How to Navigate Pole Barn Permits in North Carolina
Everyone would love a pole barn. But, one of the main things that stops many people from pursuing custom pole barns and hobby barns in North Carolina is the permitting process. THe problem is, the permitting process and requirement change not only between different states, but also between different counties.
Unfortunately, this means that even if you have gone through the zoning and permitting process for getting a pole barn before, if you have since moved even to just the next county, the process and requirement will be different the next time.
It’s no wonder that many homeowners just decide that an extra building on their property simply isn’t worth it. But…what if I told you that the permitting process doesn’t need to be a headache? Since Carolina Custom Barns began building pole barns over ten years ago, we have helped hundreds of customers jump through the hoops of getting the proper zoning and building permits right here in North Carolina. And, with all the lessons we have learned along the way, we are ready to do the same for you.
So, as a way to help you navigate the zoning and permitting process here in North Carolina, we have put together this helpful guide of common questions that we hear.
How much do pole barn permits cost in North Carolina?
Costs for a permit to build a pole barn in North Carolina depend a lot on the size of the building, the valuation of structure, and the intended use of the pole barn. Further, since every county has its own requirements, it will depend on which county you are located in.
With that being said, for a typical pole barn built solely for residential purposes, like a garage, hobby barn, or storage space, the costs will usually fall somewhere between $200 - $1,000, with is mostly depending on the size. But, it all depends on the specific county as to how that price is calculated.
Does the size of my custom pole barn affect the cost of building permits?
Yes! Increasing the size of your custom pole barn in North Carolina will almost certainly increase the cost of the building permits. However, this really depends on which county you are located in and how they chose to calculate permitting costs.
For example, many counties charge a base fee plus a flat rate per square foot. Camden County charges $75 for the first 500 square feet and $0.15 for each additional square foot. Wake County charges a $75 base fee plus $0.25 per gross square foot.
Others, such as Davidson County list a flat $40 pole shed building permit fee for basic unheated pole sheds without concrete slabs or utilities. And, still other counties, such as Craven County, charge permitting fees based on the total value of the project, usually charging a set fee for every $1,000 of project costs.
So, while going larger with your pole barn project will most likely increase your permitting costs, it is important to remember that the additional costs of permitting will be covered by the increased resale value of a large additional structure on the property. Not to mention the upgrade to your life while you are living there.
Where do I go to get a pole barn permit in North Carolina?
Since building permits are handled by each county in North Carolina, you will want to contact your local county’s office. They will be able to help you get everything you need before applying for permits as well as help you understand the specific requirements and process for your local area.
If the thoughts of jumping through all the hoops to get a permit intimidates you, our team does it every day! So, if that’s you, reach out to us and we can help you gather everything you need to get your building permits submitted and approved, without you needing to stress the details.
What documents or drawings do I need to get a permit for my pole barn?
While every county in North Carolina is a little different as far as what is required, here are the basic documents you might need before you get started.
If this looks like a lot, don’t worry. We help customers navigate all of these all the time. Reach out to us if you have any questions.
What is a Zoning Permit and Why Do I Need One?
Once you have all of those documents, your next step is to get the site plan drawn up so that you can get your zoning permit. The zoning permit is required before you can get your building permit. For the site plan, you will need a drawing of your entire property showing the following:
- Exact property boundaries and acreage.
- Location of all existing structures (houses, sheds, driveways).
- The exact footprint of the proposed pole barn.
- Setback distances measured in feet from the pole barn to all property lines (keep in mind that the required setback distances will change from county to county).
- Locations of your well, septic tank, and repair fields (if applicable).
- Any designated floodplains, wetlands, or utility easements.
Do I Need An Engineered Blueprint For A Building Permit in North Carolina?
Yes. Engineered blueprints are almost always required nowadays for custom pole barns in North Carolina. While hand-drawn sketches used to work, there are too many codes regulating the necessary strength for wind resistance, earthquake durability, and more.
Once you obtain your zoning permit, your next step is to find an engineer to design your blueprint and ensure that everything is up to code for your local township. If you are not sure where to go for this, check with your building contractor. Chances are that they have someone they work with on a regular basis for all engineering needs. At Carolina Custom Barns, we use a few engineers that we have used countless times. If you need someone, let us know and we can help you out!
How long does it take to get my custom pole permits?
When trying to plan sufficient time for getting all the needed permits for a custom pole barn in North Carolina, it is usually best to plan for 4 - 6 weeks. This gives plenty of time for everyone involved to do their part and make sure everything is up to par.
Here is a general time breakdown:
- Zoning and Land Use Review (1 to 2 Weeks): Before anyone looks at your structural blueprints, the local zoning office must verify your plot plan and approve the zoning permit.
- Building Plan Review (1 to 3 Weeks): Once zoning gives the green light, building inspectors review your engineering plans. They ensure wind load ratings, foundation post depths, and framing meet the North Carolina State Building Code. Once this is complete, you building permit can be issued
It is worth noting that if you live in a rural county with low construction volume, or if your structure is tiny (under 400 square feet) and has no utilities, some offices can issue a walk-in or over-the-counter permit on the same day.
Does Carolina Custom Barns help me get my pole barn permits?
Since the permitting process can be a headache to navigate here in North Carolina, not to mention all the different steps and people involved, we are always willing to help you through the process! After all, while you may only apply for building permits once or twice in your entire life, we are doing it all the time.
If you have any more questions, just reach out to me and I will be glad to walk you through the process and help out in any way I can.
Since 2015, Carolina Custom Barns has been building high-quality post-frame shells and exteriors for homeowners and businesses across North Carolina. From first conversation to final completion, our crews are here to help you design and build a structure you're proud of. Reach out today for a free quote and initial consultation.
