Bath County

Bath County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Bath County, a metal carport or detached garage goes on the county's combined building permit and Zoning Permit application, which names both as accessory structures. For a Bath County carport permit, keep in mind that accessory structures must sit in the side or rear yard. The county's brochure also says all new construction and additions require zoning approval.

Permit office: Bath County Building, Planning and Zoning
Address: 65 Courthouse Hill Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484
Phone: 540-839-7236
Official county page

When a permit is required

Building permit application, with fees based on the estimated cost you provide.
Zoning Permit, signed and dated by the Zoning Administrator on the application.
Erosion and sediment paperwork, if it applies.

Zoning and setbacks

Setbacks run from the property line to the closest point of the structure, including covered porches. If a right-of-way goes past the setback line, the county measures from the right-of-way line. The setbacks on your plat have to match your application or the permit may be delayed. No distances are published on the pages we read, so ask the Zoning Administrator.

What to bring

Plat or survey, or a hand-drawn sketch if you have to, though the county prefers a recorded plat
Property deed, if you acquired the land in the last year
Notarized Solid Waste Affidavit
Owner Affidavit or contractor information

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Bath's building permit application doesn't address farm buildings, so call the office to find out how it handles the zoning side.

Good to know

The office issues building permits Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, and you'll hear within five working days whether your application is approved, needs more, or is denied. All fees have to be paid before processing. If you have construction debris, it goes to Island Ford Landfill, and showing your permit card avoids a tonnage charge. Read the application before you start.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Bath County?
Plan on yes. The county's application lists carports as accessory structures, and state rules don't exempt them. No fee amount for a Bath County carport permit is posted, since fees run off your estimated cost, so ask when you apply.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Bath County?
A detached garage is listed on the same application and needs zoning approval. For sheds, state rules exempt a one-story detached one of 256 square feet or less from the building permit. Bath's brochure gives a different size and doesn't say whether zoning applies, so call 540-839-7236 and confirm.

Can a carport go in my front yard?
The county's application says accessory structures must be in the side or rear yard. It also warns that the front of a lot isn't always set by where the house sits, so have the Zoning Administrator confirm.

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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