Warren County

Warren County, NC Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In unincorporated Warren County, a metal carport or garage needs a county zoning permit before a building permit can be issued, and the county zoning definitions count carports and garages as buildings. Outside the Towns of Warrenton and Norlina and their extraterritorial areas, the Warren County Planning/Zoning and Code Enforcement Department issues both permits. If your land is inside Warrenton or Norlina or their ETJ, start with the town instead.

Permit office: Warren County Planning/Zoning and Code Enforcement Department
Address: 542 W Ridgeway Street, Warrenton, NC 27589
Phone: 252-257-1305
Official county page

When a permit is required

Zoning permit first: Warren County requires a zoning permit for new construction, alterations, additions or a change in use, and the building permit cannot be issued without it.
Carports and garages: The county zoning definitions list carports and garages as buildings, so they go through the same review.
Town land is different: Inside Warrenton, Norlina and their extraterritorial areas, the county does not issue the zoning permit.
Small buildings: North Carolina law can exempt an accessory building with no dimension over 12 feet from a building permit. Ask the county whether the zoning permit still applies.

Zoning and setbacks

Warren County requires a zoning permit showing the proposed use conforms to the zoning chapter before any building permit. If a zoning permit is denied, the decision of the Planning and Zoning Administrator can be appealed to the Board of Adjustment. Accessory building setbacks are set in the county zoning chapter (Chapter 157), so ask for the numbers that apply to your zoning district before you pick a spot.

What to bring

A zoning permit application for the new building
A site plan showing the building location, property lines and the road
Building size and use
Building plans or manufacturer drawings for the building permit

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 Warren County Planning/Zoning and Code Enforcement Department what farm documentation they need. Electrical work in a farm building still needs a permit and inspection.

Good to know

Permit applications can be filed online through Warren County's OpenGov permit portal. Warren County's zoning rules are in Chapter 157 of the county Code of Ordinances, posted at American Legal Publishing. Inside a manufactured home park, homes must be at least 20 feet from other homes and other permanent buildings, and outdoor storage must be in an approved portable building with lockable doors.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Warren County?
Outside Warrenton, Norlina and their ETJ, plan on a county zoning permit first, since the zoning chapter counts carports as buildings. Whether you also need a building permit depends on size, so call the department at 252-257-1305.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Warren County?
A garage goes through the same zoning permit, and no building permit is issued until zoning signs off. The county doesn't post a size cutoff online, so ask before you order a small shed.

What if my zoning permit is denied in Warren County?
You can appeal the Planning and Zoning Administrator's decision to the county Board of Adjustment.

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.

Design Your Building in 3D