Moore County

Moore County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In unincorporated Moore County, plan on a permit for a metal carport or garage: building permits come from Central Permitting & Building Inspections and zoning approval comes from Planning & Community Development. Both work out of the same office on Carriage Oaks Drive in Carthage. The county's building permit checklist says metal buildings need stamped engineer plans, so plan for that when you order. Towns like Carthage, Vass, Cameron, Robbins and Whispering Pines have their own zoning contacts, so check with the town first if you live inside one.

Permit office: Moore County Planning & Inspections (Central Permitting & Building Inspections)
Address: 1048 Carriage Oaks Drive, Carthage, NC 28327
Phone: 910-947-2221
Official county page

When a permit is required

Accessory buildings are a listed project type on the county's Residential Building Permit Application. Metal buildings need stamped engineer plans.
A Residential Zoning & Watershed Compliance permit is required in the unincorporated county. It is not a building permit, and you still need one from Inspections before work starts.
Adding a storage building near an existing septic system can require a septic recertification permit from Environmental Health.
Ask Central Permitting at 910-947-2221 whether your building's size falls under the state 12-foot exemption before you skip the building permit.

Zoning and setbacks

Moore County's zoning form asks for a plot plan that shows distances from the building to every property line, distances between buildings, the percentage of impervious surface on the lot, and proof the building is not on the septic tank, lines or repair area. Setbacks are measured from the furthest point of the building, including eaves, to the property or right-of-way line. Carports and similar features generally cannot stick into a required yard unless the Unified Development Ordinance allows an exception. Call Planning at 910-947-5010 for the setback numbers in your zoning district. If the site is in a flood-prone area, the building permit checklist asks for an elevation certificate.

What to bring

Completed Residential Building Permit Application, signed by the contractor or owner
One set of plans (stamped engineer plans for a metal building)
Plot plan for the Zoning & Watershed Compliance permit showing setbacks, impervious surface and septic areas
Copy of the recorded deed, plus a survey if the lot does not match county records
Septic recertification or affidavit from Environmental Health if the lot has an existing septic system

Farm buildings

Under N.C. G.S. 160D-903, bona fide farm buildings are exempt from county zoning. Moore County uses a Bona Fide Farm Application Packet. You need at least one proof of farm status: a farm sales tax exemption certificate, a present use value tax listing, your latest Schedule F, or a forest management plan. You also turn in a plot plan, a footprint diagram showing the use of the building, and your recorded deed. The county says a new determination is needed for each new building or activity, and nonfarm uses like storing personal vehicles are not exempt. Electrical work still needs a permit.

Good to know

Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. You can request inspections through the county's Self Service portal and pay permit fees online. Fees are on the county's fee schedule page, which also lists reinspection fees of $100 to $200. Environmental Health, which handles septic sign-offs, is next door at 1042 Carriage Oaks Drive (910-947-6283).

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Moore County?
Plan on at least the Residential Zoning & Watershed Compliance permit in the unincorporated county. Call Central Permitting at 910-947-2221 to ask whether your size falls under the state 12-foot exemption from the building permit.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Moore County?
Accessory buildings are a listed project on the Residential Building Permit Application, and metal buildings need stamped engineer plans. A storage building near an existing septic system can also need a recertification permit from Environmental Health.

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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