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Chatham County
Chatham County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages
In Chatham County, a metal carport or garage may need a building permit, and because the county doesn't post a size cutoff online, it's best to call Central Permitting first. Chatham County handles permits through Central Permitting in Pittsboro and an online OpenGov portal. The county prices accessory building permits by square footage and doesn't publish a simple size cutoff, so call before you order.
Permit office: Chatham County Central Permitting & Building Inspections
Address: 80 East Street, Pittsboro, NC
Phone: 919-542-8293
Official county page
When a permit is required
Chatham County doesn't post a size cutoff for accessory buildings online. Under statewide practice, buildings over 12 feet in any direction generally need a building permit, but confirm with Central Permitting.
Zoning and setbacks
Check Chatham County zoning information for setbacks in your district. Pittsboro and Siler City handle zoning inside their own limits.
What to bring
- Application through the Chatham County OpenGov portal
- Site plan
- Engineered plans for a metal building
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 office for its farm exemption form. Electrical work still needs a permit.
Good to know
Office: 80 East Street, Pittsboro. Email building.permits@chathamcountync.gov.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for a carport in Chatham County?
Likely, if any side is over 12 feet, which is the general statewide practice. The county doesn't post its own cutoff, so confirm at 919-542-8293.
Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Chatham County?
Ask Central Permitting about your size. The county prices accessory building permits by square footage, and a metal building application calls for a site plan and engineered plans through the OpenGov portal.
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.