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Madison County

Madison County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

North Carolina

Plan on a building permit for a new metal carport or garage in Madison County, issued by Inspections and Zoning on US 25-70 in Marshall, which enforces the NC Building Code outside the towns. The county's FAQ says permits cover new construction and additions, and the county has had its own zoning ordinance since 1974. The county's three towns run their own zoning ordinances, so check which one covers your lot.


Permit office: Madison County Inspections and Zoning
Address: 5707 US 25-70 Hwy, Suite 5, Room 19, Marshall, NC 28753
Phone: 828-649-3766
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • The county FAQ says a permit is needed for new construction and for work that adds to or changes a structure. Plain repairs are not covered.
  • Projects other than a single home need separate building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical permits.
  • Your project goes through a Project Checklist in order: County Planning, Environmental Health, Mapping (address), Solid Waste, then Building Inspections.
  • Building in a floodplain needs a floodplain development permit; the county posts a fact sheet on it.


Zoning and setbacks

Madison County adopted its first zoning ordinance in 1974, and county Planning (Room 15) signs off first on your project checklist before anything else moves. The building permit application asks for your PIN, acreage and zoning classification, and whether the lot is inside a town. The county does not post accessory building setback numbers online, so ask Planning for the setbacks in your district. Environmental Health (Room 26) is the second stop, and confirms the septic situation before the permit goes forward.


What to bring

  • A signed Project Checklist with sign-offs from Planning, Environmental Health, Mapping and Solid Waste
  • The completed building permit application with PIN, acreage and dimensions
  • Plans of the building, with footing, framing and roof details; designs must be sealed if a design professional provides them
  • Workers' comp affidavit, lien agent form if the job is $30,000 or more, or the Owner Contractor Licensing Exemption if you're building it yourself


Farm buildings

North Carolina exempts farm buildings on a bona fide farm from the building code under N.C. G.S. 160D-903. Madison County does not post a farm exemption form on its site, so call Inspections and Zoning to find out what proof they want (such as a present-use value listing or Schedule F). Wiring in a farm building still needs an electrical permit.


Good to know

Email completed forms to Inspections@madisoncountync.gov, and pay for standalone permits through the county's online payment page. The office is open weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Inspections must be called in by 3 p.m. the day before, and Spring Creek, Hot Springs, Big Laurel and Shelton Laurel are only served on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Work and the first inspection must happen within 180 days of the permit being issued.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Madison County?
Plan on it, since the county's FAQ says new construction needs a permit. Call 828-649-3766 with your size, because the FAQ names no size cutoff for a Madison County carport permit.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Madison County?
New garages follow the Project Checklist: Planning, Environmental Health, Mapping, Solid Waste, then Building Inspections. Ask about small sheds, because the FAQ gives no cutoff for those either.


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.

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