Scotland County

Scotland County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In unincorporated Scotland County, the county says a permit from the Inspection Department is needed before anyone erects, enlarges, moves or converts any building or structure, so plan on one for a metal garage or barn. State law can exempt an accessory building with no dimension over 12 feet from the building permit, but the zoning permit and the county's accessory rules still apply. If you are pricing a Scotland County carport permit, the same office handles both the zoning permit and the building permit outside town limits. Inside Laurinburg or another town, the county sends you to that town for zoning.

Permit office: Scotland County Inspection Department
Address: 517 Peden Street, Laurinburg, NC 28352
Phone: 910-277-2415
Official county page

When a permit is required

Garages and enclosed metal buildings: The county requires a permit before any building or structure is erected, enlarged, altered, moved or converted. Starting work before the permit is issued carries a penalty of double the permit fees.
Carports and open shelters: N.C. G.S. 160D-1110 can exempt an accessory structure with no dimension over 12 feet from the building permit. Most carports are wider or longer than that, so expect a permit, and a zoning permit is still needed either way.
Zoning permit: In unincorporated areas the zoning permit comes from the Inspection Office. Inside a town's limits, you get it from that town.
Electrical, plumbing and mechanical: Lighting, outlets or other trade work in the building need their own permits. The county posts separate electrical, plumbing and mechanical permit forms.

Zoning and setbacks

The Scotland County Zoning Ordinance, Article 9, Section 9.2.6, sets the rules for accessory buildings. They need at least 10 feet from side and rear lot lines and 10 feet from the house, and the height can't go over 20 feet. In residential districts they must sit behind or beside the principal structure, not in front of it. Lots under 20,000 square feet get only one accessory building, and a residential accessory structure can't have a ground floor larger than 50 percent of the principal building's ground floor. Bring your deed, plat and parcel number (PIN) to get the zoning permit, and skip the plat if the lot is in an approved subdivision.

What to bring

Deed, plat and parcel number (PIN) for the zoning permit (no plat needed in an approved subdivision)
Two sets of plans on 14 by 17 inch sheets showing footings, framing and roof framing
Engineered drawings for the metal building from the manufacturer
Environmental Health improvement permit if well or septic work is involved

Farm buildings

A building used only for a bona fide farm may be exempt from a building permit in county jurisdiction under N.C. G.S. 160D-903. Scotland County does not post a farm exemption form on its inspections pages, so call the Inspection Department before you build and ask what proof of farm use they want. Also ask whether wiring or plumbing in a farm building still needs its own trade permit.

Good to know

Scotland County takes online applications through its iWorQ permit portal, and you can check status there too. The fee schedule sets a $75 minimum on any building permit and lists storage buildings under non-residential buildings, starting at $100 for work valued up to $5,000. Re-inspection trips cost $30, then $40, then $60. Anyone can draw the plans for a residential project under 2,500 square feet. Footing inspections happen before concrete is poured, so schedule that before the slab goes in.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Scotland County?
Usually yes. The county requires a permit for any building or structure, and the state exemption only covers accessory structures with no side over 12 feet. You also need a zoning permit, which comes from the Inspection Office in unincorporated areas.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Scotland County?
Yes for a garage, and for a shed if any dimension is over 12 feet. Accessory buildings must sit at least 10 feet from side and rear lines and from the house, and stay under 20 feet tall, under Section 9.2.6 of the zoning ordinance.

How much does a building permit cost in Scotland County?
The county fee schedule sets a $75 minimum on any building permit. Storage buildings fall under the non-residential category, which starts at $100 for work valued up to $5,000.

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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