Bolthole Index

Brunswick County, North Carolina

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Brunswick County, North Carolina

62Index Score / 100
#40 of 100 in North Carolina

Brunswick County, North Carolina requires a building permit to construct a home, with limited exceptions for certain nonstructural, accessory and farm work1. County zoning applies only outside another government's planning jurisdiction, so a parcel inside a town's jurisdiction follows that town's zoning2. Septic permits and well permits come from Brunswick County Environmental Health Services34.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for a home; listed exceptions cover some smaller and farm projects1
Zoning
Yes, outside municipal and other equal land-use jurisdictions5
Septic permits
Environmental Health evaluates sites and issues staged approvals34
Well permits
Required with a septic application when public water is unavailable6
Owner-builder
Available if the owner owns the land and occupies the completed structure for 12 months7
RV living
An RV cannot be an accessory dwelling or be permanently connected to utilities8
Floodplain development
A county permit is required before development in a Special Flood Hazard Area9

Who to call

Building permits

Brunswick County Code Administration (Central Permitting)

Building, fire and central permitting and inspections countywide

910-253-2021

75 Courthouse Drive, Building I, Bolivia, NC 28422

Planning & zoning

Brunswick County Planning & Community Enforcement

Zoning, land subdivision, long-range planning and minor CAMA permits for unincorporated Brunswick County

910-253-2025

75 Courthouse Drive, Building I, Bolivia, NC 28422

Septic permits

Brunswick County Environmental Health Services

Septic (on-site wastewater) permits, well permits and drinking-water-quality monitoring for private wells

910-253-2150

25 Courthouse Drive, Building A, Bolivia, NC 28422

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 9, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Brunswick County, North Carolina?

Yes. Brunswick County requires a building permit to locate, erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, demolish or relocate a structure, or to change its occupancy1. Exceptions generally cover nonstructural work costing less than $40,000 in a single-family residence, residential accessory buildings with no dimension over 12 feet, and farm buildings outside a jurisdiction or municipality1. Brunswick County applies the North Carolina State Building Code, while Code Administration administers state codes locally1011. Code Administration requires trade finals before the final building inspection and issues the certificate of occupancy after the final building inspection passes1213. Central Permitting can confirm whether a particular project qualifies for an exception14.

Who issues building permits in Brunswick County, and how do you reach them?

Brunswick County Code Administration, including Central Permitting, handles building permits and inspections at 75 Courthouse Drive, Building I, Bolivia, NC 2842214. Call 910-253-2021 and choose option 2 for building-permit questions; office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.14. Applications are available on the county permit-applications page and permit portal, which supports document uploads, project messages, status monitoring and inspection requests15. County fee schedules are published for planning, environmental health, building, fire and Code Administration, although the cited overview does not state every amount16. An owner may act as general contractor for a home, addition or accessory structure on land they own if they personally occupy it for 12 months after completion7. Planning & Community Enforcement handles zoning, subdivision and minor CAMA questions17.

Does Brunswick County have zoning?

Yes. Brunswick County zoning governs land outside another governmental unit’s planning jurisdiction, so a parcel inside a town’s planning jurisdiction follows that town’s zoning rather than the county’s2. Septic permits stay with Brunswick County Environmental Health either way3. Planning & Community Enforcement handles zoning and subdivision in those unincorporated areas1718. Minimum lot area varies by zoning district and by whether water and wastewater are available, while the residential districts covered by the county table have height limits ranging from 40 to 50 feet1920. Setback compliance can require a foundation survey after the foundation inspection for a site-built home or before setup inspection for a mobile home, subject to listed exceptions21. Only one accessory dwelling may be allowed, and it must meet district, parking, appearance, location and dimensional conditions22. Bona fide farming uses are exempt from county UDO zoning requirements when the owner proves qualifying farm status, but other uses must follow the underlying district23.

How do septic permits work in Brunswick County?

Brunswick County Environmental Health Services administers on-site wastewater and well permits3. Under the traditional process, submit an Improvement Permit application; a Registered Environmental Health Specialist evaluates the site and may deny it or issue the Improvement Permit, Construction Authorization and Operation Permit at the appropriate stages4. Alternative Engineer and Authorized On-Site Wastewater Evaluator routes are available with the specified professionals and forms4. A septic application for property without public water must also include a well-permit application6. The published fee schedule lists $515 for an Improvement Permit application and $300 each for a Construction Authorization application and a new or repair well, at the stated system size24. Only about 4.6% of county soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field, so make septic feasibility a purchase contingency25. Reach Environmental Health at 25 Courthouse Drive, Building A, Bolivia, NC 28422, or 910-253-215026.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Brunswick County?

In unincorporated Brunswick County, an RV or travel trailer may not be used as an accessory dwelling in a residential district or on residential property, and it may not be permanently connected to public or private utilities8. Outdoor RV Resorts follow separate district and special-use rules, and a resort lot cannot be used for permanent occupancy27. Camping or an RV is also prohibited as an accessory use to the specified residential, personal or noncommercial storage structure28. Tiny houses on foundations are treated as site-built homes, but we could not confirm a complete local tiny-home occupancy rule; ask Planning whether the proposed dwelling is allowed in the parcel’s district. Manufactured homes are limited to specified districts and standards, while mobile-home parks need special-use approval in specified districts29. Planning can confirm the district before you buy or move a unit17.

Building a home in Brunswick County: the steps, in order

  1. Ask Planning & Community Enforcement to confirm the parcel’s jurisdiction, zoning district, lot standards and any minor CAMA review23017.
  2. If dividing land, schedule the required project-planning session and submit a sketch plan before pursuing subdivision approval31.
  3. For an unsewered site, apply to Environmental Health for the septic Improvement Permit and site evaluation before fixing the house location4.
  4. Apply through Code Administration’s applications page or permit portal; county development review runs concurrently where a building permit is required1532.
  5. Complete required trade and building inspections as construction proceeds12.
  6. Obtain the septic Operation Permit at the proper stage and pass the final building inspection413.
  7. Receive the certificate of occupancy before moving into the completed home13.

What to check before you buy land in Brunswick County

Ask Planning & Community Enforcement to identify the parcel’s jurisdiction, zoning district, allowed use, minimum lot area, setbacks and any minor CAMA review2302117. Make septic suitability a contract contingency because only about 4.6% of Brunswick County soils lack severe limitations for a conventional drain field25. Development in a Special Flood Hazard Area requires a Floodplain Development Permit before work starts, with the Code Administration director or designee serving as Floodplain Administrator933. Verify legal access with the appropriate road authority because we could not confirm a general countywide driveway rule. Forest covers about 71.7% of the county, and about 98.5% of the land has a slope of 15% or less3435. Typical home value is about $409,613, the effective property-tax rate is about 0.6%, and the median annual property-tax bill is about $1,789363738.

Watch-outs

  • An owner-builder must own the land and personally occupy the completed home, addition or accessory structure for 12 months7.
  • An Outdoor RV Resort near public, municipal or community water or sewer may have mandatory connection requirements, including a 1,000-foot trigger for the stated water-system condition39.

Sources

  1. Do I Need a Permit?, quoted and re-checked
  2. Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), quoted and re-checked
  3. Environmental Health, quoted and re-checked
  4. On-Site Wastewater Permitting Options, quoted and re-checked
  5. Unified Development Ordinance (UDO), quoted and re-checked
  6. Fee Schedules, quoted and re-checked
  7. brunswickcountync.gov, quoted and re-checked
  8. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  9. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  10. Code Compliance Information, quoted and re-checked
  11. Code Compliance Information, quoted and re-checked
  12. Code Administration, quoted and re-checked
  13. Residential Building Inspection Guide, quoted and re-checked
  14. Brunswick County Code Administration (Central Permitting) (brunswickcountync.gov)
  15. Start a Project, quoted and re-checked
  16. Fee Schedules, quoted and re-checked
  17. Brunswick County Planning & Community Enforcement (brunswickcountync.gov)
  18. Planning & Community Enforcement, quoted and re-checked
  19. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  20. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  21. Setback Certification Requirements, quoted and re-checked
  22. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  23. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  24. Fee Schedules, quoted and re-checked
  25. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  26. Brunswick County Environmental Health Services (brunswickcountync.gov)
  27. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  28. brunswickcountync.gov, quoted and re-checked
  29. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  30. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  31. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  32. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  33. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  34. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data
  35. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  36. Typical home value (Zillow): Bolthole Index county data
  37. Effective property tax rate: Bolthole Index county data
  38. Median property tax bill: Bolthole Index county data
  39. Brunswick County Unified Development Ordinance, quoted and re-checked

Written October 9, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like 5 of its 6 neighbors, Brunswick County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleBrunswick CountyNew Hanover CountyColumbus CountyPender CountyBladen CountySampson CountyDuplin County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredLimitedRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesNo
Septic permitsCounty Env. Health ServicesCounty Env. HealthCounty Health Dept.County Health Dept.County Env. Health Div.County Env. HealthCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Brunswick County in North Carolina

62
County map
Brunswick County highlighted among the North Carolina counties · colored by Index score

How Brunswick County scores

Seclusion51100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency68100% ev.
Admin Boringness4290% ev.
Durability54100% ev.
Property Autonomy42100% ev.
Carry Cost77100% ev.

Evidence strength: 98%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$410kTypical home
0.6%Property tax
$4,930Land / acre
55.2"Annual rain
2.5% of yrsSevere drought
2 / yr (+1.8)Mid-century 100°F days
12.9 daysMid-century dry spell
3.03" (+5.2%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.19×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,210Home insurance / yr
6% / yrInsurance growth
0.65%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
34,316People within 30 min
1,434,562People within 2 hr
76,993Radius comparison (15 mi)
188.2People / sq mi
1.3%Federal land
98.5%Land at 15% slope or less
4.6%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
23,869 acWorkable land screen
71.7%Wooded land
38.1 tonsBiomass / forest ac
63.4°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Brunswick County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Town of Belville · Town of Bolivia · Town of Navassa · Northwest · Town of Sandy Creek · Southport

Answers from the rulebook for Brunswick County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Brunswick County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, demolishing, relocating, or changing occupancy of a structure.

    • Generally not required for nonstructural work costing less than $40,000 in a single-family residence; farm buildings outside the jurisdiction or municipality; residential accessory buildings with no dimension exceeding 12 feet; replacement of residential windows, doors, and exterior siding; and replacement of certain residential porch/deck components.

    nonstructural single-family work threshold: < 40000 USD (Generally not required)

    “A building permit is required: If an individual or corporation is locating, erecting, constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, demolishing, relocating, or changing occupancy of a structure.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Owner acting as general contractor for a home, addition, or accessory structure.

    • The owner must own the land.
    • The owner must personally occupy the structure for 12 months after completion.

    required personal occupancy: 12 months

    “Any person may act as their own general contractor for construction of a home, addition, or accessory structure if they own the land and will personally occupy the structure for 12 months after completion.”
  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    North Carolina State Building Code: Fire Prevention Code administered by Brunswick County Code Administration.

    • The source identifies the 2018 Fire Prevention Code as effective January 1, 2019.
    • County fire-prevention ordinances also apply.

    effective date: 2019-01-01

    “Brunswick County is required to enforce the North Carolina State Building Code: Fire Prevention Code and referenced fire protection standards.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Building-code enforcement administered by Brunswick County Code Administration.
      “Brunswick County is required to enforce the North Carolina State Building Code: Fire Prevention Code and referenced fire protection standards. All State codes are administered by the Brunswick County Code Administration Department.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Residential building construction subject to Brunswick County inspections.

    • Each trade must be completed before its final inspection.
    • Additional inspections may be required for Building Code or other-law compliance.
    • Floodplain projects require elevation certificates before applicable inspections.
    “Each trade must be completed before requesting a final inspection for each. Typically, the building final inspection is performed last.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Building inspections administered by Brunswick County Code Administration.
      “Each trade must be completed before requesting a final inspection for each. Typically, the building final inspection is performed last. Once all final inspections are complete and all requirements are verified as being met, a certificate will be issued for the property.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Residential building projects requiring final building inspection.

    • The CO is issued upon passing the Final Building inspection.
    • A temporary certificate of compliance requires a separate application and approval before issuance.
    “Certificate of Occupancy (CO) – The CO is issued upon passing the Final Building inspection.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Residential structures after final building inspection.
      “Certificate of Occupancy (CO) – The CO is issued upon passing the Final Building inspection.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent

    Development and use of land, waters, and structures in Brunswick County outside the planning jurisdiction of another governmental unit with equal land-use regulatory authority.

    • The UDO applies outside the planning jurisdiction of another governmental unit having equal land-use regulatory authority.
    • The UDO was revised and readopted on March 16, 2015, with its most recent revision on August 19, 2024.
    “These regulations govern the development and use of all land, waters, and structures in Brunswick County that are outside the planning jurisdiction of any other governmental unit having equal land use regulatory authority.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Present — County zoning and land-use regulation outside the planning jurisdiction of another governmental unit with equal land-use regulatory authority.
      “These regulations govern the development and use of all land, waters, and structures in Brunswick County that are outside the planning jurisdiction of any other governmental unit having equal land use regulatory authority.”
    • Present (with conditions) — Land, waters, and structures outside another governmental unit's planning jurisdiction.
      “These regulations govern the development and use of all land, waters, and structures in Brunswick County that are outside the planning jurisdiction of any other governmental unit having equal land use regulatory authority.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    County UDO jurisdiction outside other equal land-use planning jurisdictions.

    • The UDO table of contents and regulations identify residential, commercial, industrial, special-purpose base, and overlay districts.
    • The UDO webpage states its most recent revision was August 19, 2024.
    “ARTICLE 4. Zoning Districts [...] 4.4 Residential Zoning Districts [...] 4.5 Commercial Zoning Districts [...] 4.6 Industrial Zoning Districts [...] 4.7 Special Purpose Base Districts [...] 4.8 General Overlay Districts”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Zoning districts and use tables in areas governed by the Brunswick County UDO.
      “Use Grouping Use RR R-7500 R-6000 SBR-6000 MR-3200 C-LD N-C C-I RU-I I-G CPWPA Overlay District Standards KEY: Blank Cell = Not Allowed; “P” = Permitted; “L” = Limited Use Standards (Section 5.3); “SUP” = Special Use Permit”
  • Minimum lot sizeDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Conventional single-family residential development on a single lot in RR, R-7500, R-6000, SBR-6000, and MR-3200 districts.

    • Table 4-1 distinguishes lots with and without water and wastewater.
    • Values are per dwelling unit; other table notes and district provisions apply.

    minimum lot area without water and wastewater: RR 20,000; R-7500 15,000; R-6000 10,000; SBR-6000 10,000; MR-3200 10,000 square feet (Conventional single-family residential development on a single lot) · minimum lot area with water and wastewater: RR 15,000; R-7500 7,500; R-6000 6,000; SBR-6000 6,000; MR-3200 6,000 square feet (Conventional single-family residential development on a single lot)

    “Table 4-1 Conventional Single Family Residential Development on a Single Lot”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • District specific (with conditions) — Lots and residential development in zoning districts governed by the Brunswick County UDO.
      “The area inside the “flag” portion of the lot must satisfy the minimum lot area requirements for a conventional development within the underlying zoning district.”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Residential homes, additions, covered decks or porches, accessory structures, and mobile homes in unincorporated Brunswick County.

    • A foundation survey is required after the Foundation Inspection for site-built homes and accessory structures and before the Set-Up Inspection for mobile homes.
    • Exceptions include accessory structures no more than 12 feet in any dimension, bona fide farm structures, fences and walls, generators, mobile homes in mobile-home parks, signs, structures more than 50 feet from a property line, swimming pools, and uncovered patios and decks.
    • A signed and sealed PLS letter may be submitted instead of a survey map.

    effective date: 2018-07-01

    “Effective July 1st, 2018, a foundation survey is required to certify that building setback requirements are met for residential homes, additions, covered decks/porches, and accessory structures.”
  • Building heightDistrict specific (with conditions)

    Conventional single-family residential development on a single lot in Table 4-1 districts.

    • Structures exceeding 30 feet or three stories require at least three means of fire-apparatus access.
    • North Carolina Building Codes apply.
    • Additional height up to 75 feet is allowed by right and above 75 feet requires Planning Board approval subject to additional-yard-depth rates.

    maximum height: 40 to 50 feet (RR, R-7500, R-6000, SBR-6000, and MR-3200 Table 4-1 districts)

    “Structures exceeding 30 feet or three stories in height shall have at least three means of fire apparatus access. North Carolina Building Codes apply. Structures above 75 feet subject to Fire Marshal approval.”
  • Living in an RVLimited

    Outdoor RV Resorts in listed County zoning districts.

    • C-LD and RR require special-use-permit approval; R-7500 and R-6000 require special-use-permit approval and additional requirements; MR-3200 has additional requirements.
    • Additional review or permits, including traffic impact analysis, may be required.
    • A lot sold in an Outdoor RV Resort cannot be used as a place of permanent occupancy.
    “The intent of an Outdoor Recreational Vehicle (RV) Resort is to provide sites for the placement and occupancy of recreational vehicles and self-contained travel trailers on campsites with the necessary accessory uses and amenities.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Limited — RV or travel-trailer use as an accessory dwelling or accessory use in unincorporated Brunswick County.
      “Use of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle (RV) as an accessory dwelling shall be prohibited within a Residential district or on property devoted to residential use. No RV or travel trailer shall be permanently connected to public or private utilities.”
    • Prohibited — Use of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle as an accessory dwelling in a Residential district or on property devoted to residential use.
      “Use of a travel trailer or recreational vehicle (RV) as an accessory dwelling shall be prohibited within a Residential district or on property devoted to residential use. No RV or travel trailer shall be permanently connected to public or private utilities.”
  • Camping on your landLimited

    Travel trailers, recreational vehicles, or camping used as an accessory use to a residential/personal/non-commercial storage structure.

    • Use of a travel trailer, recreational vehicle, or any type of camping as an accessory use is prohibited for the cited storage-structure use.
    • The UDO separately provides standards for campgrounds and Outdoor RV Resorts.
    “Use of a travel trailer, recreational vehicle (RV), or any type of camping as an accessory use shall be prohibited. No RV or travel trailer shall be permanently connected to public or private utilities.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    Manufactured/mobile-home occupancy and mobile-home parks in areas governed by the Brunswick County UDO.

    • The use table permits Class A and Class B mobile homes only in specified districts and with limited-use standards.
    • Mobile home parks require special-use approval in specified districts.
    • In mobile home parks, campers, RVs, travel trailers, and other temporary dwelling structures are not permitted except in designated storage areas.
    “Mobile Home, Class A L L L L L L L L 5.3.3.C.3 Mobile Home, Class B L L L L L L 5.3.3.C.4 Mobile Home Park SUP SUP SUP SUP SUP 5.3.3.D”
  • Accessory dwellingsLimited

    Accessory dwellings where permitted under the applicable zoning district.

    • The accessory dwelling must be within the primary dwelling or meet accessory-structure locational and dimensional requirements.
    • Only one accessory dwelling may be allowed.
    • The primary dwelling must be on a lot meeting the zoning district minimum area requirements.
    • The property must retain a single-family appearance from the street.
    • One additional off-street parking space is required.
    • An RV or travel trailer cannot be used as an accessory dwelling in a Residential district or on residential property.
    “When permitted, accessory dwellings shall be subject to the following additional requirements: A. The accessory dwelling shall be located within the primary dwelling (e.g. accessory apartment) or shall meet the locational and dimensional requirements for accessory structures (see above). B. Only one accessory dwelling may be allowed.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Accessory dwelling units in zoning districts governed by the Brunswick County UDO.
      “When permitted, accessory dwellings shall be subject to the following additional requirements: A. The accessory dwelling shall be located within the primary dwelling (e.g. accessory apartment) or shall meet the locational and dimensional requirements for accessory structures (see above). B. Only one accessory dwelling may be allowed.”
  • Who permits septicCounty (with conditions)

    On-site wastewater applications submitted to Brunswick County Environmental Health Services.

    • For traditional applications in unincorporated areas, the local health department shares the application with County Planning and Public Utilities.
    • The Registered Environmental Health Specialist may deny the site or issue permits at their respective stages.
    “An applicant submits a Brunswick County Improvement Permit Application at Brunswick County Environmental Health Services (BCHS).”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • County — On-site wastewater and septic permitting administered by Brunswick County Environmental Health Services.
      “An applicant submits a Brunswick County Improvement Permit Application at Brunswick County Environmental Health Services (BCHS).”
    • County — Brunswick County Environmental Health administration of onsite wastewater and well permitting.
      “The primary functions of our department include: Issuing on-site wastewater (septic) system permits”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Proposed on-site wastewater systems using the County traditional, Session Law, engineered, or AOWE options.

    • Traditional option requires an Improvement Permit Application.
    • REHS may deny the site or issue Improvement Permit, Construction Authorization Permit, and Operation Permit at their respective stages.
    • Alternative options require specified licensed professionals and County review.
    “Then the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) conducts a site evaluation to determine if a septic system can be permitted and either a) Denies the site for an Improvement Permit or b) Issues the subsequent Improvement Permit (IP), Construction Authorization Permit (CA), and Operation Permit (OP), at their respective stages.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — New or improved onsite wastewater systems using Brunswick County's traditional permitting option.
      “Then the Registered Environmental Health Specialist (REHS) conducts a site evaluation to determine if a septic system can be permitted and either a) Denies the site for an Improvement Permit or b) Issues the subsequent Improvement Permit (IP), Construction Authorization Permit (CA), and Operation Permit (OP), at their respective stages.”
    • Required — New or replacement onsite wastewater systems in unincorporated Brunswick County.
      “An applicant submits a Brunswick County Improvement Permit Application at Brunswick County Environmental Health Services (BCHS).”
  • Septic inspectionLimited

    On-site wastewater systems under the alternative Session Law option.

    • An AOWE may perform improvements and/or inspections.
    • REHS may conduct a site visit to verify proposed system design and construction features.
    “Additionally, this option gives the applicant the ability to work with an Authorized Onsite Wastewater Evaluator (AOWE) regarding improvements and/or inspections that need to take place at the site.”
  • Well permitRequired

    Private wells and septic-permit applications on property not served by public water.

    • A well permit application must accompany a septic permit application when the property is not served by public water.
    • The well permit fee may be refunded if the septic permit is denied and a refund request is submitted within one year of the denial letter.

    new or repair well permit fee: 300 USD (2026-2027 fee schedule)

    “Customers that are submitting an application for a septic permit on a property that is not served by public water must also submit a well permit application.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Private wells associated with septic applications on property not served by public water, and other well-permit situations administered by Environmental Health.
      “Customers that are submitting an application for a septic permit on a property that is not served by public water must also submit a well permit application.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupConditional

    Outdoor RV Resorts regulated by the Brunswick County UDO.

    • An accessible, adequate, safe, and potable water supply is required.
    • Where public, municipal, or community water or sewer systems exist within 1,000 feet, connection is required, subject to the cited Sewer Use Ordinance and possible County Utilities Policy requirements.
    • Waivers to the Brunswick County Utility Policy require Board of Commissioners approval.

    connection distance: <= 1000 feet (The Sewer Use Ordinance may require connection at greater distances.)

    “Where public, municipal, or community water systems exist within 1,000 feet of the Outdoor RV Resort, the developer shall connect each campsite to such system (the Sewer Use Ordinance may require connection even when separated by greater distances).”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable

    Bona fide farming uses and residential structures on bona fide farms under the Brunswick County UDO.

    • The use must meet the UDO definition of a bona fide farm.
    • Bona fide farming uses are exempt from all zoning requirements in the UDO; non-bona fide farming uses must comply with the underlying zoning district.
    • The owner bears the burden of proof and may establish bona fide-farm status through specified tax or federal-tax documentation.
    “Bona fide farming uses shall be exempt from all zoning requirements in this UDO. However, non-bona fide farming uses shall be required to comply with the requirements of the underlying zoning district.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision activity within the territorial jurisdiction of the Brunswick County UDO.

    • Minor subdivision means subdivision activity creating no more than ten lots including the original lot.
    • All applicants seeking subdivision approval must schedule a project planning session and submit a sketch plan.
    • Major and minor subdivisions follow different review and approval procedures.

    minor subdivision threshold: <= 10 lots including original lot (Certain activities may be eligible for a waiver.)

    “A minor subdivision is any subdivision activity that creates no more than ten lots (including the original lot). Certain subdivision activities may be eligible for a waiver (see Section 3.4.1).”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Land subdivision in unincorporated areas outside municipal planning jurisdictions.
      “Brunswick County Planning & Community Enforcement provides public planning services for unincorporated areas of Brunswick County that fall outside the planning jurisdictions of municipalities. The department’s responsibilities include but are not limited to, zoning, land subdivision, long-range and transportation planning, specialized planning initiatives, the issuance of Minor CAMA Permits, and also facilitates and supports the Brunswick County Planning Board, Board of Adjustment, and Technical Review Committee (TRC).”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development activities located within Special Flood Hazard Areas.

    • Application must be made to the Floodplain Administrator before development activities.
    • The Director of Code Administration or designee is the Floodplain Administrator.
    • Application must include the listed plot-plan and flood-hazard information.
    “Application for a Floodplain Development Permit shall be made to the Floodplain Administrator prior to any development activities located within Special Flood Hazard Areas.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — Development activities within Special Flood Hazard Areas governed by Brunswick County's Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance.
      “A Floodplain Development Permit shall be required in conformance with the provisions of the Flood Damage Prevention Ordinance prior to the commencement of any development activities within Special Flood Hazard Areas determined in accordance with Section 7.1.3, Sectoin B of this ordinance.”
  • Permit feesPublished

    Brunswick County Environmental Health fee schedule for 2026-2027.

    • Fees vary by permit type and design flow.
    • AOWE and EOP fees have stated administrative and percentage-based charges.

    improvement permit up to 500 gallons per day: 515 USD (2026-2027 fee schedule) · construction authorization up to 500 gallons per day: 300 USD (2026-2027 fee schedule) · new or repair well permit: 300 USD (2026-2027 fee schedule) · EOP and AOWE administrative fee: 35 USD (2026-2027 fee schedule)

    “500 gallons per day or less: $515 [...] 500 gallons per day or less: $300 [...] Administrative Fee for EOP and AOWE Permits: $35”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published — Brunswick County Environmental Health permit fees and related fees published in the 2026-2027 fee schedule.
      “Improvement Permit Application 500 gallons per day or less: $515 [...] Construction Authorization Permit Application 500 gallons per day or less: $300 [...] New and Repair Well Permit: $300”
  • Permit processPublished

    County Code Administration permit application and inspection-request process.

    • Applications are available through the Permit Applications page or Permit Portal.
    • The portal requires account setup and login.
    • The portal supports project monitoring, electronic communications, document uploads, and inspection requests.
    “Code Administration applications can be found on the Permit Applications page or on the Brunswick County Permit Portal. If you don't have an account set up on the Permit Portal, you can set one up by clicking the "Sign Up" button and filling out the required fields. Once you are logged in you will see the applications listed on the left side of the screen. [...] The benefit of applying through the Permit Portal is that it gives you the ability to monitor current projects, review past projects, recieve and reply to code administration staff electronically, upload any requested supporting documentation and/or forms, and request inspections via the portal without having to call Central Permitting.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County UDO development-permit process.
      “All applications for a development permit shall be submitted in accordance with Section 3.1.8., Application Requirements.”

North Carolina rules that apply here

  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny homes intended for use as permanent single-family dwellings in North Carolina.

    • The tiny home must be permitted by the local building official having jurisdiction over the building site.
    • The unit must be of open construction for inspection, unless off-site closed construction is inspected and certified under the North Carolina Modular Construction Program.
    • Applicable local zoning and setback requirements must be met.
    • Applicable community protective covenant requirements must be met.
    • The unit and foundation must comply with the North Carolina State Residential Code, 2018 Edition, Section 101.3.2.10 of the North Carolina Administrative Code.
    • Habitable rooms must have at least 70 square feet, except kitchens, and must be at least 7 feet in every horizontal dimension.
    • Ceilings must be at least 7 feet in habitable spaces, hallways, bathrooms, and toilet rooms.
    • The dwelling unit must have toilet facilities, a kitchen area with a sink, approved sewer or private sewage disposal, heating, compliant means of egress, and energy conservation compliance.
    • If constructed through the NC Modular Construction Program, additional modular-home design and foundation standards apply.
    • If constructed through the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction Program, the unit must contain at least 320 square feet when erected.
    • Units manufactured and certified by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association are recreational vehicles and should be treated as such.

    minimum habitable room area: >= 70 square feet (Kitchens) · minimum habitable room dimension: >= 7 feet · minimum HUD-program floor area when erected: >= 320 square feet (Applies if constructed through the HUD Manufactured Housing Construction Program)

    “Tiny Homes are acceptable as permanent single-family dwellings in North Carolina provided they meet the following minimum requirements.”
  • Off-grid sanitationLimited

    Chemical and portable toilets and other sanitation arrangements used instead of or alongside permanent wastewater treatment systems.

    • A chemical or portable toilet may be placed where it can be operated and maintained under sanitary conditions.
    • It may not replace or substitute for a water closet or urinal connected to a permanent wastewater treatment system where the North Carolina State Building Code requires that permanent connection.
    • It may supplement a water closet or urinal during periods of peak use.
    • It may not be used as an alternative to repair of a water closet, urinal, or wastewater treatment system.
    • Human waste may be discharged only into a wastewater system approved by the Department under Commission or Environmental Management Commission rules, or at a site permitted under G.S. 130A-291.1.
    “A chemical or portable toilet shall not be used as an alternative to the repair of a water closet, urinal, or wastewater treatment system.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Camping and habitation within the boundaries of North Carolina Coastal Reserve components.

    • Camping and habitation are prohibited on Reserve uplands and wetlands except on the uplands at Masonboro Island Reserve.
    • Masonboro Island camping is limited to no more than two consecutive nights.
    • The rule applies to the Reserve components identified in 15A NCAC 07O .0105.

    maximum camping duration at Masonboro Island Reserve: <= 2 consecutive nights (Applies only on the uplands at Masonboro Island Reserve.)

    “Camping or any form of habitation on the uplands or wetlands of the Reserve is prohibited except on the uplands at the Masonboro Island Reserve, where camping is allowed for no more than two consecutive nights.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Permanent dwelling use of recreational park trailers or park model trailers in North Carolina RV parks.
      “Recreational Park Trailer – Permanent Installation: Recreational Park Trailers “cannot be accepted as a permanent dwelling structure in North Carolina” unless the units are dual labeled and “also constructed and labeled under either the NC Modular Construction Program as a single-family modular dwelling or under the Federal Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards as a single family (HUD) manufactured home.””
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    North Carolina counties adopting zoning or subdivision regulations in their county planning and development regulation jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas not subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction.

    • County powers under Chapter 160D may be exercised throughout the county except in areas subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction.
    • A county may apply zoning or subdivision regulations to all or part of its county planning and development regulation jurisdiction.
    • The local government's planning and development regulation jurisdiction does not include an area ceded pursuant to an agreement under G.S. 160D-203.
    “(b) Counties. - All of the powers granted by this Chapter may be exercised by any county throughout the county except in areas subject to municipal planning and development regulation jurisdiction. (c) Partial Jurisdiction Regulation in Cities and Counties. - If a city elects to adopt zoning or subdivision regulations, each must be applied to the city's entire planning and development regulation jurisdiction. If a county elects to adopt zoning or subdivision regulations, each may be applied to all or part of the county's planning and development regulation jurisdiction.”
  • county building authorityLimited

    County building-permit requirements and local building-related codes for residential construction in North Carolina, including unincorporated areas.

    • The North Carolina State Building Code applies throughout the State from the time of adoption.
    • Any political subdivision, including a county, may adopt a fire prevention code and floodplain management regulations within its jurisdiction.
    • Local fire-prevention-code provisions may not apply to dwellings subject to the North Carolina Residential Code unless they are prescriptively required by that Code.
    • County jurisdiction for the State Building Code includes all other areas of the county after municipal corporate limits and qualifying extraterritorial jurisdiction are excluded.
    • Local codes or regulations, other than floodplain management regulations and regulations permitted by G.S. 160D-1128, require official approval by the responsible Code Council before becoming effective.
    • Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, movement, removal, or demolition of a building or structure generally requires permits before work begins, subject to the statutory exceptions in G.S. 160D-1110(c) and G.S. 160D-1110.1(h).
    “(e) Effect upon Local Codes. - Except as otherwise provided in this section, the North Carolina State Building Code shall apply throughout the State, from the time of its adoption. Approved rules shall become effective in accordance with G.S. 150B-21.3. However, any political subdivision of the State may adopt a fire prevention code and floodplain management regulations within its jurisdiction. Provided a political subdivision shall not adopt local fire prevention code provisions which apply to dwellings subject to the North Carolina Residential Code which are not prescriptively required by the North Carolina Residential Code. The territorial jurisdiction of any municipality or county for this purpose, unless otherwise specified by the General Assembly, shall be as follows: Municipal jurisdiction shall include all areas within the corporate limits of the municipality and extraterritorial jurisdiction areas established as provided in G.S. 160D-202 or a local act; county jurisdiction shall include all other areas of the county.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — North Carolina statutory authority for counties to administer building-code inspections and require permits for residential construction in county planning and development regulation jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas outside municipal jurisdiction.
      “The duties and responsibilities set forth in subsection (a) of this section include the receipt of applications for permits and the issuance or denial of permits, the making of any necessary inspections in a timely manner, the issuance or denial of certificates of compliance, the issuance of orders to correct violations, the bringing of judicial actions against actual or threatened violations, the keeping of adequate records, and any other actions that may be required in order adequately to enforce those laws.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size in county zoning districts.
  • Lot coverage — Lot coverage limits in unincorporated Brunswick County.
  • Driveway access — Driveway access requirements for development in unincorporated Brunswick County.
  • Short-term rentals — Short-term rental and lodging use in Brunswick County.

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Living off-grid in Brunswick County, North Carolina

Is Brunswick County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Brunswick County scores 62/100 on the Bolthole Index, a solid county profile. Its strengths: manageable long-term carry cost and strong self-sufficiency basics: 55.2″/yr rainfall plus 71.7% wooded land. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use and a weaker property-autonomy legal backdrop.

Do you need a building permit in Brunswick County, North Carolina?

Brunswick County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Brunswick County Environmental Health Services. Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

Can you live in an RV or tiny home on your land in Brunswick County?

Living in an RV on your own land in Brunswick County is limited to specific cases: RV or travel-trailer use as an accessory dwelling or accessory use in unincorporated Brunswick County. Use of an RV or travel trailer as an accessory dwelling is prohibited in a Residential district or on property devoted to residential use. No RV or travel trailer may be permanently connected to public or private utilities. A tiny home is allowed. Confirm with the county before relying on it.

How much does land cost in Brunswick County, North Carolina?

Land in Brunswick County runs about $4,930 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Brunswick County?

Brunswick County gets about 55.2" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 2.5% of years.

How remote is Brunswick County?

A representative private-land location has about 34,316 people within a 30-minute drive and 1,434,562 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Brunswick compares in North Carolina

Compare side-by-side →See all 100 North Carolina counties ranked →