • Major subdivisions
  • Right-of-way encroachments
  • Stormwater permits
  • Other projects may be notified that hard copy plan submittal is required on a case-by-case basis

• Please submit the hard copy to Cameron Howell, Utilities Project Coordinator:
  Attn: Cameron Howell
  City of Shelby UOC
  824 W. Grover St.
  Shelby, NC 28150
• Contact Cameron Howell with any questions about hard copy submittals at 704-669-6554.

• Current Applications:
  • Building permits, including trade permits, signs, change in tenants, etc:
  • All building permits have been migrated to the new system and all processing with take place in the new GovWell platform.
  • Planning submissions, including subdivisions, rezonings, home occupations, etc:
  • Submissions made before September 23 will continue to be processed and completed using our current system.
  • Some larger projects have been migrated to the new platform on a case-by-case basis.

Key Features of the GovWell Portal:

• Real-Time Updates: Monitor review timelines, status changes, and respond to comments—all within the portal.
• Centralized Dashboard: Manage all your projects in one place, including document submissions, inspection requests, and payments.

Fee Schedules:

• New Fees Effective July 1, 2024: City Council has approved a new fee schedule, effective July 1, 2024. You can view the updated fees here:
• Planning & Zoning Fees (Effective July 1, 2024)
• Building & Permit Fees (Effective July 1, 2024)
• Payment Options:
• The new GovWell permitting platform allows applicants to pay online but other options are available.
• Check: Payable to the City of Shelby, delivered in person or by mail.
• Cash: Exact change only; in-person payments only.
• Card: Processing fee applies.

Getting Started with GovWell:

To familiarize yourself with the new portal, we’ve provided helpful training videos:

• Signing Up for GovWell
• Contractor Registration Demo
• GovWell Support

Support & Questions:

• Technical Issues: For portal-related technical support, use the online chat feature in GovWell, available with a response time of less than 1 hour.
• Application Inquiries: For questions about application types or requirements, please contact us:
• Building Inspections & Permitting: 704-484-6805 (menu option 1)
• Planning & Zoning: 704-484-6829 (menu option 3) or email zoning@cityofshelby.com

We’ve taken steps to ensure a smooth transition to GovWell, and we’re confident that this new system will enhance your experience with faster and more efficient service. Thank you for your cooperation as we make this important change!

Required Forms

• Appointment of Agent Form - Required for all planning/zoning projects where the applicant is not the property owner.

Application checklists

• Site Plan Review Checklist
• Special Use Permit 1 Checklist
• Special Use Permit 2 Checklist
• Home Occupation Checklist/Guidelines
• Residential Site Plan Guidance

For more information, contact:
Planning & Development Services: 704-484-6829 – select “planning” by pressing 3
Building Inspections: 704-484-6805 – select “permits & inspections” by pressing 1

Post Office Box 207, Shelby, NC 28151
315 South Lafayette Street, Shelby, NC 28150