top of page
Redemption Steel logo (trimmed for header).png

Forsyth County

Forsyth County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

North Carolina

A metal carport in Forsyth County goes through the residential accessory building process at the inspections office the county shares with Winston-Salem. The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division, run under the City of Winston-Salem's Planning and Development Services, reviews building and zoning work across the county except inside High Point, Kernersville and King. It also enforces zoning for Clemmons, Lewisville, Walkertown, Winston-Salem and the unincorporated county. Every permit has to be applied for online.


Permit office: Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Inspections Division (City of Winston-Salem Planning and Development Services)
Address: Bryce A. Stuart Municipal Building, 100 E. First Street, Suite 328, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Phone: 336-727-2624
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • The Inspections Division lists storage buildings and carports under accessory buildings, which go through the residential permit process.
  • Each accessory structure permit needs an Accessory Structure Affidavit signed by the property owner.
  • If you live in High Point, Kernersville or King, check with that town instead.
  • Call 336-727-2624 to confirm whether your building's size puts it under a permit before you order.


Zoning and setbacks

Zoning is enforced by the same combined office under each area's Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). The Accessory Structure Affidavit has you promise the building won't be used for business or as a dwelling, and won't break UDO zoning rules. Your site plan or survey has to show property lines, every structure on the lot, and the new building's footprint with dimensions and setbacks marked. Setback numbers depend on your zoning district, so ask staff for yours. If your lot is on septic, you need approval from the Forsyth County Health Department (336-703-3225) before the permit is issued.


What to bring

  • Scaled site plan or survey showing property lines, existing structures, and the new building's footprint with dimensions and setbacks
  • Accessory Structure Affidavit completed by the property owner
  • Workers' Compensation Coverage Affidavit, completed by the person listed as contractor
  • Forsyth County Health Department approval if the lot uses a septic tank
  • Lien agent information if the owner does not live there and the job is $30,000 or more


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. The Inspections Division takes a Farm Use Verification form, and one piece of proof is enough: a farm sales tax exemption certificate, a present-use-value tax listing, the operator's federal tax form showing farm income, or a forestry management plan. Electrical work on a farm building still needs a permit and inspection.


Good to know

Office hours are Monday to Friday, 7:45 a.m. to 4:45 p.m., and phones aren't answered after 4:43 p.m. The permit office is closed from 8 to 10 a.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Walk-in help is on the first floor of the Bryce A. Stuart Building on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Permits are handled in BuildIT, and plans are uploaded through the GeoCivix portal. The office warns that it never mails invoices from BuildIT or Cityworks, so don't pay one you didn't expect. Call 336-727-2624 first.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Forsyth County?
Carports are listed under accessory buildings, which use the residential permit process. Call 336-727-2624 to check whether your size falls under a Forsyth County carport permit, and apply online.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Forsyth County?
Storage buildings are on that same list. Each accessory structure permit needs an affidavit signed by the owner saying the building won't be used for business or as a dwelling.


What if I'm in High Point, Kernersville or King?
Check with that town instead, because the combined office doesn't review work there.


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.

bottom of page