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Building Setbacks & Zoning in Sampson County, NC (2026)

2 rules for unincorporated Sampson County, North Carolina.

Verified from official government sources

Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Sampson County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.

Setback Rules

In the Residential (R) zoning district covering unincorporated Sampson County, County Code § 2-25-04 sets a 35-foot front setback, 10-foot side setback, 20-foot side setback on a lot abutting a street, and a 25-foot rear setback for stick-built homes, the same figures whether the lot has public water, public sewer, both, or neither. The Residential Agricultural (RA) district under § 2-25-03 carries identical numbers.

Sampson County Residential Setback Minimums

Some Restrictions

Sampson County Code § 2-25-04

Minimum Setback Lines In Feet Front Side Side abutting Street Rear Maximum Building Height ... Public Water And Sewer ... 35 ft. 10 ft. 20 ft. 25 ft.

Structure Height Limits

Sampson County caps stick-built home height at 40 feet in both the Residential (R) and Residential Agricultural (RA) zoning districts under County Code §§ 2-25-03 and 2-25-04, the same limit regardless of public water or sewer availability. Section 2-27-13 exempts rooftop appurtenances like chimneys, antennas, spires and mechanical penthouses that aren't meant for human occupancy from that 40-foot ceiling.

Sampson County Residential Building Height Limit

Some Restrictions

Sampson County Code §§ 2-25-04, 2-27-13

Minimum Setback Lines In Feet Front Side Side abutting Street Rear Maximum Building Height ... Public Water And Sewer ... 40 ft. ... The height limitations contained in the schedule of district regulations do not apply to spire, belfries, cupolas, antennas, water tanks, ventilators, chimneys, mechanical equipment penthouses, or other appurtenances usually required to be placed above the roof le...

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