How to Build a Barn in North Carolina

Outline

1. Introduction
2. Summary – What to know about building in North Carolina.
3. Permitting
4. How to find and choose a builder in your area.
5. Helpful websites
6. North Carolina Structure Galleries
7. Appendix
   • Detailed list of potential land assessments and reports
   • Detailed list of professional services that may be required to conduct assessments and reports on your land.

Introduction

Since we started delivering barn packages to North Carolina in the late 1980s we’ve come to learn how the coastlines, rivers, lakes, and mountains shape not only the landscapes and scenery, but also how they influence construction projects.

Our goal here is to share what we’ve learned so you know what to expect from the journey, and how to make your project as efficient as possible

As with all things construction related, every project cost and timeline are unique no matter where you are building, but we’ve identified some common trends as we have engineered and shipped our structure kits throughout recent decades.

Summary: What are the main things to know about building in North Carolina.

1. Permitting requirements are determined on the local level, either by county or city. Reach out to your local building department early in your planning to confirm your permitting needs.
2. Leverage your network with word-of-mouth referrals and social media to find reputable builders in your area.
3. Depending on your location, coastal or mountainous regions may require additional assessments and engineering to account for hurricanes and potential flooding.

Permitting: How to obtain building permits in North Carolina

Where to find permitting information for your area.

Your county or city building department will be your best resource for all information pertaining to permitting and site planning needs. Research their websites online, give them a call or visit these offices in person.

Some jurisdictions offer pre-application meetings and permit expediting services. These are great resources to navigate the planning process and learn exactly what kind of assessments and details your project will require. Ask your county building department if services like these are available to you.

How to apply for your building permits.

1. Review zoning and land use regulations for your location.
2. Speak with your local building department to confirm the project details and information needed to apply for building permits.
3. Conduct any necessary surveys or assessments of your land.
4. Prepare your site plan.
5. Submit building permit application with site plan details and all necessary project information.
6. Review, address comments and make revisions as needed.

Definition of a site plan

Once you have contacted your building department and confirmed your land can support your desired structure, the next step is to work with the necessary professional services to gather any required land assessments and reports and create a site plan. At this time Barn Pros will work with you to confirm the layout, size and details of your structure and prepare to engineer your blueprints.

When your site plan contains all the needed land assessments and reports, Barn Pros will account for these details in your blueprints and you’re ready to submit your building permit application. 

See the appendix for example site plan details and professional services that you may need to pursue.

Types of assessments and reports that may be required in your site plan.

No two site plans will be the same thanks to North Carolina’s varied terrain. With this in mind, common assessments and reports for your site plan may include the following:

• Property information including lot size and shape, property lines and boundaries.
• Existing topography, vegetation, structures, utilities, and bodies of water.
• Proposed structure information such as footprint, dimensions, and setbacks, building height, floor plans and elevations.
• Necessary site improvements including driveways and access, landscaping, grading, drainage, fences, and walls.
• Utility and services connections, septic systems, and stormwater management.
• Fire safety plans including defensible space around your structure, fire-resistant materials and water supply for firefighting.
• Regulatory compliance of zoning and easements.
• Environmental considerations around wetland mitigation, erosion control, environmental impact assessments and critical area reports.

Reference the appendix for more details around potential land assessments and reports and contact your local building department to confirm which are needed for your specific site plan.

Professional services that you may need to work with to gather required land assessments and reports.

• Land surveyor
• Civil engineer
• Landscape architect
• Environmental consultant
• Geotechnical engineer
• Septic System designer/ installation
• Hydrologist or water resource engineer
• Well drilling contractor
• Fire safety consultant
• Traffic engineer
• Utility consultant
• Land use attorney
• Permit specialist

Reference the appendix for more details on what these professional services do and how they apply to your site plan.

How to find and choose a builder.

Word-of-mouth referrals or local social media groups are a good place to search for qualified contractors in your area. Online websites such as Home Advisor, Porch, Angi and Houzz are great online resources to leverage. You can learn more about things to think about and what to ask when searching for a builder for your project in our resource article here: How to Find & Choose a Barn Builder.

Helpful Websites

North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality (NCDEQ)
Environmental regulations and permits for stormwater, erosion control, and wetlands.

North Carolina Licensing Board for General Contractors (NCLBGC)
Information on contractor licensing, applications, and verification.

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
Permits for driveways, rights-of-way, and any construction affecting state roads.

North Carolina One Map
A comprehensive GIS resource with maps showing property boundaries, floodplains, and other critical geographic data.

Local County Websites
Each county’s website provides specific zoning, permitting, and building code information tailored to local requirements

North Carolina Association of Soil Scientists (NCASS)
For soil evaluation and percolation tests needed for septic systems on residential sites.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Region 4 – North Carolina
Resources on federal environmental compliance, wetlands, and water protection in North Carolina.

North Carolina Home Builders Association (NCHBA)
A resource for finding licensed builders, gaining industry insights, and navigating state building requirements.

North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office
Guidance on requirements for construction or renovations in historic districts, including permits and preservation guidelines.

North Carolina Structure Galleries

Exploring existing project galleries is a great way to begin the design of our structure. Look for different siding options, stall packages and layouts in these galleries and take notes of which you prefer. You can share these with your project specialist and they can provide you with options that fit your style.

Waterford Denali Barn Apartment

Denali 48 Barn Apartment NC

Sitton Mill Barn Living

Appendix

Potential Details That May Be Required in Your Site Plan

Creating a site plan for new construction in Idaho can require detailed and accurate documentation to meet local regulations and ensure approval. Here are common elements that may need to be included in your site plan:

Property Information

• Property Boundaries: Accurate depiction of property lines, with dimensions and bearings.
• Lot Size and Shape: Detailed measurements and shape of the lot.

Existing Conditions

• Topography: Contour lines to show the slope and elevation of the land.
• Vegetation: Existing trees, shrubs, and other significant vegetation.
• Structures: Existing buildings, fences, and other structures on the property.
• Utilities: Location of existing utilities such as water, sewer, gas, and electric lines.
• Water Bodies and Wetlands: Streams, rivers, ponds, and wetland areas.

Proposed Construction

• Building Footprint: Outline of the proposed buildings and structures.
• Dimensions and Setbacks: Distance of the proposed structures from property lines, roads, and other structures.
• Building Height: Proposed height of the new buildings.
• Floor Plans and Elevations: Detailed floor plans and elevation views of the proposed structures.

Site Improvements

• Driveways and Access: Location and dimensions of driveways, access roads, and parking areas.
• Landscaping: Proposed landscaping plans, including trees, shrubs, lawns, and other plantings.
• Grading and Drainage: Proposed grading changes and drainage systems to manage runoff.
• Fences and Walls: Location and type of any proposed fences or retaining walls.

Utilities and Services

• New Utility Connections: Location of proposed connections to water, sewer, gas, electric, and communication lines.
• Septic Systems: If applicable, design and location of septic systems.
• Stormwater Management: Plans for managing stormwater runoff, including detention/retention ponds, swales, and other features.

Regulatory Compliance

• Zoning Information: Zoning classification of the property and compliance with zoning regulations.
• Easements and Rights-of-Way: Location of any easements, rights-of-way, or other encumbrances.
• Permits and Approvals: List of required permits and approvals from local, state, and federal agencies.

Environmental Considerations

• Wetland Mitigation: Plans for mitigating any impact on wetlands.
• Environmental Impact Assessment: If required, a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of the project.
• Erosion Control: Measures to prevent erosion during and after construction.

Additional Documentation

• Survey: A professional land survey showing existing conditions.
• Architectural and Engineering Plans: Detailed architectural and engineering plans for the proposed structures.
• Title Report: Current title report for the property.
• Neighbor Notifications: Evidence of notification to adjacent property owners, if required.

Process for Approval

1. Consultation: Meet with the local planning department to understand specific requirements.
2. Preparation: Hire professionals such as land surveyors, architects, and engineers and prepare the site plan as needed.
3. Submission: Submit the site plan along with any required applications and fees to the local planning department.
4. Review: The planning department and other relevant agencies review the plan for compliance with regulations.
5. Revisions: Make any necessary revisions based on feedback from the review.
6. Approval: Obtain all necessary permits and approvals before beginning construction.

Potential Professional Services You May Need to Work With

Land Surveyor
Conducts detailed surveys of the property to establish precise property boundaries, topography, and existing conditions. Accurate surveys are essential for creating a reliable site plan and ensuring compliance with zoning and setback requirements.

Civil Engineer
Designs site infrastructure, including grading, drainage, stormwater management, and utility connections. Ensures the site is properly prepared and that infrastructure meets local regulations and environmental standards.

Architect
Develops the building design, including floor plans, elevations, and architectural details. Creates the visual and functional aspects of the structures, ensuring they meet building codes and aesthetic requirements.

Landscape Architect
Designs landscaping elements, including vegetation, hardscapes, and outdoor amenities. Enhances the site’s appearance, provides environmental benefits, and ensures compliance with local landscaping regulations.

Environmental Consultant
Assesses environmental impacts, identifies wetlands, and advises on mitigation measures. Ensures compliance with environmental regulations and minimizes the project’s ecological footprint.

Geotechnical Engineer
Evaluates soil conditions and provides recommendations for foundations and earthwork. Ensures the site can support the proposed structures and that earthwork is done safely and effectively.

Traffic Engineer
Analyzes traffic flow and designs access points, driveways, and parking areas. Ensures safe and efficient access to the site and compliance with local traffic regulations.

Utility Consultant
Plans the connections to water, sewer, gas, electric, and communication services. Ensures all utility services are properly integrated into the site plan.

Land Use Attorney
Provides legal advice on zoning, land use regulations, and permitting processes. Helps navigate legal requirements and addresses any legal challenges or disputes.

Permit Expediter
Assists in preparing and submitting permit applications and coordinates with regulatory agencies. Streamlines the permitting process and helps ensure timely approvals.