Columbus County

Columbus County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In unincorporated Columbus County, plan on a building permit from Building Inspections for a metal carport or garage. In unincorporated Columbus County, building permits come from Columbus County Building Inspections in Whiteville. The county's Land Use Regulation Ordinance covers all unincorporated areas, so Planning and Zoning may need to sign off too, especially if your lot is in a flood area. If you start work before you have a permit, the county charges double the permit fee. Towns like Whiteville run their own planning and permit offices, so check which one covers your address first.

Permit office: Columbus County Building Inspections
Address: 127 West Webster St, Whiteville, NC 28472
Phone: 910-640-6619
Official county page

When a permit is required

Building permit: Columbus County Building Inspections issues building permits for the unincorporated county. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and other trade permits are separate, so ask for each one your building needs.
Start without a permit: The county charges double the fee for work started without a permit.
Taxes first: All property taxes must be paid before the county will issue a building permit.
High wind zone: The county says it sits in a high wind zone and lists wall sheathing as a required inspection. Have your engineered drawings ready for the wind rating.

Zoning and setbacks

Columbus County's Land Use Regulation Ordinance applies to all unincorporated areas and splits them into the Southeastern Community College Zoning Area and the General Use District Zoning Area. In the RA-20 and Institutional districts, an accessory building may sit in the required rear yard if it is at least 15 feet from the main building, at least 5 feet from any lot line, and covers no more than 20 percent of the required rear yard. Other districts have their own rules, so ask Planning and Zoning at 910-640-6608 (306 Madison St, Whiteville) before you pick a spot. If your property is in a flood area, you need a floodplain permit and pre-evaluation certificate from Planning and Zoning before Building Inspections will act.

What to bring

An account on the county's SmartGov NC Public Portal, or apply at the office
A site plan drawing with dimensions showing the building and distances to property lines
Building drawings showing the wind rating for the building
A zoning permit from the jurisdiction if the property is in a zoned area
A floodplain permit and pre-evaluation certificate from Planning and Zoning if the lot is in a flood area
Proof that property taxes are paid
A lien agent appointment if the job costs $40,000 or more (NC requirement)

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

Building Inspections is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., but no permits are issued after 4:00 p.m. Fees are on the county's Fee Schedule, with new fees effective July 1, 2024. Environmental Health (910-640-6617) is in the same building at 127 W. Webster St if you need septic or well approval.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Columbus County?
Plan on it, and call 910-640-6619 to confirm for your size. Starting without a permit doubles the fee, and all property taxes must be paid before one is issued.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Columbus County?
Yes, go through the same office. Trade permits are separate, and because the county sits in a high wind zone, have your engineered drawings ready for the wind rating.

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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