Storage & Other Accessory Buildings

If you are planning to add or construct a storage shed or other accessory building on your property, you will need a permit and inspections. Inspection of the project is needed to ensure building safety and to protect property values.

The type of permitting process depends upon the scope of the project. If your proposed accessory building has a dimension (length, width or height) greater than 12 feet, then it is subject to the standards of the NC Residential Code and is permitted through the Residential Construction process. The smaller sized accessory buildings use the Zoning Compliance process for permitting.

Prerequisites

  • A Certificate of Appropriateness is required if the structure is located in a local historic district or is a Guilford County Historic Landmark

Process

  • If the accessory building has a dimension (length, width or height) greater than 12 feet, use the Residential Construction process for the permit. Any electrical, mechanical or plumbing work can be included in the permit.
  • If the accessory building does not meet the above dimensions, use the Zoning Compliance process for the permit. Any electrical, mechanical or plumbing work would require permitting through the Over-the-Counter process.

Additional Information