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Wake County

Wake County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

North Carolina

In unincorporated Wake County, a metal carport, garage or other accessory building with a side longer or taller than 12 feet needs a building permit. Smaller buildings may still need a Land Use Permit from Planning and Zoning. Inside Raleigh, Cary, Apex or another town, that town's rules apply instead.


Permit office: Wake County Permits & Inspections
Address: 336 Fayetteville St., First Floor, Raleigh, NC 27602
Phone: 919-856-6222
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • Any dimension over 12 feet: building permit required.
  • 12 feet or under: no building permit, but a Land Use Permit may still be required.
  • Plans must be designed to the 2018 NC Residential Code.


Zoning and setbacks

Setbacks depend on your zoning district, so confirm them with Wake County Planning and Zoning. On septic, the building must stay clear of the system, its repair area and any well. Flood areas or large paved areas can trigger a watershed review.


What to bring

  • Application through the Wake County Permit Portal
  • Site plan showing distances to property lines and existing structures
  • Building plans (engineered drawings for a certified metal building)
  • Workers' comp certificate or exemption affidavit from the contractor
  • Owner-contractor affidavit if the project is $40,000 or more and you are the general contractor


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. Ask the office for its farm exemption form. Electrical work still needs a permit.


Good to know

Septic questions: 919-856-7434. Well questions: 919-856-7482. Apply online at Wake County Permit Portal.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Wake County?
If any dimension is over 12 feet, yes, you need a building permit. At 12 feet or under there is no building permit, but a Land Use Permit may still be required.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Wake County?
The same 12-foot rule applies. Plans go through the Wake County Permit Portal, and a certified metal building needs engineered drawings. Inside Raleigh, Cary, Apex or another town, ask that town instead.


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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