Albemarle County

Albemarle County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Albemarle County, a metal carport of any size needs zoning approval before it is placed on your property. The county's checklist for prefab storage buildings and metal carports words its building permit exemption around sheds and playhouses, so raise the Albemarle County carport permit question with a Zoning Permit Planner early.

Permit office: Albemarle County Community Development Department, Building Inspections
Address: 401 McIntire Road, North Wing, Charlottesville, VA 22902
Phone: 434-296-5832
Official county page

When a permit is required

Zoning approval: always, before placement.
No building permit for a one-story detached shed or similar accessory structure of 256 square feet or less with an eave of 10 feet or less, a floor no more than 18 inches above grade, and 90 mph wind anchoring.
Over 256 square feet: a building permit with construction plans.

Zoning and setbacks

Setbacks depend on how the parcel is zoned, so look up your zoning in the county GIS and talk to a planner. Buildings can't go on Critical Slopes, meaning 25 percent or steeper. Stream buffers and utility easements are also restricted, and septic sites need a Request for Health Department Review.

What to bring

Application with job value and square footage, plus the contractor's Virginia license copy.
Recorded plat and a location sketch with setbacks, dimensions and height.
Over 256 square feet: legible construction plans.

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. The county pages we read don't describe a local farm procedure, so ask Community Development what they want on file.

Good to know

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. A permit is valid six months from issuance or the last inspection, and residential permits carry a three-year completion date. Read the metal carport checklist first.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Albemarle County?
Yes for zoning, whatever the size. Whether a small unit also takes an Albemarle County carport permit from Building Inspections isn't settled by the checklist, because carports aren't in its exemption wording, so ask at 434-296-5832.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Albemarle County?
Zoning approval is always needed. A qualifying shed of 256 square feet or less skips the building permit, and larger buildings need one with plans.

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.

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