Craven County

Craven County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Craven County, a metal carport or garage needs a building permit before it goes up, since state law requires one before you build, move or change a structure. Craven County runs one central permitting system out of its Planning and Inspections office on Neuse Boulevard in New Bern. There is no countywide zoning ordinance, but every application still goes through a land use review for flood zones, easements and setbacks before the building plans are checked. If you live inside a town that has its own zoning ordinance, that town's rules apply too. Check your flood zone before you order, because it changes what the county asks for.

Permit office: Craven County Planning & Inspections (Central Permitting)
Address: 2828 Neuse Boulevard, New Bern, NC 28562
Phone: 252-636-4987
Official county page

When a permit is required

Building permit: State law requires a permit before you build, move or change a structure. If you start without one, the county will stop the job and can issue a written stop work order.
Four steps: You turn in a General Information form and the Building Inspection application, then Planning does a land use review (flood zones, addresses, easements, setbacks), Environmental Health reviews any septic or well, and Building Inspections reviews the plans.
What they ask for: The county's FAQ lists three copies of drawings and a plot plan, plus a septic or sewer permit for projects that need one.
Trade permits: Electrical, plumbing, mechanical and gas work each have their own stand-alone application.
Time limits: You have six months after the permit is issued to start work, and no more than one year between inspections before the permit expires.

Zoning and setbacks

Craven County has no countywide zoning ordinance. Special rules do apply near the Craven County Regional Airport (height control) and the Marine Corps Air Station, and the county has a Zoning Permit Application and an AICUZ disclosure form for those areas. If your land is inside a town that has its own zoning, follow that town's rules. Planning still checks setbacks, easements and flood zones on every permit, so ask Planning at 252-636-6618 what distance from the property line applies to your lot. If your property is in a flood zone, you may need an elevation certificate or surveyed plot plan and a flood development permit. You can look up your flood zone on the state's FRIS map or give Planning your address or parcel ID.

What to bring

General Information form and the Building Inspection application (both on the county's Permit Applications page)
Three copies of drawings for the building, with the wind rating shown
A plot plan showing the building and distances to property lines (the county has a Site Plan Worksheet)
Septic or sewer approval if the project calls for it
Affidavit of Workers Compensation Coverage, or the county's Owner Exemption Form if you are doing the work as the owner
Elevation certificate or surveyed plot plan and flood development permit if the lot is in a flood zone
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

You can apply, schedule inspections and pay online through the Craven County Planning and Inspections Portal. Permitting technicians are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and inspections are normally set for the next business day. The county charges a re-inspection fee if an inspection fails.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Craven County?
Plan on it. If work starts without a permit, the county will stop the job and can issue a written stop work order.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Craven County?
Expect the same four-step review. The county's FAQ lists three copies of drawings and a plot plan, plus a septic or sewer permit for projects that need one.

Does Craven County have zoning setbacks?
There's no countywide zoning ordinance, but the land use review still checks flood zones, easements and setbacks. Special rules also apply near the regional airport and the Marine Corps Air Station.

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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