Martin County

Martin County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Plan on a permit for a metal carport or garage in Martin County, where the Building Inspections Division in Williamston serves the unincorporated county and, per the county's own page, nine of its towns as well. Martin County's site does not publish a size cutoff for small accessory buildings, so call before you assume a carport or garage is exempt. Permits are applied for and paid online through GovWell.

Permit office: Martin County Building Inspections Division
Address: 205 East Main Street, Williamston, NC 27892
Phone: 252-789-4310
Official county page

When a permit is required

Building permits for new structures go through the Martin County Building Inspections Division, which covers the unincorporated county and nine municipalities.
Martin County does not post its own small-building cutoff online. Ask the office whether your carport, garage or barn falls under the state rule for accessory buildings with no side over 12 feet.
Any wiring, lights or outlets in the building need their own electrical permit and inspection.
Your site must have a structure address assigned by the County Tax Assessor's Office (252-789-4350) and verified by the 911 Addressing Coordinator (252-789-4559).

Zoning and setbacks

Martin County's Unified Development Ordinance says it applies to the use and development of land in Martin County unless something is expressly exempted. Its definition of rear yard says no accessory building may sit within 5 feet of the rear lot line. The ordinance does not list a separate set of front and side setbacks for accessory buildings, so confirm placement with the county before you pour a pad. The county also has a Watershed Protection Ordinance, and the permit application asks for a flood zone number, so check whether your lot is in a flood area. If you are inside a town, ask that town about its own zoning rules too.

What to bring

The Martin County Building Permit Application, filled out completely (the form says all information must be complete)
Owner and contractor details, including license numbers for the building, electrical, plumbing and mechanical contractors
Tax parcel number, heated and unheated square footage, roof type and job cost
Zoning or septic number and flood zone number, as asked on the application
A posted address (3-inch reflective numbers, visible from both directions) before you ask for power

Farm buildings

Under N.C. G.S. 160D-903, buildings used for bona fide farm purposes on a qualifying farm are exempt from county building permits. Martin County's site does not post its own farm exemption form, so call Building Inspections at 252-789-4310 to ask what proof they want (such as a farm tax ID or present-use value enrollment). Electrical work in a farm building still needs a permit and inspection.

Good to know

Martin County takes applications, uploads, payments and inspection requests through GovWell, or you can pay by cash or check at the office. A new permit fee schedule took effect October 1, 2026. The office is open 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, and wrong addressing on a job can bring a $50 fine.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Martin County?
Plan on it and call 252-789-4310, since the county posts no size cutoff for a Martin County carport permit. Ask whether yours falls under the state rule for accessory buildings with no side over 12 feet.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Martin County?
The same call covers both, because the site posts no small-building cutoff. Any wiring needs its own electrical permit, and no accessory building may sit within 5 feet of the rear lot line.

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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