Bedford County

Bedford County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In unincorporated Bedford County, a detached metal garage goes through Residential Building Plan Review, and a smaller structure that skips the building permit still needs a Zoning Permit. County pages don't mention carports, so settle your Bedford County carport permit with Community Development before you order. Inside the Town of Bedford, the county points you to (540) 587-6021.

Permit office: Bedford County Community Development, Division of Building Inspections
Address: 122 East Main St., Suite G-03, Bedford, VA 24523
Phone: (540) 586-7616
Official county page

When a permit is required

Detached garages and storage buildings: plan review required.
Storage or utility structures under 256 square feet: generally no building permit, but a Zoning Permit.
Carports: not addressed, so ask the office.

Zoning and setbacks

Zoning Permit applications go through the Citizen's Self-Service portal, with a sketch showing the work, setbacks from every property line and any relevant height. Setback distances aren't on the Planning & Zoning page. They are in the county Zoning Ordinance, or staff can tell you.

What to bring

Sketch with setbacks and height
Building Plan Review Application, if filing by mail or in person
Owner/Builder Affidavit, if you are your own builder

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Bedford County still requires a Zoning Permit for farm buildings, and its forms list includes a Farm Building Affidavit.

Good to know

The office keeps 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekday hours, but new applications and permit issuance stop at 4 p.m. Disturbing one acre or more calls for a Land Disturbing Permit and Construction General Permit coverage, per the Residential Projects page.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Bedford County?
Call to confirm. The permit FAQ doesn't cover carports and tells you to contact the office about anything unlisted.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Bedford County?
A detached garage needs plan review. A storage shed under 256 square feet generally avoids the building permit but still needs a Zoning Permit.

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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