Henderson County

Henderson County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Henderson County, a garage, carport or storage building needs a building permit from Building Services at 100 N. King Street in Hendersonville, whether it's stick built, metal or pre-fab. The county says storage sheds over 12 feet in any direction need a permit. If you live in Hendersonville, Fletcher, Mills River, Flat Rock or Laurel Park, your zoning permit comes from that town.

Permit office: Henderson County Building Services Department (Permit Center)
Address: 100 N. King St., Suite 220, Hendersonville, NC 28792
Phone: 828-697-4830
Official county page

When a permit is required

Storage sheds over 12 feet in any direction require a building permit, per the county permit FAQ.
For a shed under 12 feet, the county says to check with Environmental Health and your zoning jurisdiction to see if they require a permit.
Detached or attached garages, carports and storage buildings use the county's Residential Accessory Structure building permit.
A county or town zoning permit must be done before the building permit is issued, plus a watershed permit if your lot is in one.

Zoning and setbacks

Zoning comes first. Outside the towns, Henderson County zoning handles it under the county Land Development Code; inside Hendersonville, Fletcher, Mills River, Flat Rock or Laurel Park, the town does. Ask zoning for your setbacks, since they depend on the district. The building application asks whether the site is in a flood plain. If you are on a private septic system, you may sign a notarized Appendix H affidavit that the building meets state wastewater setbacks (N.C.G.S. 160D-1110(h1)), or check with Environmental Health at 828-694-6060.

What to bring

Accessory Structure Permit Application and Worksheet
County or town zoning permit
Watershed permit, if your lot is in a watershed
Appendix H affidavit if the property has a private septic system
Lien agent designation at liensnc.com if the project costs more than $40,000

Farm buildings

N.C. G.S. 160D-903 exempts buildings used for bona fide farm purposes from county building and zoning rules. Henderson County does not post a farm exemption form with its permit documents, so call the Permit Center to ask what proof of farm status they accept. Electrical work in a farm building still needs a permit.

Good to know

You can apply online through the county's SmartGov permit portal. The Permit Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The 2025-2026 fee schedule lists a $75 minimum for residential accessory structures of 400 square feet or less, and building fees do not include zoning, environmental health or erosion control fees.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Henderson County?
Yes. A Henderson County carport permit uses the Residential Accessory Structure application, and the zoning permit has to be done first.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Henderson County?
A garage does. A shed over 12 feet in any direction does too. For a smaller shed, the county says to check with Environmental Health and your zoning jurisdiction.

What does the permit cost?
The 2025-2026 schedule lists a $75 minimum for accessory structures of 400 square feet or less, not counting zoning, environmental health or erosion control fees.

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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