Botetourt County

Botetourt County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Botetourt County, a metal carport or garage needs a permit, because the county requires one for every accessory structure except a qualifying shed under 256 square feet. Its Accessory Structure Guide answers most Botetourt County carport permit questions. A carport has to stay open on all sides, or the county treats it as a garage.

Permit office: Botetourt County Community Development, Development Services Division
Address: 57 S Center Drive, Daleville, VA 24083
Phone: (540) 928-2070
Official county page

When a permit is required

Any accessory structure that doesn't meet the shed definition.
Any building over 256 square feet, whatever it's made of.
A shed must be detached, one story, light-frame, no more than 10 feet at the eave and 18 inches off the ground.

Zoning and setbacks

Setbacks can differ by district. The county says to contact Planning & Zoning at (540) 928-2080 before you buy or place a structure, and even exempt sheds must follow setbacks and be anchored. Inside Buchanan, Fincastle or Troutville, the town handles zoning.

What to bring

Building & Zoning Permit Application, current version
Site plan with setbacks and distances to other structures
Stamped drawings specific to your building, for pre-engineered or prefabricated buildings
Digital plans, plus scope of work and estimated cost

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Botetourt uses a Farm Building or Structure Combined Permit Application with an affidavit. A completed affidavit means no building permits or inspections, but zoning still applies.

Good to know

Light gauge steel carports are the only structures over 256 square feet allowed without continuous footings, per the county guide. It also calls for 115 mph wind and 30 lb per square foot snow design. Posted fees run $40 plus $6 per $1,000 of project cost, plus 10% plan review and a 2% levy.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Botetourt County?
A permit is required. An open-sided carport doesn't fit the county's shed definition, so that exception won't help.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Botetourt County?
A garage does, and it typically needs continuous footings. A shed under 256 square feet that meets the whole definition can skip the permit, but not setbacks or anchoring.

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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