top of page
Redemption Steel logo (trimmed for header).png

North Carolina

North Carolina Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

Most metal buildings in North Carolina need some kind of local approval, but the rules come from your county or city, not one statewide permit. A small portable carport may need nothing more than a zoning check. An enclosed garage or anything over 12 feet in any direction almost always needs a building permit. Start with the county or town where the building will sit, then use the steps below.


Building code in effect

North Carolina still builds to the 2018 North Carolina State Building Code. The 2024 edition has been adopted but its start date is on hold, and it can't take effect before 2027. If your inspector mentions the code, this is the one they mean for now.


Who issues permits

Permits come from your county inspections department, or from your city or town if the property is inside city limits or a town's extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ). Zoning approval (setbacks, size limits, how many accessory buildings you can have) is usually a separate check from the building permit, even when the same office handles both.


County permit guides

Pick your county for its permit office, phone number, what to bring and local rules.



When you need a permit

  • Small portable carports: The NC Residential Code leaves out portable, lightweight carports up to 400 square feet or 12 feet mean roof height. Many counties still want a zoning permit for them.
  • The 12-foot rule: Many NC counties and cities don't require a building permit for a detached accessory building on a home lot if no side is over 12 feet. Go bigger in any direction and you'll likely need one. Raleigh, for example, requires a zoning permit under 12 feet and a building permit above it.
  • Enclosing a carport: Adding walls to an existing carport usually needs a permit, because the walls become part of the structure.
  • Commercial property: Accessory buildings on business property generally need a permit no matter the size.


Farm buildings

Buildings used only to support a bona fide farm can be exempt from building permits in county jurisdiction under state law (G.S. 160D-903). You'll usually sign a farm exemption form and may need to show farm status. Inside city limits the exemption is much narrower. Electrical work in a farm building still needs a permit and inspection.


Wind and snow

North Carolina covers everything from hurricane coast to mountain snow. Coastal counties can require higher wind ratings than the Piedmont, and mountain counties may care more about snow load. Ask your county what wind speed and snow load your building must be engineered for, then order a certified building that meets it. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.


Before you order

  • Call your county or town permit office before you order and ask: Do I need a building permit, a zoning permit or both? What setbacks apply? What wind and snow ratings do you require?
  • Check HOA rules and deed restrictions. The county won't enforce them, but your neighbors will.
  • Have a level site ready, whether that's a concrete slab, gravel pad or graded ground.
  • Ask for engineered drawings for a certified building if the office needs them. We can help you get them.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in North Carolina?
It depends on the size and where you live. Small portable carports are often exempt from the building code, but most counties still want a zoning permit. Larger or enclosed carports usually need a building permit.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage in North Carolina?
Almost always, if any side is over 12 feet. Most garages are bigger than that.


Are farm buildings exempt?
Often, if the building is used only for a bona fide farm and sits outside city limits. Electrical work still needs a permit.


Sources


Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.


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.

bottom of page