Bolthole Index

Johnston County, North Carolina

Building permits, zoning and septic in Town of Smithfield, NC

Town of Smithfield, North Carolina requires building permits for most construction, with town zoning approval first and Johnston County Building Inspections issuing the building permit.1 Smithfield sets zoning inside town limits; Johnston County Environmental Health handles septic systems.23 Tiny houses are allowed only where the zoning district permits them and must meet foundation, building-code and public-utility requirements.4

At a glance

Building permits
Johnston County issues building permits after Smithfield zoning approval1
Zoning
Town zoning applies inside Smithfield town limits2
Septic permits
Johnston County Environmental Health; site evaluation and town zoning document required35
Tiny houses
Conditional: permanent foundation, code compliance, public water, sewer and electricity; remove chassis wheels4
Park models
Park Model recreational vehicles are not permitted under the manufactured-home standards6
Owner-builder
Conditional exemption from contractor licensing; building permits and inspections still apply78
Private wells
Local health department construction permit and Certificate of Completion required9

Who to call

Planning & zoning

Town of Smithfield Planning & Zoning Department

Town zoning approval, land-use questions and development review

(919) 934-2116 ext. 1112

350 E. Market Street Smithfield, NC 27577

Online permits →

Building permits

Johnston County Building Inspections

Building permits and construction inspections for Smithfield under the town contract

919-989-5060

[email protected]

309 E. Market Street Smithfield, NC 27577

Septic permits

Johnston County Environmental Health Department

Septic-system and private-well permitting, site evaluation and inspections

(919) 989-5180

[email protected]

309 E. Market Street Smithfield, NC 27577

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 11, 2026.

Off-grid gear

Going off-grid in Town of Smithfield means bringing your own water and power. The kit we’d start with:

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Do you need a building permit in Town of Smithfield, NC?

Most construction and development inside Town of Smithfield requires a building permit, but the first approval is a zoning permit from the Smithfield Planning Department.1 Johnston County Building Inspections issues the building permit under contract with the town, while Smithfield applies its own Unified Development Ordinance.10 Treat zoning approval and construction approval as separate steps: receiving a Smithfield zoning permit is typically followed by applying for and receiving the county building permit.11 Homeowners can obtain building permits and perform work on their personal home in most cases, but the owner-builder route still includes county building permits and inspections.7

Who handles building permits and zoning in Town of Smithfield?

For zoning approval in Town of Smithfield, contact the town Planning & Zoning Department at (919) 934-2116 ext. 1112 or visit Town Hall at 350 E. Market Street, Smithfield, NC 27577.12 Smithfield offers the Citizenserve portal for planning, zoning and code-enforcement applications, and also accepts walk-in and emailed applications during the transition.12 For the subsequent building permit, contact Johnston County Building Inspections at 919-989-5060 or [email protected].13 Johnston County manages building-code inspections for Smithfield; the town Planning Department handles site-development and landscaping inspections.14 Septic approval is a separate county Environmental Health responsibility, rather than a town zoning service.3

Does Town of Smithfield have zoning, lot-size rules and setbacks?

Town of Smithfield zoning applies inside town limits, and parcel-specific zoning must be confirmed against the town Official Zoning Map.215 In the R-10 Single-Family Residential district, the minimum lot area for a single-family dwelling is 10,000 square feet.16 Single-family setbacks in R-10 are 30 feet front, 10 feet side and 25 feet rear; conditional zoning and subdivision requirements can impose different or additional standards.17 R-20A single-family dwellings have the same listed front, side and rear setbacks, subject to those qualifications.18 For subdivisions, public water without public sewer raises the minimum lot area to 30,000 square feet, while lots served by neither require 40,000 square feet.19 Utility service therefore changes the lot-area requirement for a proposed Smithfield subdivision.19

How do septic permits and private wells work in Town of Smithfield?

Johnston County Environmental Health administers septic systems inside Town of Smithfield, and new or replacement systems require a site evaluation and approval before installation.35 Bring a town zoning document and a site plan to the septic application process; release of the septic permit depends on the proper zoning permit and applicable fees.5 Environmental Health inspects installed septic systems, and systems with an effluent pump receive inspections every 5 years.20 A private drinking-water well requires a construction permit from the local health department and a Certificate of Completion before use.9 For septic questions, call Johnston County Environmental Health at (919) 989-5180.21 We could not confirm a complete rule for off-grid sanitation inside Smithfield; ask Environmental Health about the proposed system and town Planning about the proposed use.2112

Can you live in an RV or tiny house in Town of Smithfield?

A tiny house in Town of Smithfield is allowed only where the zoning district permits the use and all district requirements are met.4 Smithfield requires a code-compliant tiny house on a permanent foundation with wind-resistant tie-downs, connected to public water, sewer and electric utilities; wheels must be removed from a house built on a travel chassis.4 Smithfield’s manufactured-home standards expressly prohibit Park Model recreational vehicles.6 We could not confirm a general private-land RV occupancy or temporary-camping rule for Smithfield; ask town Planning before relying on an RV as accommodation during construction.12 An accessory dwelling unit is a different option: R-20A properties need at least 2 acres, adequate sewer or functioning septic capacity, and a permanent, code-compliant ADU on the principal dwelling’s lot.22

What are the steps to build a home in Town of Smithfield?

Start with Smithfield Planning to confirm the parcel’s town zoning and obtain a zoning permit before applying for a building permit.1511 If the Smithfield site needs septic, obtain Environmental Health approval with the town zoning document and site plan before proceeding to building approval.5 Submit the building application, site plan, digital construction drawings and applicable wastewater, water-supply and lien-agent documentation to Johnston County Building Inspections; confirm the current submission method with that office.1113 Development in Smithfield’s Special Flood Hazard Areas also requires a floodplain development permit.23 Before residential occupancy, all required inspections must be approved and final water/sewer approval must be on file for the Certificate of Occupancy.24 For a parcel outside town limits, consult the Johnston County guide and confirm the applicable planning jurisdiction, because county and municipal zoning codes are separate.25

Watch-outs

  • A Smithfield tiny house must connect to public water, sewer and electricity, so the tiny-house allowance does not provide an off-grid dwelling route.4
  • Smithfield accepts site plans and subdivision plans for review only on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month.12
  • We could not confirm a general minimum dwelling floor area in Smithfield; ask town Planning about the proposed dwelling and zoning district before buying.12

Sources

  1. Planning Department FAQs (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  2. Planning and Development — Unified Development Ordinance (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  3. On-Site Wastewater (Septic Systems) (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  4. library.municode.com (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  5. On-Site Wastewater (Septic Systems) (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  6. library.municode.com (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  7. smithfield-nc.com (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  8. G.S. 87-1. "General contractor" defined; exceptions. (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  9. Rules Governing the Permitting and Inspection of Private Drinking Water Wells, 15A NCAC 02C .0300 (North Carolina statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  10. smithfield-nc.com (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  11. Planning Department FAQs (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  12. Town of Smithfield Planning & Zoning Department (smithfield-nc.com)
  13. Johnston County Building Inspections (johnstonnc.gov)
  14. Planning Department FAQs (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  15. Article 6 — Zoning Districts (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  16. Article 8 — Zoning District Design Standards (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  17. Article 8 — Zoning District Design Standards (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  18. Article 8 — Zoning District Design Standards (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  19. Article 8 — Zoning District Design Standards (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  20. On-Site Wastewater (Septic Systems) (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  21. Johnston County Environmental Health Department (johnstonnc.gov)
  22. library.municode.com (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  23. Article 10 — Floodplain Regulations (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  24. How to Call for an Inspection (Town of Smithfield), quoted and re-checked
  25. Zoning Definitions, quoted and re-checked

Written October 11, 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.

Answers from the rulebook for Town of Smithfield

Town of Smithfield’s own rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Most construction and development inside Smithfield town limits.

    • Obtain a Smithfield zoning permit first.
    • The actual building permit is issued by Johnston County Building Inspections for Smithfield.
    “The Town of Smithfield contracts with Johnston County Building Inspections for building permits and construction inspections. Prior to contacting Johnston County Building Inspections you should first obtain a Zoning Permit from the Smithfield Planning Department to ensure the proposed work meets the requirements of the Unified Development Code.”
  • Owner-builder exemptionConditional

    Homeowners performing construction on their personal home inside Smithfield town limits.

    • The Town states that North Carolina law allows homeowners in most cases to obtain permits and perform construction work on their personal home.
    • Permits and inspections remain handled through Johnston County under the Town’s contract.
    “In most cases NC State laws pertaining to contractors allow homeowners to obtain permits and perform construction work on their personal home. The Town of Smithfield contracts with Johnston County to provide building permits and inspections.”
  • Building code adoptedPartial

    Construction inside Smithfield town limits: the Town applies its UDO and incorporates North Carolina Building Code compliance for covered structures and uses.

    • The UDO may exceed minimum State or Federal standards.
    • Specific construction-code administration is performed through Johnston County Building Inspections under contract with the Town.
    “Most development is regulated under two different codes: the zoning code (Unified Development Code) and the Building Code.”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Building construction inside Smithfield town limits.

    • Johnston County Building Inspections conducts building-code inspections under contract with the Town.
    • Final inspection requires all applicable inspections and final water/sewer approval where applicable.
    “Johnston County Building Inspections has been contracted to manage building permit inspections for the Town of Smithfield. The Planning Department is responsible for site development and landscaping inspections.”
  • Certificate of occupancyRequired

    Residential construction inside Smithfield town limits before residential occupancy.

    • All inspections must be approved.
    • Final water and sewer approval from Environmental Health must be on file.
    “Final Inspections (before a Certificate of Occupancy can be given on any residence, all inspections must be approved and final water and sewer approval (Certification Form from Environmental Health Dept.) must be in our file)”
  • Local zoningPresent

    Land inside Smithfield town limits.

    • The Town’s UDO applies within the Town’s planning jurisdiction; this claim is limited to incorporated Smithfield town limits, not Johnston County generally or the ETJ outside town limits.
    “If you are located within town limits or within the Town’s Extraterritorial Jurisdiction (ETJ), zoning regulations of the town apply to you.”
  • Zoning districtsPublished

    Land inside Smithfield town limits.

    • The UDO identifies primary districts including R-20A Residential-Agricultural, R-10 Single-Family Residential, R-8, R-6, R-MH, O/I, B-1, B-2, B-3, LI, and HI, plus conditional zoning districts.
    • Parcel-specific zoning must be confirmed against the Town’s Official Zoning Map.
    “For the purposes of this ordinance, the Town of Smithfield, North Carolina, and its extraterritorial jurisdiction, is hereby divided into the following primary zoning districts:”
  • Minimum lot sizeSpecified

    Single-family dwelling lots in the R-10 Single-Family Residential District inside Smithfield town limits.

    • Article 8 lists a separate 7,500-square-foot minimum for other allowable buildings.
    • Subdivision lots served by public water but not public sewer require 30,000 square feet; lots served by neither require 40,000 square feet.

    minimum lot area for single-family dwelling: >= 10000 square feet

    “(A) Minimum Lot Area • Single-family dwelling • Other allowable building | 10,000 sq ft 7,500 sq ft”
  • SetbacksSpecified

    Single-family dwelling setbacks in the R-10 Single-Family Residential District inside Smithfield town limits.

    • The R-10 table distinguishes single-family and other allowable buildings for front and rear setbacks.
    • Accessory building setback is 10 feet, subject to Section 8.13.2.
    • Conditional zoning and subdivision standards may impose additional or different requirements.

    front setback: 30 feet · side setback: 10 feet · rear setback: 25 feet

    “(C) Front Yard Setback • Single-family dwelling • Other allowable building | 30 ft 25 ft (D) Side Yard Setback | 10 ft (E) Rear Yard Setback • Single-family dwelling • Other allowable building | 25 ft 20 ft”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Specified — Single-family dwelling setbacks in the R-20A Residential-Agricultural District inside Smithfield town limits.
      “(C) Front Yard Setback | 30 ft (D) Side Yard Setback | 10 ft (E) Rear Yard Setback | 25 ft”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Tiny houses inside Smithfield town limits where allowed by the applicable zoning district.

    • The tiny house must comply with the North Carolina State Building Code.
    • It must be on a permanent foundation with secure wind-resistant tie-downs.
    • It must connect to public water, sewer, and electric utilities.
    • Wheels must be removed if constructed on a travel chassis.
    • All UDO requirements for the zoning district apply.
    “Tiny houses shall be allowed in accordance with Section 6.5, subject to the following: A tiny house must comply with the North Carolina State Building Code.”
  • Manufactured homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Class A or Class B manufactured homes on individual lots inside Smithfield town limits.

    • All requirements for locating a single-family dwelling on an individual lot must be met.
    • State Department of Insurance setup and state building-code anchoring standards apply.
    • Setup and anchoring must be performed by persons licensed by the State.
    • Johnston County Environmental Health requirements apply.
    • All standards must be met before certificate of occupancy.
    • A manufactured home may not be parked on a lot for more than 60 days unless all requirements are met.
    • Park Model recreational vehicles are not permitted.

    maximum parking period before compliance: 60 days (The UDO states no manufactured home may be parked on a lot for more than 60 days with or without a certificate of occupancy unless the listed requirements are met.)

    “All standards must be met prior to issuance of a certificate of occupancy, and no manufactured home may be parked on a lot for more than sixty (60) days with or without a certificate of occupancy unless all of the above requirements are met. Park Model Recreational Vehicles are not permitted.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units inside Smithfield town limits in the R-20A zoning district.

    • The property must be at least two acres.
    • The property must have adequate sewer or an adequately sized and functioning septic system.
    • The ADU must be on the same lot as the principal dwelling.
    • The ADU must be on a permanent foundation, not a manufactured home or moveable structure, and comply with the North Carolina Building Code.
    • No more than one ADU is allowed per lot.
    • The ADU must have a lockable external entrance, dedicated paved parking, and no separate utility meters.

    minimum R-20A ADU property area: >= 2 acres · maximum ADUs per principal dwelling lot: 1 ADU

    “ADUs are permitted in the R-20A Zoning District on properties that are two (2) or more acres in size, have adequate sewer or adequately sized and functioning septic system for the use.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Subdivision of land inside Smithfield town limits.

    • New lots must comply with Article 8 or adopted conditional zoning standards.
    • Additional lot area and lot-width requirements apply based on public water and sewer service.
    • Every lot must maintain required street frontage and access.

    minimum lot area when served by public water but not public sewer: >= 30000 square feet · minimum lot area when served by neither public water nor public sewer: >= 40000 square feet

    “All lots shall have a minimum gross area in accordance with Article 8 Zoning District Design Standard or adopted Conditional Zoning Districts.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development inside Special Flood Hazard Areas within Smithfield town limits.

    • A floodplain development permit is required for proposed development within Special Flood Hazard Areas.
    • All necessary local, state, and federal permits must be received.
    • Floodway encroachments require the certifications or FEMA map revisions specified in the UDO.
    “Review all floodplain development applications and issue permits for all proposed development within Special Flood Hazard Areas to assure that the requirements of these regulations have been satisfied.”
  • Permit processPublished (with conditions)

    Permit process for development inside Smithfield town limits.

    • Obtain a Town zoning permit before applying to Johnston County Building Inspections.
    • Building applications require a completed application, site plan, digital construction drawings, septic permit, well permit or paid water-tap receipt, and lien-agent form.
    • Applications may be emailed or dropped off at the Land Use Center.
    “Receiving a Zoning Permit from the Smithfield Planning Department is typically the first step in the development process, followed by applying for and receiving a Building Permit from Johnston County Building Inspections.”

Rules another office applies inside Town of Smithfield

Town of Smithfield does not set these itself; the county, a health district or the state does, and they apply to every address inside its limits.

  • Who permits septicCounty

    Septic systems inside Smithfield town limits are administered by Johnston County Environmental Health.

    • The Town’s zoning approval is part of the septic permitting process.
    • County Environmental Health requirements apply.
    “Environmental Health has several responsibilities regarding the permitting, inspection, and operation of these systems.”
  • Septic permitRequired

    New or replacement septic systems serving property inside Smithfield town limits.

    • A zoning document from the appropriate planning and zoning authority is required.
    • The property must be evaluated and approved before installation.
    • The permit is released after the proper zoning permit and applicable fees are received.
    “When an application is made for a septic tank permit(s), a site plan of the property is required.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Septic systems inside Smithfield town limits.

    • Installed systems are inspected for proper installation.
    • Systems utilizing an effluent pump are inspected every five years.

    effluent-pump inspection interval: 5 years

    “Inspecting septic systems when they are installed to ensure proper installation.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission; ask Town of Smithfield or Johnston County directly.

  • Minimum dwelling size — Minimum dwelling size inside Smithfield town limits.
  • Lot coverage — General lot coverage limits inside Smithfield town limits.
  • Camping on your land — Temporary camping on private land inside Smithfield town limits.
  • Off-grid sanitation — Off-grid sanitation systems inside Smithfield town limits.
  • Driveway access — Driveway access for property inside Smithfield town limits.
1 more unanswered
  • Short-term rentals

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.

Unanswered questions are usually a sign that Town of Smithfield publishes no rule on the point, not that none exists. Johnston County’s page lists the county offices to call.

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