Alexander County

Alexander County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes, a metal carport, garage or storage building in unincorporated Alexander County needs a zoning permit if any dimension is over 12 feet, and the county has a Detached Accessory Building Permit for the building side. Both are handled by Planning & Development in Taylorsville. If your property is inside the Town of Taylorsville, check with the town, because its rules may apply instead.

Permit office: Alexander County Building Inspections (Planning & Development)
Address: 151 West Main Ave., Taylorsville, NC 28681
Phone: 828-632-1000
Official county page

When a permit is required

Zoning permit: Required for new structures with any dimension over 12 feet, including storage buildings and garages. Get it before construction begins.
Building permit: The county uses a Detached Accessory Building Permit application for garages, sheds and similar buildings. Call to confirm whether your size needs one.
Pole barns: The county's pole barn guide allows non-engineered barns up to 32 feet wide, 40 feet long and 12-foot walls. Bigger ones need sealed drawings from an NC licensed design professional.
Code: Plans are reviewed to the 2018 NC Residential Code.

Zoning and setbacks

Alexander County Planning & Development handles zoning in the unincorporated county. The residential zoning permit asks for a site map showing the building's dimensions and its distance from property lines and other structures, and setbacks are filled in by staff based on your zoning district. The form also includes a deed restriction acknowledgment, so check your deed and any HOA rules. If your land is in a flood zone, the county has a separate Floodplain Development Permit. Keep the building clear of any septic system or well.

What to bring

Residential Zoning Permit application with a site map showing distances to property lines and other buildings
Detached Accessory Building Permit application (or Pole Barn guide for a pole barn)
Building plans, or engineered drawings for a certified metal building (we can help you get these)
Owner Exemption Affidavit if you're the owner pulling the permit

Farm buildings

A building used only for a bona fide farm may be exempt from a building permit in county jurisdiction under N.C. G.S. 160D-903. Ask Building Inspections what proof of farm use they want. Electrical work still needs a permit.

Good to know

You can apply and track permits on the county's online permitting portal or email permits@alexandercountync.gov. Building Inspections and Planning share the same office and phone line at 151 West Main Ave. in Taylorsville.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Alexander County?
If any side or the height is over 12 feet, you need a zoning permit before you start, and most carports are that big. Whether a building permit is needed too depends on size, so call Planning & Development at 828-632-1000.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Alexander County?
Garages and storage buildings over 12 feet in any dimension need the zoning permit. The county also has a Detached Accessory Building Permit for garages and sheds, and staff can tell you if your size calls for it.

How big can a pole barn be without engineered drawings in Alexander County?
The county's pole barn guide allows non-engineered barns up to 32 feet wide and 40 feet long with 12-foot walls. Anything bigger needs sealed drawings from an NC licensed design professional.

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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