Buying a lot in Davidson County, NC: septic, sewer, zoning and flood checks

By Nara Bakthisaran. Sources checked Oct 15, 2026. Always confirm with the county before you pay or close.

Septic and soil evaluation process

In NC, the old "perc test" is now a soil and site evaluation by county Environmental Health. If the site qualifies, the county issues an Improvement Permit (IP): where the system can go, what type, and for how many bedrooms. The Construction Authorization (CA/ATC) comes next and is needed before a building permit. An IP for a 3-bedroom house may not cover 4 bedrooms.

The county says that if you plan to build within 5 years, apply for the IP and ATC together. An issued IP transfers to a new owner at no charge if the lot doesn't change. Applications can be filed online at davidsoncountync.portal.opengov.com. The county doesn't publish turnaround times; ask Environmental Health when you apply. Main county number on the official Environmental Health page: (336) 242-2000.

Environmental Health contact page: https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/205/Environmental-Health

Fees as published

Official fee schedule, effective 7/1/2025 (the "25-26 EH Fee Schedule" linked from the county's Environmental Health page): https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/DocumentCenter/View/12343/25-26-EH-Fee-Schedule-

Sewer and city utilities

County sewer: Davidson County runs about 45 miles of sewer mains in the northwest part of the county; call 336-236-3120 (https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/272/Sewer). Thomasville: new water and sewer taps go through City Billing at 336-475-4210. Note that a Thomasville mailing address doesn't always mean the lot is inside city limits (https://www.thomasville-nc.gov/departments/utility_services_billing/establish_new_utility_account.php). Lexington: Lexington Utilities provides water and sewer in the city and parts of the county. Its website lists "Water and Sewer Availability" as a request type, but the site blocked my automated check. If sewer is available, you generally skip septic permitting, but there may be tap or extension costs.

Zoning and setbacks: where to check

Davidson County Planning & Zoning: 336-242-2220. The zoning ordinance and subdivision rules are posted there (https://www.co.davidson.nc.us/330/Planning-Zoning). Inside city limits or a city's extraterritorial jurisdiction, ask that city's planning office. Ask about the zoning district, minimum lot size, front, side and rear setbacks, road frontage and access, and any HOA or recorded restrictions.

Flood check

• FEMA Flood Map Service Center: https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search. Look up the address and check for zones A or AE.
• First Street (riskfactor.com): free property-level flood risk score that models future risk beyond FEMA zones. It's useful context but not a regulatory determination.

Pre-purchase checklist

• Make the contract contingent on an IP (or a soil scientist's report) for your bedroom count, and give it enough time
• Is a permit already on file? Get a copy and check its date (5-year validity)
• Is sewer available, and what does connection cost?
• Will a well be needed? Ask neighbors about water quantity and quality
• Zoning, setbacks and minimum lot size; deed restrictions and HOA
• Legal road access (not landlocked) and driveway permit (NCDOT if it's a state road)
• FEMA flood zone, wetlands, streams and buffers
• Survey with corners marked (also needed for the soil evaluation visit)
• Title search and easements
• Rough site-work budget: clearing, grading, a longer driveway, an alternative septic system

General guidance: NC State Extension, https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/investigate-before-you-invest · NC Real Estate Commission, https://www.ncrec.gov/Brochures/DueDiligenceBrochure.pdf