Dare County

Dare County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In unincorporated Dare County, a metal carport or garage needs an accessory building permit once any dimension is over 12 feet. The Dare County Planning Department issues building permits in the unincorporated parts of the county through three inspection offices: Manteo, Northern Beach and Frisco. You apply at the office that covers your project's location. The six incorporated towns on the Outer Banks handle planning and building permits inside their own limits, so check which side of the line you are on first.

Permit office: Dare County Planning Department
Phone: 252-475-5870
Official county page

When a permit is required

Over 12 feet: The county fee schedule charges an accessory building permit by the square foot once any dimension is over 12 feet.
12 feet or under: The same schedule lists only a flood development permit ($75) for an accessory structure under 12 feet in every dimension.
Trade work: Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work needs a permit even on small jobs. These sub-permits can be pulled at any of the three offices.
Contractor rule: Construction or repairs costing $30,000 or more need a North Carolina licensed general contractor.

Zoning and setbacks

Dare County building permits include a residential zoning approval, and county permit forms note that any change from the approved building plan or site plan needs prior approval. Much of the county sits in flood zones (county permit records show AE, VE and X zones), so expect a flood development permit and a flood zone and base flood elevation on your application. Enclosed space below the flood protection elevation can only be used for parking, access and storage, and needs permanently open flood vents (1 square inch per square foot of enclosed area, at least two vents on different sides). Projects along the oceanfront or estuarine shoreline usually fall under CAMA (Coastal Area Management Act) review, and the county lists a CAMA minor permit fee of $119. Septic approval is a separate field on county permits.

What to bring

Residential Building Permit Application (from the county Building Permit Applications page)
Parcel number and location of the project
Owner and contractor information, with NC license number if a contractor is used
Building size, use and cost of construction
Flood zone and base flood elevation, plus a survey or site plan
Workers comp affidavit and subcontractor applications where they apply

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 Dare County Planning Department what proof of farm use they need, and note that flood and CAMA rules can still apply. Electrical work in a farm building still needs a permit and inspection.

Good to know

Dare County uses Citizens Self Service for online permit applications, inspection scheduling and inspection results. Online accounts are for licensed general contractors and subcontractors, and owners acting as their own contractor should call planning staff. The Northern Beach office is 252-475-5871 and the Frisco office (Hatteras Island) is 252-475-5878. Call for inspections at least 24 hours ahead. County permit forms say a permit is valid for six months. On the posted fee schedule (effective 9-1-2017) a non-heated accessory building over 12 feet runs $0.40 per square foot, heated is $0.75, the minimum building permit is $150, a re-inspection is $100, and starting work without a permit costs the original fee plus 50%. Dare is a coastal, high wind county, so ask the office what design wind speed your building needs. Mailing address: PO Box Drawer 1000, Manteo, NC 27954.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Dare County?
Yes if any dimension is over 12 feet, and the fee is charged by the square foot. Under 12 feet in every dimension, the county's schedule lists only a $75 flood development permit.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Dare County?
The same 12-foot line applies. Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work needs a permit even on small jobs, and work costing $30,000 or more needs a licensed general contractor.

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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