High Point Zoning Regulations & Building Permits
Notable local initiatives in High Point
Named ordinances, statutes, and reforms specific to High Point — each linked to an official source you can verify directly.
High Point Development Ordinance
High Point's Development Ordinance consolidates the city's zoning, development, environmental, and subdivision standards into a single unified ordinance. It applies within the corporate limits and the extraterritorial jurisdiction (ETJ) and is administered by the Planning and Development Department. The companion BuildHighPoint.com Development Guide supplements the ordinance with permit-process material.
Source · library.municode.comHigh Point Market - international furniture trade show
High Point Market (formerly the International Home Furnishings Market and the Southern Furniture Market) is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, with approximately 11.5 million square feet of permanent showroom space spanning roughly 180 buildings across downtown High Point. The biannual market (April and October) heavily shapes downtown land use, parking, lodging, and special-event regulations.
Source · highpointmarket.orgFour-county jurisdiction (Guilford, Randolph, Davidson, Forsyth)
High Point is one of the few North Carolina cities whose corporate limits extend across four counties - Guilford (primary), Randolph, Davidson, and Forsyth - which complicates property records, tax assessment, and county-level coordination for parcels at the city's edges. Always confirm the county of record before submitting development applications.
Source · highpointnc.govNCGS Chapter 160D - Local Planning and Development Regulation(2021)
North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 160D consolidated the prior city- and county-enabling statutes for local planning and development regulation into a single unified chapter. Local governments had until July 1, 2021 to amend ordinances to conform. High Point's Development Ordinance is administered under this state framework.
Source · ncleg.gov
Key Zoning Facts
High Point is a city in Guilford County, North Carolina, with a 2020 Census population of 114,059. Known as the "Furniture Capital of the World" and home to the High Point Market, the city manages land use and development through its zoning ordinance, which divides the municipality into residential, business, and industrial zoning districts.
High Point's residential zoning districts include RS-7 (7,000 sq ft minimum lots), RS-9 (9,000 sq ft), and RS-12 (12,000 sq ft) for single-family homes, along with RM-8 for multi-family development. The city also has general business (GB) and light industrial (LI) districts.
Key Residential Zoning Districts
| District | Min Lot Size | Front Setback | Side Setback | Rear Setback | Max Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS-7 | 7,000 sq ft | 25 ft | 5 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft |
| RS-9 | 9,000 sq ft | 25 ft | 8 ft | 20 ft | 35 ft |
| RS-12 | 12,000 sq ft | 30 ft | 10 ft | 25 ft | 35 ft |
ADU Regulations
ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) allowance in High Point has not been confirmed. Property owners interested in building an ADU should contact the High Point Planning department for the most current regulations.
Development Process
Development in High Point generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits from the city's planning and building departments. The process typically involves:
- Zoning Verification -- Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
- Site Plan Review -- For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
- Building Permit -- Apply for a building permit with construction documents
- Inspections -- Schedule required inspections during construction
- Certificate of Occupancy -- Obtain final approval before occupying the structure
Key Considerations
Before starting any development project in High Point, property owners should:
- Verify the zoning classification of their property
- Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements
- Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
- Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
- Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
- Contact the planning department for pre-application guidance
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in High Point and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of High Point planning department or municipal code before making development decisions.
Regulatory Layers That Apply in High Point
Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.
Federal
- FEMA flood mapping: check parcel-specific flood-zone status
- View FEMA Flood Map
State — North Carolina
- Building Code: NC State Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
County — Guilford County
- Role: County-level property records, tax assessment, unincorporated area planning
City / Municipal
The municipality's zoning ordinance, building-code enforcement, and local permits form the primary local layer of land-use regulation for your property.
Overlay Districts
No overlay districts identified.
Private Restrictions
- Private covenants, deed restrictions, condominium rules, or association rules can impose requirements beyond zoning.
- Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.
Primary Zoning Districts
- Min Lot
- 7,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 5 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 9,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 25 ft
- Side Setback
- 8 ft
- Rear Setback
- 20 ft
- Min Lot
- 12,000 sq ft
- Max Height
- 35 ft
- Front Setback
- 30 ft
- Side Setback
- 10 ft
- Rear Setback
- 25 ft
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
- Min Lot
- Varies
- Max Height
- Varies
- Front Setback
- Varies
- Side Setback
- Varies
- Rear Setback
- Varies
Permit Costs & Timelines
Check Current Permit Fees & Timelines
Permit fees and review times can vary by project type, scope, valuation, and required approvals. Check the current schedule with the local permitting authority before filing.
Check current High Point permit information →Official Sources
City-specific