Accessory Structures

New residential accessory building projects require a Residential Project Application Packet and should be submitted directly through the CSS Online Portal. An accurate and clearly legible site plan must also be submitted. A to-scale site plan completed by a licensed land surveyor is always encouraged, and may be required in certain circumstances.

Accessory buildings may include any structure that is secondary to a single-family home. This includes sheds, storage buildings, detached garages, barns, carports, and any other similar outbuildings.

General Information

• Accessory buildings may not be constructed on residentially-zoned property without a principal structure (i.e., a single-family dwelling) either actively being built or already existing on the same parcel
• Check with your Homeowners' Association (HOA) to ensure compliance with applicable neighborhood Covenants & Restrictions
• With the exception of property within the RA (Residential Agricultural) zoning district, accessory structures may not be used for home occupations

Minimum Building Setbacks

• Setbacks will vary by zoning district, but generally must comply with the principal structure's (the home's) front setback
• Generally, accessory structures of 800 sq. ft. or less may be located within 5 feet of any side or rear property line
• Accessory structures greater than 800 sq. ft. shall be governed by the same setbacks and dimensional standards as the principal structure (the home)
• Accessory structures location within eighteen (18) inches of the exterior wall of a principal structure shall be required to meet the same setbacks as the principal structure

Permit Application Review Process

This process is for any new accessory building.

• Complete the Residential Project Application Packet.
  • This includes all documentation required for Building Inspections review, Planning/Zoning review, and, if necessary, Lee County Environmental Health review.
• The packet should include: 
  • A site plan that identifies 
    • the location of the proposed structure 
    • the distance between the structure and the front, rear, and side property lines 
    • the location of the proposed or existing driveway 
  • A set of building plans 
  • Septic system information and layout/site plan (if a septic system is located on site)

Submit your completed Residential Project Application Packet and Site Plan online using the CSS Online Portal.

For further information on building inspections or building permits, contact the Permitting/Inspections Division of the Community Development Department. For further information on septic permits, contact Lee County Environmental Health.

Helpful Information for Applicants

Minimum Building Setbacks

A minimum building setback is the minimum distance a structure can be built from a property line.  In other words: how far a structure must be set back from a property line. Minimum building setbacks will vary by zoning district, so be sure to check the Lee County GIS Interactive Map to find your zoning district, or contact the Department of Community Development (zoning@sanfordnc.net or 919-718-4656) for further information.

If your proposed new home, new addition, or new accessory building is within five feet of a minimum setback line (e.g., if the minimum building setback is 15 feet and your new home is between 15 and 20 feet away from the property line) then you must either have a to-scale site plan completed by a licensed design professional (surveyor, civil engineer, landscape architect) or have a licensed surveyor locate the corners of your property and verify that setbacks are met with the Community Development Department in writing (email is preferred).

The following building features may encroach into building setbacks, per UDO §4.7.3.1:

• bay windows or other structural overhangs, not to exceed three (3) feet
• chimneys, not to exceed two (2) feet
• heating and cooling units, not to exceed three (3) feet
• overhanging roof, eave, gutter, cornice, or other architectural feature and awnings, not to exceed two (2) feet
• steps, stairs, or fire escapes (non-enclosed), not to exceed six (6) feet.

Easements

Please be aware of any easements located on your property and be sure they're located before starting construction of your home. Click here for more information on easements.