Ashe County

Ashe County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes, Ashe County requires a building permit before you build or alter a building, so plan on one for a metal carport or garage. Accessory buildings and garages also need Environmental Health compliance, plus town zoning approval if you're inside a town. Some projects may be exempt, so call the Inspections office about yours. If you're in Jefferson, West Jefferson or Lansing, that town's zoning applies too.

Permit office: Ashe County Building Inspections
Address: 150 Government Circle Suite 2400, Jefferson, NC 28640
Phone: 336-846-5511
Official county page

When a permit is required

Building permit: Required before construction or alteration of any building. The county says some projects are exempt, so call to check your building size.
Accessory buildings and garages: The county's checklist says you'll need Environmental Health compliance, and town zoning approval if you're in a town.
Flood zones: Floodplain projects go through the County Planning Director before a permit is issued, and no structures can go in the floodway.
Code: Plans are reviewed to the 2018 NC Residential Code.

Zoning and setbacks

Ashe County Planning reviews new development under the county's Land Use Ordinance, which covers flood control, watershed protection and polluting industries. Planning can be reached at 336-846-5528. If your land is in a flood zone, you may need a flood zone permit, a survey of the building location, an elevation certificate or engineering. Inside a town, get that town's zoning approval. If you have septic or a well, Environmental Health needs to sign off, so keep the building clear of the tank, drain field and well.

What to bring

Residential Building Permit application
Environmental Health septic/well paperwork or release form (Appalachian District Health Department, 336-246-3356)
Plans drawn to scale, or engineered drawings for a certified metal building (we can help you get these)
Notarized Erosion Control Form and, if you're the owner-builder, the notarized Owner Exemption Affidavit
Flood zone permit if your site is in the floodplain

Farm buildings

Ashe County says a building permit is not required for a farm building, but an electrical permit is. The land must be farm sales tax certified or eligible for the present use value program, and you need to bring a copy of your tax listing showing present use value or your exemption certificate number. Without that, the building needs a permit. This follows N.C. G.S. 160D-903.

Good to know

Permits are issued at the Ashe County Courthouse, 2nd floor, Suite 2400. Permitting hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, closed 12 to 1 for lunch. The office does not take credit cards, so bring cash or a check. Forms are on the county's permit forms page. The county frost line is 24 inches, which matters for footings, and in these mountains ask what snow load to design for.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Ashe County?
Usually, yes. Ashe County wants a building permit before you build, but it says some projects are exempt and doesn't post a size cutoff. Call Inspections at 336-846-5511 with your carport size to find out.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Ashe County?
Yes, and garages and accessory buildings also need Environmental Health compliance for septic and wells. In Jefferson, West Jefferson or Lansing you need that town's zoning approval too.

Can I put a metal building in a flood zone in Ashe County?
Floodplain projects go through the County Planning Director before a permit is issued, and nothing can be built in the floodway. You may need a flood zone permit, a survey or an elevation certificate.

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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