Swain County

Swain County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Swain County Building Inspections says any building greater than 12 feet in any dimension needs a building permit, so most metal carports, garages and barns will need one. If you are looking into a Swain County carport permit, the county uses its Remodel/Additions and Accessory Building Application, which asks for the building's dimensions, square footage and whether it is a garage, open shed, storage building, shop or barn. The county also lists a Land Development Permit that has to be issued before other permits. Plan for a little extra time, since the office asks you to call if you have not heard back within 3 days of submitting.

Permit office: Swain County Building Inspections
Address: 50 Main Street, Bryson City, NC 28713
Phone: 828-488-9134
Official county page

When a permit is required

Buildings over 12 feet: The county's permit page says any building greater than 12 feet in any dimension requires a building permit. That covers most two-car carports and metal garages.
Buildings over 400 square feet: Accessory buildings larger than 400 square feet need a permanent foundation, so plan anchoring and footings before the building is delivered.
Enclosing a carport: Adding walls to turn an existing carport into an enclosed building requires a permit, and so does putting a roof over an existing deck or porch.
Land development permit: The fee schedule lists a $100 Land Development Permit that is required before other permits are issued.
Electrical and other trades: Wiring, plumbing or mechanical work in the building is permitted separately, at $80 per residential trade for one trip.

Zoning and setbacks

Swain County's posted list of county ordinances does not include a countywide zoning ordinance, and the county permit page does not mention zoning or setback rules for accessory buildings. What it does list are rules that can still affect where a building goes, including a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance, a Watershed Protection ordinance, and erosion and sediment control rules. If your lot is inside the Town of Bryson City, the town may have its own zoning, so check with the town before you order. Because no county setback numbers are posted, ask Building Inspections about placement when you apply.

What to bring

Completed Remodel/Additions and Accessory Building Application with dimensions and square footage
Tax record card and parcel (PIN) number from the Tax Office or Mapping
Septic documentation if the building needs it (Health Department authorization or waiver, or a Town of Bryson City sewer letter)
Plans or drawings of the building, plus the licensure affidavit and soil disturbance permit the county lists

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. Swain County's own permit page lists farm buildings as exempt, except buildings that contain dwelling units. Electrical, plumbing or mechanical work in a farm building is a separate question, so call Building Inspections before running power to it.

Good to know

Swain County takes permit applications and inspection requests through its online permitting and inspection portal. Under the fee schedule effective 10/1/2026, garages and accessory buildings run $0.50 per square foot of heated space plus $0.30 per square foot of unheated space, with trades billed separately, and starting work without a permit doubles the fee. Land disturbance of one acre or more needs an erosion plan and a grading permit before work starts, and the county posts a Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance for lots near streams and rivers. The permit page lists office hours of 8 to 9 am and 4 to 5 pm for walk-ins, so calling 828-488-9134 first is the safest bet.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Swain County?
Most likely yes. Swain County says any building greater than 12 feet in any dimension needs a building permit, and the county also lists a Land Development Permit that must be issued before other permits.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Swain County?
Yes if any side is over 12 feet. Buildings over 400 square feet also need a permanent foundation, and wiring or plumbing needs its own trade permit.

How much does an accessory building permit cost in Swain County?
The fee schedule effective 10/1/2026 charges $0.50 per square foot of heated space and $0.30 per square foot of unheated space for garages and accessory buildings, plus the $100 Land Development 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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