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Montgomery County

Montgomery County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

North Carolina

In unincorporated Montgomery County, a metal carport or storage building needs a zoning permit at any size, and Central Permitting in Troy houses both the Inspections and Planning departments. In the unincorporated county, a zoning permit is required for storage buildings of any size, pole barns and other accessory structures, and pole barns and pre-fabricated metal structures need plans stamped by a North Carolina licensed engineer. Star, Biscoe, Candor, Troy and Mount Gilead handle their own zoning.


Permit office: Montgomery County Central Permitting, Inspections Department
Address: 444 North Main Street, Troy, NC 27371
Phone: 910-572-3304
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • A county zoning permit is required for storage buildings of any size, greenhouses, pole barns and any other accessory structure in unincorporated areas, unless exempt under state law.
  • A building permit through the Inspections Department, with a signed zoning permit attached; the county checklist says zoning permits are required for any construction in the county.
  • Pole barns and pre-fabricated metal structures must have plans stamped by a North Carolina licensed engineer.
  • Ask the office whether your building falls under the state rule exempting small accessory buildings with no side over 12 feet; the county does not publish that cutoff.


Zoning and setbacks

The Montgomery County Planning Department enforces zoning only in unincorporated areas. Star, Biscoe, Candor, Troy and Mount Gilead run their own zoning. The county's Planning and Zoning FAQ does not list setback numbers and points to the county's Lot Size and Setback Distance Checklist, so get the setback for your district from Planning (910-572-3304, ext. 1432). The Planning Department is also the county's Watershed Administrator and Flood Prevention Administrator, which matters for lots near the lakes and creeks.


What to bring

  • Application for Permit(s), signed by every contractor including subcontractors
  • Signed zoning permit from the county or your town
  • Plans or a detailed scaled drawing with elevations; engineer-stamped plans for pole barns and pre-fabricated metal buildings
  • Workers' Compensation Affidavit, or the Owner's Exemption Affidavit if you are your own general contractor
  • Lien agent information if required, and full payment of fees before the permit is approved


Farm buildings

N.C. G.S. 160D-903 exempts bona fide farm buildings from county building permits, and the county's zoning FAQ says accessory structures need a permit unless otherwise exempt under state law. Montgomery County does not post a farm exemption form, so ask Central Permitting at 910-572-3304 what proof they want. Electrical work still needs a permit.


Good to know

You can apply for a permit, pay and schedule inspections online through the county's iWorQ portal. Central Permitting is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closes for lunch from noon to 1:00 p.m. Payments are not taken over the phone. Starting work before you have a permit can bring a penalty fee, and the permit must be posted on site.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Montgomery County?
Yes in the unincorporated county. A zoning permit covers any accessory structure, and the building permit from Inspections needs that signed zoning permit attached. The county does not publish a 12-foot cutoff, so ask the office about the state exemption for small buildings.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Montgomery County?
Storage buildings need a zoning permit at any size. Pre-fabricated metal structures need plans stamped by a North Carolina licensed engineer. Inside Star, Biscoe, Candor, Troy or Mount Gilead, the town handles zoning.


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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