Camden County

Camden County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes, a metal carport, garage or pole barn in Camden County needs a permit from Camden County Planning & Building, which handles zoning, floodplain and building permits from one office on US Hwy 158 W in Camden. Detached garages, storage buildings, pole barns and metal buildings all go on the county's Multi-Purpose Building Permit Application. For a prefab metal building, the county asks for engineered plans with a North Carolina engineer's stamp on every page. Expect 10 to 15 days of processing once your packet is complete.

Permit office: Camden County Planning & Building
Address: 133 US Hwy 158 W, Ste B, Camden, NC 27921
Phone: 252-338-1919
Official county page

When a permit is required

Which permit: Storage sheds, storage buildings, utility buildings, detached garages and metal buildings use the Multi-Purpose Building Permit Application.
Engineered plans: For pre-fabricated structures the county requires engineered plans, and the NC engineer's stamp must be on every page.
Fees: The county's 2024 to 2025 fee schedule lists a $75 minimum for carports, pole barns and lean-tos, plus $0.15 per sq ft over 500 sq ft. Enclosed accessory buildings like garages and sheds are $75 minimum plus $0.25 per sq ft over 400 sq ft.
Trade permits: Any change to electrical, plumbing or mechanical systems needs a permit. Electrical for an accessory building is listed at $75, and there is a $25 impervious surface fee.
Starting early: Work started without a required permit can bring a stop work order and a fine of at least $100.

Zoning and setbacks

Camden County Planning & Building also runs zoning and floodplain management under the county Unified Development Ordinance. Setbacks depend on your zoning district. In the Rural Residential (RR) district, for example, the county's district sheet lists a 10-foot accessory structure setback for traditional lots (3 feet in conservation subdivisions) and a 35-foot height limit, which can go to 50 feet for agricultural uses. Your site plan has to show the septic system and drain lines, and flood-zone lots may need an elevation certificate. Waterfront property needs a CAMA permit.

What to bring

Multi-Purpose Building Permit Application
Site plan showing the building's location and size, its distance from property lines and other structures, and the septic tank and drain lines
Engineered plans for a prefab building, with an NC engineer's stamp on every page
Trade Affidavit Form for every subcontractor listed
Fill Permit Form and Elevation Certificate if they apply to your lot
CAMA permit for waterfront property
Lien agent designation if the job costs $40,000 or more (N.C. G.S. 44A-11.1)
Submit by email to permits@camdencountync.gov, in person, or by mail to P.O. Box 190, Camden, NC 27921

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. Camden's fee schedule says a building permit is exempt on a qualifying bona fide farm, with exceptions for electrical work, sleeping quarters and business use. Ask the office what proof of farm use it needs. Electrical work still needs a permit.

Good to know

Call 252-338-1919 ext. 235 for permits and to schedule inspections, and ext. 234 for the Chief Building Inspector. Inspections must be requested by 3 p.m. the day before. The county has warned about a phishing scam asking for permit payments, so only trust email from a @CamdenCountyNC.gov address.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Camden County?
Yes. Carports have their own line in Camden County's fee schedule, at a $75 minimum plus $0.15 per sq ft over 500 sq ft. A prefab carport needs engineered plans with an NC engineer's stamp on every page.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Camden County?
Yes, garages, storage buildings and metal buildings all go on the Multi-Purpose Building Permit Application. Enclosed buildings start at $75 plus $0.25 per sq ft over 400 sq ft, and processing takes 10 to 15 days once your packet is complete.

Do I need a CAMA permit for a waterfront lot in Camden County?
Yes, waterfront property needs a CAMA permit. A flood-zone lot may also need an elevation certificate, so sort out both before you order.

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.

Design Your Building in 3D