Alamance County

Alamance County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Most metal carports, garages and barns in unincorporated Alamance County need a building permit from Alamance County Inspections. A residential accessory building with no dimension over 12 feet does not need one. If your land is inside Burlington, Graham, Mebane or another town, check with that town first, because its rules may apply instead.

Permit office: Alamance County Inspections Department
Address: 1946 Martin Street, Burlington, NC 27217
Phone: 336-290-0404
Official county page

When a permit is required

Over 12 feet: The county exempts residential accessory structures only when no dimension exceeds 12 feet. A longer, wider or taller building needs a building permit.
Wiring or plumbing: The small-building exemption does not cover new electrical, plumbing or mechanical work. If you run power to the building, you need a permit for that work.
Plans: Building permits are issued after plan review, and plans must be on site at inspection. Buildings are reviewed to the 2018 NC Residential Code.

Zoning and setbacks

Zoning and land development in the unincorporated county are handled by the Alamance County Planning Department under the county's Unified Development Ordinance. Setbacks from property lines depend on your property and its district, so ask Planning before you pick a spot. Planning is in the same building as Inspections and can be reached at 336-570-4053. If you have a septic system or well, keep the building clear of the tank, drain field and well, and ask Environmental Health if you're unsure where they are.

What to bring

Residential Permit Application (the county lists accessory structures under this form)
Owner Exemption Affidavit if you are pulling the permit yourself as the owner
Site plan showing the building's distance to property lines and other structures
Building plans, or engineered drawings for a certified metal building (we can help you get these)
Send permit and plan review requests electronically to planreview@alamance-nc.com

Farm buildings

Alamance County says building permits are not required for farm buildings located outside the jurisdiction of any municipality. This follows N.C. G.S. 160D-903, which exempts buildings used only for a bona fide farm. Call Inspections to confirm what proof of farm use they want to see. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work in a farm building still needs a permit.

Good to know

Before you apply, the county asks you to confirm your address is in county jurisdiction on the Alamance County GIS site. Permits are issued within 48 hours after plan review approval, and all fees must be paid before you can request an inspection. You can request inspections through Online Permits & Requests. The office is open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Alamance County?
Most likely, yes. Unincorporated Alamance County only skips the building permit when no dimension is over 12 feet, and most carports are bigger than that. If you're in Burlington, Graham or Mebane, check with the town first.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Alamance County?
Yes, once any side or the height goes past 12 feet, which covers most metal garages and barns. Even a small shed needs a permit for any wiring or plumbing you add. Plan review requests go to planreview@alamance-nc.com.

Do I need a permit for a farm building in Alamance County?
Not for the building itself if it's used only for a bona fide farm outside any town's jurisdiction. Call Inspections at 336-290-0404 to ask what proof of farm use they want. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work still need permits.

Sources

Rules and fees change. Call the office to confirm before you order.

See the full North Carolina permit guide for statewide rules, farm exemptions and wind and snow ratings.

Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.

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