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Robeson County

Robeson County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

North Carolina

Yes, in Robeson County's zoning jurisdiction a metal carport or garage needs a zoning permit before you build, because the county Zoning Ordinance requires one for any building or structure, including accessory structures. The zoning permit costs $150 under the FY 2025-2026 fee schedule, and the building permit comes from the Inspections side of the Community Development Department after zoning signs off. In the R-A district, an accessory building has to sit at least 10 feet from any property line and 20 feet from any street line. Start your Robeson County carport permit by calling Zoning at 910-272-6521.


Permit office: Robeson County Community Development Department
Phone: 910-272-6540
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • A zoning permit is required before starting construction of any building or structure, including accessory structures (Zoning Ordinance Section 1.6). It is void after one year unless substantial progress has been made.
  • The zoning permit fee is $150 (FY 2025-2026 schedule).
  • Building permits are issued by the Robeson County Inspections Department (Community Development) after the zoning permit.
  • Starting construction without the right permits doubles the permit cost.


Zoning and setbacks

In the R-A district, the Robeson County Zoning Ordinance (adopted November 16, 2020) puts accessory buildings at least 10 feet from any property line and at least 20 feet from any street line, and keeps them out of the required front and side yards. On corner lots, the side street yard must be at least 20 feet. Accessory structures can't cover more than 30% of the rear yard, and in R-A all buildings together can't cover more than 20% of the lot. If the property is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the zoning checklist calls for a flood elevation certificate. The county also has a separate Watershed Ordinance.


What to bring

  • A copy of the recorded property deed or contract.
  • An E-911 address from the county Addresser in the Robeson County One Stop Building, with the GIS map.
  • A Tax Office certification that all delinquent taxes are paid.
  • The Building/MH Permit Application, plus a separate electrical application if you are wiring the building.
  • An NCDOT driveway permit if you need new access from a state road.


Farm buildings

Under N.C. G.S. 160D-903, county zoning and building rules generally don't apply to bona fide farm buildings in the county's jurisdiction, so a metal barn or equipment shelter used for farming on qualifying farmland may be exempt. Robeson County's Zoning Ordinance says the same thing in its own words: bona fide farms and their customary appurtenances don't need a county zoning permit, though non-farm uses on farm property still follow the ordinance. Electrical work in a farm building still needs an electrical permit ($80 on the current schedule) and an inspection.


Good to know

Community Development is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 am to 5:15 pm, but permits are not issued after 4:00 pm. Zoning is 910-272-6521 and Inspections is 910-272-6540. Applications are printable PDFs on the Community Development page, along with the zoning checklist and fee schedule. Electrical permits are $80 and re-inspections are $100 each.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Robeson County?
Yes. The county Zoning Ordinance requires a zoning permit for any structure, including accessory structures, and the fee is $150. A building permit from Inspections follows.


How far from the property line does a metal garage need to be in Robeson County?
In the R-A district, at least 10 feet from any property line and 20 feet from any street line, and not in the required front or side yard. Other districts can differ, so confirm with Zoning.


What happens if I build before getting a permit?
The county fee schedule says the permit cost is doubled when construction starts without the proper permits.


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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