Building and Construction Permits
Most crane projects are tied to a larger construction effort, whether it is an HVAC rooftop unit installation, steel erection, cell tower work, or setting concrete walls. The building or construction permit for the overall project is typically the first permit secured, and it is issued by the local code enforcement or permitting office in the jurisdiction where the work is taking place.
What to Know About Building Permits for Crane Work
Building permits are the responsibility of the property owner, general contractor, or their authorized agent. When you are planning a crane lift as part of a larger project, make sure the scope of work described in your building permit application accounts for any crane-assisted activities. Key points to keep in mind:
- Building permits must be secured before construction begins, not after the crane arrives on site
- Separate permits may be required for building, electrical, heating, air conditioning, and plumbing work depending on the scope of the project
- Commercial projects and larger residential work typically require plan review, which adds lead time to the permitting process
- Inspections are tied to the permit and may need to be scheduled at various stages of the project
If your project involves setting rooftop HVAC equipment, installing generators, or placing heavy structural components, make sure the permitting authority is aware that crane operations will be part of the work. This helps avoid surprises during the inspection process.
Read our blog about crane rental logistics and transportation.
Right-of-Way Use Permits and Road Closure Permits
When a crane needs to be set up on or near a public roadway, sidewalk, or other portion of the public right-of-way, a right-of-way use permit is almost always required. This is one of the most common permit types associated with crane rental work in urban and suburban environments, particularly in cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and other municipalities throughout North Carolina and South Carolina.
How Right-of-Way Permits Work
In Charlotte, for instance, contractors wanting to temporarily occupy a traffic lane, planting strip, sidewalk, or any other portion of the public right-of-way must obtain a Right-of-Way Use Permit from the Charlotte Department of Transportation (CDOT). Each request is considered on a case-by-case basis to ensure there is no adverse impact to public safety.
The types of closures that may apply to a crane project include:
- Lane closures — Closing one or more lanes to position the crane or its outriggers
- Sidewalk closures — Required when the crane's swing radius or rigging operations extend over pedestrian areas, with suitable provisions for pedestrians
- Full street closures — Necessary when the crane must occupy the entire roadway, which requires preparing a detour plan and providing advance notice to emergency services
Key Details for Charlotte Right-of-Way Permits
If your crane project is in Charlotte, here are some important details to plan around:
- CDOT staff will review, approve, and issue the permit 72 hours from initial contact. Full street closure requests should be submitted at least 10 days prior to the desired closure date.
- Closures will not be allowed during certain times of the day due to traffic congestion — specifically between 7 to 9 a.m. and 4 to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- A non-refundable application fee and a daily fee are required, with costs dependent on the type of closure requested.
- The requestor is solely responsible for proper traffic control setup and removal.
- Copies of the approved permit must be displayed on the dashboard of all vehicles or items in the permitted area.
Other cities across the Carolinas have their own versions of right-of-way or street use permits with varying application processes, fee structures, and lead times. Always check with the local transportation department or public works office in the jurisdiction where your project is located.
Are crane rentals safe? Read our blog on safety considerations here.
NCDOT Oversize and Overweight Transport Permits
Transporting cranes on public highways often requires oversize and overweight permits from the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT). North Carolina law sets standard limits at 8 feet 6 inches wide, 13 feet 6 inches tall, and 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight — and many cranes exceed one or more of these.
For example, the Grove GMK5150L in Parker's Crane fleet has a total gross vehicle weight of 132,280 pounds, well above the 80,000-pound standard. Even the Grove TMS 9000-2, at 97,000 pounds, requires an overweight permit for highway travel.
Types of NCDOT Transport Permits
- Annual Permits — Valid for one year, covering repeated movements of the same equipment. The original request for cranes must include schematics with axle spacings, weights, and dimensions. The annual fee is $185 per vehicle.
- Single Trip Permits — For one-time movements from a specific origin to a specific destination. Valid for 10 calendar days.
- Superload Permits — For loads exceeding standard oversize permit dimensions, potentially requiring route surveys and bridge assessments.
Important Transport Restrictions
- Travel is authorized Monday through Saturday, sunrise to sunset, with no Sunday travel without specific authorization
- Loads over 10 feet wide are restricted within a 10-mile radius of Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill during rush hours
- Escort vehicles, "Oversize Load" signage, flags, and amber lights may be required
- No travel on major holidays or holiday weekends
At Parker's Crane, we handle the transport permitting for our own equipment as part of our standard operations, so this is one less thing our clients need to manage.
FAA Airspace Notifications
If your crane project is located near an airport, you may need to file FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration, before work begins. This is required when:
- The crane exceeds 200 feet above ground level, regardless of distance from an airport
- The crane is within 20,000 feet of a public-use or military airport and exceeds a 100:1 slope from the nearest runway
- The project is located on a public-use airport
Notification must be submitted at least 45 days prior to construction, with the FAA recommending 45 to 60 days to allow time for their aeronautical study. The form can be filed electronically through the FAA's OE/AAA system at oeaaa.faa.gov. This applies to temporary structures like crane booms, not just permanent construction.
OSHA Compliance and Operator Certification
While not a traditional permit, OSHA compliance is mandatory for every crane operation. North Carolina has adopted OSHA's Cranes and Derricks in Construction standard (Subpart CC), which requires nationally accredited crane operator certification, pre-shift inspections, qualified riggers and signal persons, and documented pre-lift assessments.
When you rent a crane through Parker's Crane Service, these requirements are built into our service:
- NCCCO certified operators on every job
- Certified and qualified riggers and signal persons
- OSHA and MSHA qualified personnel
- Pre-lift job assessments and daily risk assessments
- On-site hazard analyses and routine management audits
Our Zero Accident Philosophy means our clients can focus on the broader project knowing the crane operation meets all federal and state safety standards.
Tips for Managing the Permitting Process
- Start early. FAA notifications need 45 to 60 days. Charlotte right-of-way permits need 72 hours minimum, with full street closures needing 10 days. Build these into your project schedule from day one.
- Identify the jurisdiction. Requirements vary between Charlotte, Asheville, Columbia, and rural areas. Contact the local permitting office early.
- Coordinate with your crane provider. Parker's Crane offers free onsite quotes and evaluations that can help flag potential permitting needs related to site access, road closures, and airspace.
- Keep documentation on site. Most permits require approved copies to be available during operations.
- Plan for inspections. Know when inspections are required and who schedules them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for obtaining crane project permits?
The general contractor or property owner typically secures permits related to the construction project — building permits, right-of-way permits, and specialty permits. The crane rental provider handles transport permits for their equipment and ensures operator certifications and OSHA compliance.
Does Parker's Crane help with the permitting process?
We do not secure construction permits on behalf of clients, but our free onsite evaluations help identify potential permitting needs related to site access, road closures, and airspace. We also develop lift plans that can support your permit applications.
Do I need an FAA permit if my crane is under 200 feet tall?
Possibly. If your site is within 20,000 feet of an airport, the notification threshold is based on a 100:1 slope from the nearest runway, which can be much lower than 200 feet. Use the FAA's online notice criteria tool to check your specific location.
What happens if I operate without the required permits?
Operating without permits can result in stop-work orders, fines, and project delays. OSHA violations carry significant financial penalties. The cost of proper permitting is always far less than the cost of non-compliance.
How far does Parker's Crane travel for projects?
We typically service projects within a 150-mile radius of Concord, North Carolina, covering Charlotte, Raleigh, Boone, Asheville, and South Carolina cities like Columbia, Greenville, Spartanburg, and Anderson. Contact our team to discuss your project.
Conclusion
The permitting requirements for a crane project can seem complex, but they exist to protect workers, the public, and shared infrastructure. Understanding what permits your project needs and building adequate lead time into your schedule are the most effective ways to keep your job running smoothly.
Parker's Crane Service has been supporting projects across North Carolina and South Carolina for over 40 years. Our NCCCO certified operators, qualified riggers, and experienced support staff are ready to help you plan and execute your next crane project safely and efficiently.
Contact Parker's Crane Service for a free onsite quote and evaluation.