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Accomack County

Accomack County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

In unincorporated Accomack County, expect to need at least a Zoning Permit for a metal carport or garage, because the county asks for one even on a shed under 256 square feet. Its building FAQ never mentions carports by name, so get the Accomack County carport permit answer from the Building and Zoning Office before you order.


Permit office: Accomack County Building and Zoning Office
Address: 23296 Courthouse Avenue, Suite 203, P.O. Box 388, Accomac, VA 23301
Phone: 757-787-5700
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • Shed under 256 square feet: Zoning Permit, and no building permit unless it sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
  • Shed over 256 square feet: a building permit, which includes the zoning permit.
  • Pole barn: building permit, unless an active farming operation qualifies for the farm affidavit.


Zoning and setbacks

In the Agricultural District, accessory structures need 5 feet from side and rear lines and can't sit in the 50 foot front setback. One taller than 12 feet at the eave must stay more than 10 feet from every property line. Subdivision plats or covenants may set their own numbers. Town, Captain's Cove and Trail's End lots apply to that entity first.


What to bring

  • Your zoning district, from the county's AccoMap GIS.
  • Your plat or covenants if you're in a subdivision.
  • A Flood Elevation Certificate from a surveyor or engineer for any new building in a special flood hazard district.


Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia ยง 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Accomack asks for a signed farm structure exemption affidavit for active crop or livestock-for-sale operations. The floodplain ordinance still applies.


Good to know

Most applications pass through the Environmental, Zoning, Health, Treasurer's and Building departments, so apply early. Accessory structures are allowed in a flood zone like AE, under much stricter standards. The county's building FAQ links its fee schedule and the ACCESS Online Permit Portal.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Accomack County?
Plan on it, at least at the zoning level. An Accomack County carport permit isn't spelled out in the FAQ, so call 757-787-5700 with your size and parcel.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Accomack County?
A shed under 256 square feet needs a zoning permit, plus a building permit if it's in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Over 256 square feet it needs a building permit. The FAQ's wording is about sheds, so confirm how a garage is classed.


Sources


Rules and fees change. Call the office to confirm before you order.


See the full Virginia permit guide for statewide rules, farm exemptions and wind and snow ratings.


Looking at buildings? See our metal carports, metal garages and metal buildings.


Ready to design your building?

Design it yourself in 3D with the button below, or call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you figure out what your county needs.

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