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Beaufort County

Beaufort County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

North Carolina

Yes, a metal carport or building in unincorporated Beaufort County needs a permit from the county Building Inspections Department, whose detached building handout lists sheds, barns, lean-tos, shelters, shops, pre-manufactured buildings and carports. If any side or the height is over 12 feet, the building has to meet NC Building Code wind specifications and be anchored at each corner. Inside Washington, Belhaven, Aurora, Bath, Chocowinity or another town, check with that town, since its rules may apply instead.


Permit office: Beaufort County Building Inspections Department
Address: 220 N Market Street, Washington, NC 27889
Phone: 252-946-7182
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • The county's detached building permit covers sheds, barns, lean-tos, shelters, shops, pre-manufactured buildings and carports.
  • If any dimension is over 12 feet, the building must meet NC Building Code wind zone specifications and have a ground anchor at each corner.
  • Work has to start within six months of the permit being issued, or the permit expires.
  • If the total project is $30,000 or more, a licensed general contractor is required.


Zoning and setbacks

Your plot plan has to show every structure on the lot and its distance from the property lines, so measure before you apply. The county handout does not list setback numbers, so ask the office what applies to your lot. If you are within 75 feet of a water body or in an area of environmental concern, you may also need a CAMA permit from the NC Division of Coastal Management (252-946-6481). In the AE flood zone, the building needs flood vents or dampers or must be elevated above the flood level. Keep the building clear of your septic system and well.


What to bring

  • A County Permit Application with the project address, owner name, tax parcel number, total contract cost and a full description of the work.
  • Contractor phone number and license number.
  • A plot plan showing the accessory building's dimensions, the size of the main house and distances to property lines. A survey or a hand-drawn plan to scale is accepted.
  • Engineered drawings for a certified metal building, showing wind and anchoring details.
  • A CAMA permit or flood information if your lot is near water or in a flood zone.


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 the Building Inspections Department what proof of farm use they need. Electrical work still needs a permit.


Good to know

This is coastal country, so wind rating and anchoring matter here. The county's detached building handout lists the building inspectors at 252-940-5710 and 252-940-5709, with hours Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The minimum permit fee on that handout is $25.00. Applications are on the county's Permitting page.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Beaufort County?
Yes. Beaufort County's detached building permit lists carports by name. If any side or the height is over 12 feet, the carport has to meet NC wind zone specs and be anchored at each corner.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Beaufort County?
Yes, sheds, shops, barns and pre-manufactured buildings all go on the county's detached building permit. Once it's issued, work has to start within six months or the permit expires.


Do I need a CAMA permit for a carport in Beaufort County?
You may if the building is within 75 feet of a water body or in an area of environmental concern. Call the NC Division of Coastal Management at 252-946-6481. In the AE flood zone, plan on flood vents or dampers or an elevated building.


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.


Ready to design your building?

Design it yourself in 3D with the button below, or call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you figure out what your county needs.

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