Jackson County

Jackson County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes, a carport or garage of any size needs a building permit in Jackson County, and Permitting & Code Enforcement issues them from two offices, one in Sylva and one in Cashiers. The county's own guide says backyard storage buildings need a permit once they go over 12 feet in any dimension, but carports and garages need a permit at any size. Steep lots can also fall under the county's Mountain and Hillside Development rules, so check with Planning early.

Permit office: Jackson County Permitting & Code Enforcement
Address: 538 Scotts Creek Road, Suite 205, Sylva, NC 28779
Phone: 828-586-7560
Official county page

When a permit is required

Carports and garages of any size need a building permit in Jackson County.
Backyard storage buildings need a permit when they are over 12 feet in any dimension.
Any added wiring, plumbing, heating or air conditioning needs a permit no matter what it costs.
Steep lots may have to meet the county's Mountain and Hillside Development rules, which the Planning Department checks with a slope analysis.

Zoning and setbacks

The permitting office does not publish setback numbers in its accessory building packet, so ask the Jackson County Planning Department (828-586-4055) what applies to your lot before you order. If your land is steep, Planning can run a slope analysis to see whether the Mountain and Hillside Development rules apply. You can request that review through the county's Civic Access Portal. Sylva and other towns have their own zoning, so confirm whether your property is in a town or in the county.

What to bring

The county's Accessory Use Building Permit Application (it covers storage buildings, workshops, detached garages and detached carports)
Your parcel identification number (PIN), directions to the site and a 911 address if you have one
Construction type (metal is one of the choices), square footage and total cost of construction
Contractor names and NC license numbers for any electrical, plumbing or mechanical work, with notarized subcontractor forms
Your power provider, and a Duke Energy work order number if that applies

Farm buildings

Under N.C. G.S. 160D-903, bona fide farm buildings are exempt from county zoning, and state law exempts farm buildings from the building code. Jackson County's permit page says certain farm buildings without electrical, mechanical or plumbing systems are exempt from building permits. If you plan to wire the barn, you still need an electrical permit. Call the permit office to ask what farm proof they want before you build.

Good to know

You can apply and request inspections online through the county's Civic Access Portal. Online applications are handled in the order they come in, and inspection requests made by 4 p.m. are scheduled for the next business day. If you live on the Cashiers end of the county, the Cashiers permit office is at 357 Frank Allen Road, 828-745-6850.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Jackson County?
Yes, at any size. A Jackson County carport permit uses the Accessory Use Building Permit Application, which covers detached carports.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Jackson County?
Garages need a permit at any size too. Backyard storage buildings need one when they are over 12 feet in any dimension.

What if my lot in Jackson County is steep?
It may fall under the Mountain and Hillside Development rules. Planning at 828-586-4055 can run a slope analysis, which you request through the Civic Access Portal.

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.

Design Your Building in 3D