NC Due Diligence
There are several useful government resources, including a way to look up septic permits, renovation permits, flood risks, property records, and neighborhood development plans.
1. Septic system records — Wake County
Particularly useful for older custom homes, larger lots, and properties outside municipal sewer service.
Look for the original septic permit, system location, approved bedroom capacity, and repair area, if documented.
Wake County Septic Permit Viewer (select Septic Permits)
How to find scanned septic permitsRecords may be incomplete. A permit does not establish the system's current condition.
data-wake.opendata.arcgis.com+1
2. Property boundaries, zoning, and easements — iMAPS
One of the best tools for researching North Raleigh properties.
View parcel details, aerial images, lot dimensions, zoning layers, and available mapping information. It's especially helpful when considering a pool, addition, or outdoor improvements.
Explore Wake County iMAPSParcel lines are approximate and not a substitute for a property survey.
coraleigh.github.io
3. Renovation and building permits — City of Raleigh
Especially helpful when purchasing a recently renovated older home.
Investigate whether permits were issued for additions, structural changes, electrical updates, HVAC replacements, and other permitted improvements.
Search Raleigh development and permit recordsHistorical records may be incomplete, and permit records do not guarantee construction quality.
Raleigh NC
4. Flood zones and flood risk — North Carolina
Important for properties with creeks, low-lying areas, or lots that slope toward the home.
Search an address to view mapped flood hazards and risk information.
NC Flood Risk Information SystemA property outside a mapped floodplain can still experience drainage or flooding problems.
fris.nc.gov
5. Property history and tax records — Wake County
Review recorded square footage, year built, land information, assessed tax value, and available sales history.
A useful starting point for comparing listing information with county records.
Wake County Real Estate Property SearchTax assessments are not the same as current market values.
Wake County Tax Administration+1
6. Deeds, recorded plats, and restrictive covenants
Research recorded property documents that may contain easements, subdivision restrictions, and other important information.
Wake County Register of Deeds RecordsHave a North Carolina real estate attorney review title, easements, and restrictions.
rodrecords.wake.gov
Additional resources worth including
Research topic
Official resource
Why buyers should check
Future neighborhood development
See development applications and plans that could affect nearby land.
Drainage and stormwater restrictions
Raleigh Residential Stormwater
Learn about impervious surface restrictions, stream buffers, drainage easements, and floodplain considerations.
Zoning and future renovations
Research zoning before planning additions or major property changes.
County building permits
Wake County Historical Permit Search
Search certain county permit records from before July 1, 2018.
Private well information
Wake County Water Analysis Results
Find the county's well-water analysis application.
