Onslow County

Onslow County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In unincorporated Onslow County, a metal carport or garage needs at least a zoning permit, and Planning & Development handles both zoning and building permits from its office on NW Corridor Boulevard in Jacksonville. Every residential accessory building needs a zoning permit, and the county requires a building permit too when any side is over 12 feet. If you live inside the City of Jacksonville or one of the county's towns, check with that town first, since towns run their own permits.

Permit office: Onslow County Planning & Development
Address: 234 NW Corridor Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Phone: 910-455-3661
Official county page

When a permit is required

A zoning permit is required for every residential accessory structure, no matter the size.
A building permit is also required when any dimension of the accessory building is over 12 feet.
A flood plain development permit and a CAMA permit are required where they apply, and both must be kept on site.
Electrical, plumbing and other trade work needs its own permit.

Zoning and setbacks

Onslow County's land use handout says accessory structures in residential districts can only go in side or rear yards. Buildings under 400 square feet must sit at least 5 feet from the rear and side property lines, and buildings 400 square feet or larger need 8 feet. Keep the building 5 feet from septic systems and repair areas, and out of rights-of-way and easements. Barns for a private stable need 50 feet from the right-of-way and 20 feet from other property lines. Onslow is a coastal county, and the Land Use Division runs the CAMA program and flood development permits, so check both before you pick a site.

What to bring

Residential Accessory Application (structure type, owner, agent and contractor information)
One site plan showing the building's location and setbacks from each property line
Private septic permit number, if the lot is on septic
Erosion control certification, with the approval letter if a plan was required
Flood plain development permit and CAMA permit, where applicable

Farm buildings

Under N.C. G.S. 160D-903, bona fide farm buildings are exempt from county zoning, and farm buildings can be exempt from building permits. Onslow County Planning & Development has a Farm Building Permitting Exemption document; ask the office at 910-455-3661 which farm proof it accepts. Electrical work still needs a permit.

Good to know

Applications can be emailed to permitting@onslowcountync.gov or faxed to 910-989-3195. Permit records are on the county's EnerGov Self Service portal. To schedule an inspection, call 910-455-3661 and press 1 before 4 pm for a next-business-day visit. For permit costs, Central Permitting says to call the same number, option 1.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Onslow County?
Yes. Every residential accessory structure needs a zoning permit, whatever its size, and a building permit is added when any dimension is over 12 feet.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Onslow County?
The same two-part rule applies. Buildings under 400 square feet sit at least 5 feet from rear and side lines, 400 square feet or larger need 8 feet, and they go only in side or rear yards.

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