Buying a metal building in Alexander County, NC
This is the county where my own project sits, so this is the guide I can write from experience. My mailing address says Hickory. My permit says Alexander County.
Who issues the permit
Official record
Alexander County Building Inspections
151 West Main Ave., Taylorsville, NC 28681
(828) 632-1000
Official website
| Zoning and other jurisdictions | Contact |
|---|---|
| Alexander County (unincorporated areas, including Bethlehem) | Start with Building Inspections at (828) 632-1000 and ask who handles zoning for your parcel |
Checked against the offices’ own websites and forms on September 17, 2026. Phone numbers change. Confirm on the official site. Serves: Taylorsville, Bethlehem, Hiddenite, Stony Point.
A Hickory address does not mean a Hickory permit
The Bethlehem community on the north side of Lake Hickory carries Hickory mailing addresses and a 28601 ZIP code, but it is in Alexander County. If you live there and a salesperson writes “Hickory” on your order form, as mine did, your permit still runs through Taylorsville. Look up your parcel on the county GIS before you call anyone.
The owner exemption affidavit is a sworn statement
My contract with L&G Building & Concrete said the company “will not provide permits” and made the permit my job. When an owner pulls a permit in Alexander County for a project of $40,000 or more, the county has them sign an Owner Exemption Affidavit. It has you swear that you will personally superintend and manage all aspects of construction and will not hand that duty to anyone who is not properly licensed.
Read it before you sign it, and think about whether it describes your deal. On mine, one company priced and scheduled everything. I have asked the state licensing board how that fits, and I will publish the answer.
Footing inspections are real here
The engineered plans L&G gave me call for 14-inch footings. The crew dug 12. The county inspector did not pass them, and I was charged extra for the correction. I am grateful to the inspector. That inspection is the only reason I know what is under my slab edge.
Be on site for your footing inspection with your plans in your hand. Ask the inspector what depth and width they measured, and write it down.
Before you sign with any metal building company in Alexander County
I am a customer, not a contractor. I signed a $98,750 contract with L&G Building & Concrete in February 2026 and, seven months later, have a cracked slab and half a frame. Everything I learned is on this site.
Sources and other counties
Other guides: Catawba County, Caldwell County, Burke County, Iredell County, Randolph County, Guilford County.
This page is general information from one customer’s research and experience. It is not legal advice, and the permit office has the final word on your lot.