Harnett County

Harnett County requires a building permit for any storage building larger than 12 by 12 feet. Metal storage buildings need engineered plans. Standard residential setbacks are 35 feet front, 25 feet rear and 10 feet on the sides.

Permit office: Harnett County Central Permitting
Address: 420 McKinney Parkway, Lillington, NC 27546
Phone: 910-893-7525 ext. 1
Official county page

When a permit is required

• Storage buildings larger than 12' x 12': building permit required.
• Metal storage buildings: engineered plans required.
• Garages or storage buildings over 400 sq ft or with livable space: professional drawings required.

Zoning and setbacks

• Front: 35 feet
• Rear: 25 feet
• Side: 10 feet
• Corner side: 20 feet

HOA rules, deed restrictions or plats can require more. If the building lands within 10% of a minimum setback, you'll need a setback verification survey. In Angier, Coats, Dunn, Erwin or Lillington, get the town zoning permit first.

What to bring

• Residential Land Use Application
• Site plan with distances to all property lines
• Septic inspection or notarized wastewater affidavit if on septic
• Engineered plans for a metal building
• Residential building application and workers' comp affidavit, or owner exemption affidavit

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 for its farm exemption form. Electrical work still needs a permit.

Good to know

Zoning questions: Planning, 910-893-7525 ext. 2.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Harnett County?
The county's rule is written for storage buildings larger than 12 by 12 feet, so ask Central Permitting at 910-893-7525 ext. 1 about a Harnett County carport permit before you order.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Harnett County?
Yes, when it's larger than 12 by 12 feet. Metal storage buildings need engineered plans, and anything over 400 square feet needs professional drawings.

How close to the property line can I build?
Standard residential setbacks are 35 feet front, 25 rear, 10 on the sides and 20 on a corner side.

Sources

• Harnett County: Storage Building, Deck and Pool Guide 2026

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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