Brunswick County

In unincorporated Brunswick County, an accessory building or carport that is more than 12 feet in any direction (length, width or height) needs a building permit from Code Administration. Every accessory structure, no matter the size, still needs a Zoning Development Permit from the Planning Department. Inside Leland, Southport, Oak Island, Shallotte or another town, that town's rules may apply instead, so check who has jurisdiction for your address first.

Permit office: Brunswick County Code Administration
Address: 75 Courthouse Drive, Building I, Bolivia, NC 28422
Phone: 910-253-2021
Official county page

When a permit is required

• Building permit: needed when the structure is greater than 12 feet in any direction (length, width or height). Buildings with no dimension over 12 feet do not need a building permit.
• Zoning Development Permit: needed from the Planning Department for accessory structures of any size.
• Trade permits: electrical, mechanical or plumbing work in the building needs its own permit.
• Code: plans and construction must meet the current NC building code (2018 NC Residential Code for most home lots), even if you act as your own contractor.

Zoning and setbacks

Zoning is handled by the Brunswick County Planning Department, and setbacks depend on your zoning district under the county's Unified Development Ordinance (Section 5.4.1 covers accessory structures). If your carport, garage or shed is more than 12 feet in any dimension and sits within 50 feet of a property line, you need a setback certification: a survey or letter signed and sealed by a licensed land surveyor, turned in after the foundation inspection. Skipping it holds up your remaining inspections. If the site is near water or in a flood zone, the county asks for extra flood paperwork with the permit.

What to bring

• Online application through the Brunswick County Permit Portal, where you also schedule inspections
• A site plan showing the building and distances to property lines (the county's Parcel Sketch tool can give you your property lines with measurements)
• Building plans plus an engineer letter, with tie-downs installed per the engineer's plan (engineered drawings for a certified metal building)
• Zoning approval from the jurisdiction that covers your property
• A lien agent receipt where required, and flood zone forms if the site 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. Brunswick County also lists bona fide farm structures as exempt from its setback certification. Ask Code Administration what farm documentation it needs before you build. Electrical work still needs a permit.

Good to know

Building permit questions go to Central Permitting at 910-253-2021 (option 2). Zoning and setback questions go to Planning at 910-253-2025. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. This is coastal country, so ask what wind speed your building must be rated for before you order, especially near the beaches.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Brunswick County?
Only if it's more than 12 feet in length, width or height, which most carports are. Every carport still needs a Zoning Development Permit from the Planning Department, even a small one.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Brunswick County?
The same 12-foot rule decides the building permit from Code Administration, and any size needs zoning approval. Wiring, plumbing or mechanical work needs its own trade permit.

What is the setback certification in Brunswick County?
If the building is over 12 feet in any dimension and within 50 feet of a property line, a licensed land surveyor has to sign and seal a survey or letter after the foundation inspection. Skip it and the rest of your inspections are held up.

Sources

• Brunswick County: Code Administration
• Brunswick County: Guide to Accessory Structures (PDF)
• Brunswick County: Residential Permit Application Guide (PDF)
• Brunswick County: Setback Certification Requirements

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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