Hoke County

Hoke County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Hoke County, a metal carport or garage over 12 feet in any dimension needs a building permit, which runs through Central Permitting in Raeford: Environmental Health, then a zoning permit from Planning, then a building permit from Building Inspections. The county says an accessory building over 12 feet in any dimension needs a building permit, while smaller ones may need only a zoning permit. If you are inside the City of Raeford, check with the city first.

Permit office: Hoke County Building Inspection Department (Central Permitting)
Address: 423 E Central Avenue, Raeford, NC 28376
Phone: 910-875-8407
Official county page

When a permit is required

Accessory buildings over 12 feet in any dimension need a building permit and must meet the Building Code.
Buildings 12 feet or less in every dimension skip the building permit but may still need a zoning permit.
A zoning permit is required before any building is erected, moved or put to a new use, plus a Watershed Protection Permit in a water supply watershed.
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work each need their own trade permit.

Zoning and setbacks

Planning checks your setbacks and whether the spot is in a flood zone, wetland or easement before the zoning permit is issued. The county does not post setback numbers on its permit pages, so ask Hoke County Planning at 910-875-8751. If the lot has a septic system, Environmental Health checks first that the building will not affect it. You can skip that step if you are on public sewer.

What to bring

Two copies of a plot plan (hand-drawn is fine) showing lot shape and dimensions and the nearest road right-of-way
Size, shape and location of existing and proposed buildings, and what each is used for
Location and size of parking and driveways
Two sets of building plans for the building permit

Farm buildings

N.C. G.S. 160D-903 exempts buildings used for bona fide farm purposes from county building codes and zoning. Hoke County does not post a farm exemption form, so ask Central Permitting what proof of farm use it accepts before you build. Electrical work in a farm building still needs a permit.

Good to know

Hoke County's accessory building guide says buildings that need a permit must be anchored against overturning and sliding, with a ground anchor at each corner. Buildings of 400 square feet or less and one story can skip a masonry or concrete foundation. The inspections office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., issues no permits after 4:30 p.m., takes cash, check or money order, and doubles the permit cost if work starts first.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Hoke County?
Over 12 feet in any dimension, yes. A Hoke County carport permit then follows the Central Permitting order: Environmental Health, zoning, building. At 12 feet or less you skip the building permit but may still need a zoning permit.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Hoke County?
The same 12-foot line applies to both. Buildings that need a permit must have a ground anchor at each corner, and one-story buildings of 400 square feet or less can skip a masonry or concrete foundation.

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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