Guilford County's Building Inspections Department handles permits for unincorporated areas of the county. If you live in Greensboro or High Point — both major cities in the county — contact those cities' building departments instead. The county covers rural and suburban unincorporated areas.
The shed threshold in Guilford County is 200 square feet — more generous than some NC counties. Decks attached to the house always require a permit; freestanding decks under 30 inches off grade may not. Fences generally do not require a permit in unincorporated Guilford County.
Guilford County Inspections is located at 400 W Market Street, Greensboro, NC 27401. Phone: (336) 641-3880. Permit fees are among the most affordable in the region — shed permits typically $35–$80, deck permits $60–$130. Review takes 3–7 business days for simple residential permits.
What Requires a Permit
Frequently Asked Questions
- No. A 12×16 shed is 192 square feet, which is under Guilford County's 200 sq ft threshold. No building permit is required. However, you must still comply with setback requirements for accessory structures in your zoning district — typically 5 feet from rear and side property lines. Call (336) 641-3880 to confirm the specific setbacks for your parcel.
- Generally no. Unincorporated Guilford County does not require a building permit for standard residential fences. You must still follow zoning height limits (typically 6 feet in rear and side yards, 4 feet in front yards) and placement rules. If you're inside Greensboro or High Point city limits, those cities have their own fence rules.