Clay County

Clay County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Clay County, a metal carport or garage goes through the Building Department, and manufactured metal buildings need plans from an NC licensed engineer or architect. The Clay County Building Department in Hayesville issues building permits for the county, and you can apply online through the county's iWorQ portal. The county's permit page says manufactured metal buildings need plans designed by an NC licensed engineer or architect, so plan on sealed drawings for a steel garage or barn. If your lot is inside Hayesville town limits or its extraterritorial area, you also need a zoning permit from the Town of Hayesville.

Permit office: Clay County Building Department
Address: 345 Courthouse Drive, Suite 1, Hayesville, NC 28904
Phone: 828-389-0274
Official county page

When a permit is required

Metal buildings: The county's permit requirements page lists manufactured metal buildings among the projects that must be designed by an NC licensed engineer or architect. Conventionally built detached storage buildings and garages usually do not need sealed plans.
Plans: Drawings go on paper at least 11x17, drawn to scale, and the county accepts PDF by email. At minimum show a floor plan, a foundation plan and a wall and roof section.
Floodplain: If the project is in a FEMA AE flood zone, you need a Floodplain Development Permit and a FEMA Elevation Certificate.
Near a septic system: Any new structure outside the existing house footprint near a septic system needs Environmental Health approval first (828-389-8326).
Cost on the application: Give the total price. If you do the work yourself, include materials plus the market value of your labor.

Zoning and setbacks

Clay County's permit page only names zoning for the Town of Hayesville: if your project is inside town limits or the town's extraterritorial jurisdiction, get a zoning permit from the town (828-389-1862). The county did not publish setback numbers for accessory buildings, so ask the Building Department what applies outside town. The county also has a Building Height Ordinance and a Watershed Protection Ordinance on its ordinances page. Check flood zones before you choose a site, because AE zones need a separate floodplain permit.

What to bring

Apply through the county's iWorQ online portal or at the office
A verified 911 address for the project (911 Addressing: 828-389-9485)
Plans to scale on 11x17 or larger, or PDF; sealed by an NC engineer or architect for a manufactured metal building
Contractor's NC license number and contact phone, plus names and license numbers for any electrical, plumbing or HVAC subcontractors
Total project price and square footage
Environmental Health approval if the building is near a septic system, and a Floodplain Development Permit with Elevation Certificate if in an AE zone
Lien agent appointment through Liens NC for jobs of $40,000 or more (NC law exempts an accessory building added to an owner-occupied home)

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 what proof of farm use it needs. Electrical work still needs a permit.

Good to know

The office is open 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays and closes for lunch from 12:00 to 1:00. Residential applications are taken from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 to 2:00 p.m., and the permit page also lists 828-389-0089 for the office. You can apply and request inspections on the Clay County iWorQ portal.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Clay County?
Expect to apply through the Building Department, and call 828-389-0274 to confirm for your size. A manufactured metal carport should be planned with sealed drawings in mind.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Clay County?
A manufactured metal garage needs plans from a licensed engineer or architect, drawn to scale on paper at least 11x17, with floor, foundation, and wall and roof sections. Conventionally built storage buildings usually don't need sealed plans.

What if my Clay County lot is in a flood zone?
In a FEMA AE zone you need a Floodplain Development Permit and a FEMA 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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