Polk County

Polk County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Polk County, a metal carport or garage needs a building permit, since the county lists garages, carports and similar accessory structures among projects that require one. Outside town limits you'll also need a county zoning permit, plus septic and well approval before the building permit is accepted. Inside Columbus, Tryon (including the Tryon ETJ) or Saluda, zoning comes from that town's Town Hall.

Permit office: Polk County Building Inspections Department
Address: 35 Walker Street, Columbus, NC 28722
Phone: 828-894-3739
Official county page

When a permit is required

Garages, carports, porches and similar accessory structures are on the county's list of projects that require a permit.
The county notes that its $40,000 cost threshold doesn't make every project permit-exempt, and other zoning, septic, floodplain or watershed approvals may apply.
Outside city limits, complete the County Zoning Permit Application (part of the Building/Zoning/Address application).
Construction is inspected to the North Carolina State Building Code (currently the 2018 edition).

Zoning and setbacks

If you're outside Columbus, Tryon and Saluda, Polk County Planning handles your zoning permit. Septic and well approval from the Health Department is required before a building permit can be accepted. If the property is in a water supply watershed, the county says to contact NCDEQ about whether an erosion and sediment control plan is needed; you then take the plan, or NCDEQ's written verification that none is needed, to the Polk County Planning Office for the watershed permit and final zoning approval. The county doesn't post accessory setback numbers on its permit guides, so ask Planning before you set the building.

What to bring

Completed Building/Zoning/Address application and any supporting information such as workers' comp, tax card or flood info
A plat or drawing showing property lines and existing and proposed structures (outside city limits)
A copy of your approved septic and well permits (outside city limits)
One set of plans, which must be on site by the first inspection
The notarized Owner/Building Licensing Exemption form if you're building as owner/builder

Farm buildings

Under N.C. G.S. 160D-903, county zoning can't regulate property used for bona fide farm purposes in the county's jurisdiction. Polk County has its own Bona Fide Farm Exemption Confirmation form. It asks for one proof of farm status, such as a farm sales tax exemption certificate, present use value tax listing, Schedule F or a forest management plan, and it still requires you to meet Environmental Health, floodplain and watershed rules where they apply. Electrical work in a farm building still needs a permit.

Good to know

The office is open 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday. Inspectors are in the office from 8:00 to 9:00 am, and permits are issued from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The county says approval and permit issuance can take 3 to 5 days. Forms, the fee schedule and the "When is a Permit Required" guide are on the county's Guides and Applications page, and you can look up past permits with the Building Permit Results search. Mail goes to PO Box 308, Columbus, NC 28722.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Polk County?
Yes. Polk County lists carports and garages among the projects that require a permit. Outside town limits you'll also need a county zoning permit and septic and well approval.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Polk County?
A garage, yes. Sheds aren't named in the county's permit guide, so call Building Inspections at 828-894-3739 before you order one.

Is a farm building exempt in Polk County?
It can be. Fill out the county's Bona Fide Farm Exemption Confirmation form with one proof of farm status. Electrical work still needs a permit.

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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