How to Navigate Pole Barn Permits in North Carolina

Lots of North Carolina homeowners would love a pole barn. But many property owners pursuing custom pole barns and hobby barns in North Carolina get overwhelmed by the permitting process. 

The problem is, the permitting process here in North Carolina can be really complicated. Between needing engineered blueprints, acquiring zoning permission, and determining proper setback requirements, many property owners get dizzy just thinking about it.

Further, with every county having slightly different requirements, a small move will mean even the experienced property owner will need to relearn the process when they build again.

It’s no wonder property owners often decide an extra building on their property isn’t worth it. But…what if I told you that the permitting process doesn’t need to be a headache? 

Over the past ten years, Carolina Custom Barns has helped hundreds of customers jump through the zoning and permitting hoops of building pole barns in North Carolina. And, with all the lessons we’ve learned along the way, we've put together the following guide.

So give it a quick scan.

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How Much Do Pole Barn Permits Cost in North Carolina?

Pole barn permit costs in North Carolina depend on:

• Building size
• Appraisal value
• Intended use
• Local county

While your specific county has its own method for calculating permitting expenses, a typical pole barn built solely for residential purposes (like a garage, hobby barn, or storage space) will generally cost between $200 and $1,000, mostly dependent on size. 

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Does Pole Barn Size 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 building permits. However, the extent to which size affects permit pricing depends on how your specific county calculates 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. By comparison, 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. 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, you will want to check how your local county determines costs in order to decide if the extra size is worth it.

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How Do I Get a Pole Barn Permit in North Carolina?

Contact your local county office for information on pole barn permits in North Carolina. They will be able to help you with everything you need: from gathering needed information, applying, and helping you understand the specific requirements for your locality. 

Rather have someone do all the legwork for you? We do this every day! Reach out and we’ll help you gather everything you need to get your building permits submitted and approved—without stress!

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What Documents or Drawings Do I Need to Get a Permit for my Pole Barn?

While every county in North Carolina has different requirements, here are the basic documents you may need before submitting for permits.

Seem like a lot? Don’t worry. We help property owners navigate the permitting process every day. Reach out with any questions. We’re happy to help!

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What is a Zoning Permit and Why Do I Need One?

Another crucial step to getting your building permit is obtaining your zoning permit. A zoning permit says that the county is approving the location, size, and water runoff of the new building. To get your zoning permit, 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. 

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Do I Need An Engineered Blueprint For A Building Permit in North Carolina?

Yes. Due to code regulations for wind resistance, earthquake durability, and more, hand-drawn sketches are no longer adequate, and engineered blueprints are almost always required for building a pole barn in North Carolina.

To obtain designed blueprints, bring your zoning permit to an architectural engineer. They will ensure everything is up to code for your local township and provide a plan outlining the following elements:

If you’re unsure of where to find an engineer, check with your building contractor. Most contractors partner with engineers they trust and work with on a regular basis. At Carolina Custom Barns, we have our favorites—who we’ve used countless times—so if you need someone, let us know!

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How Long Does it Take to Get my Custom Pole Barn Permits?

The process of obtaining a custom pole barn building permit in North Carolina typically takes 4 - 6 weeks. This time frame gives builders, engineers, and county officials plenty of time to do their part and make sure everything is up to par.

Here’s 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 to ensure wind load ratings, foundation post depths, and framing meet the North Carolina State Building Code. With their approval, your 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.

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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, 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. I’m happy to walk you through the process and help out in any way I can.

Paul Nisley

Owner, Carolina Custom Barns

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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.