Buncombe County, NC Accessory Structures: Shed & Carport Rules (2026)
Shed permit rules in Buncombe County, NC, also referred to as storage shed, backyard shed, or accessory building regulations, set size limits, setbacks, and when a building permit is required.
Key Facts
- Treated as
- Accessory structure
- Small carport side/rear
- 7 feet
- Large carport rear
- 10 feet
- Size threshold
- 320 sq ft / 15 ft height
- Citation
- Sec. 78-663
Summary
A carport is an accessory structure. In unincorporated Buncombe County, a carport of 320 sq ft or less and 15 ft or less in height must be at least seven feet from side and rear property lines under Sec. 78-663. Larger carports need a ten-foot rear setback and up to
Accessory uses or structures with a building footprint of greater than 320 square feet or a height of more than 15 feet shall meet the following standards: ... Side yard setback, no public sewer: ten feet; ... and Rear yard setback: ten feet.
Full Breakdown
Buncombe County treats carports as accessory structures under Sec. 78-663. Small carports (footprint no more than 320 sq ft, height no more than 15 ft) require a seven-foot side and rear setback, with the front yard set by the district in Sec. 78-642. Carports over 320 sq ft or over 15 ft tall require a ten-foot rear setback and a ten-foot side setback where there is no public sewer (seven feet with public sewer). Where the existing primary structure is a legal front-setback nonconformity, the carport may use the same front setback as that building.
Violations & Fines
A carport built inside required setbacks is a zoning violation; the zoning administrator may require relocation, deny permits, and impose civil penalties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close to my property line can a carport be?
Are carports and sheds treated the same?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Buncombe County
How Buncombe County compares: Shed Permit Requirements by City·Compare Buncombe County to another location·View the North Carolina accessory structures overview
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