Caroline County

Caroline County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Caroline County, a metal carport or garage needs a Zoning Permit from the Zoning Administrator, because the ordinance requires one for accessory uses and the county will not issue a building permit without it. There is no form written just for a Caroline County carport permit, so expect it to be handled as an accessory structure.

Permit office: Caroline County Department of Planning and Community Development
Address: 233 W Broaddus Avenue, Bowling Green, VA 22427
Phone: 804-633-4303
Official county page

When a permit is required

Zoning Permit for accessory uses (Article 17, Section 3).
Exempt: storage structures up to 150 square feet that need no building permit (Section 8.A.3).
Residential sheds of 256 square feet or less can use the Permit Exemption affidavit, except in a Resource Protection Area, floodplain or campground.

Zoning and setbacks

In the rear yard of a single family home in a Residential or Rural Residential district, accessory structures must be 40 feet from street lines and 5 feet from other lot lines. An accessory structure cannot be established until the main use is, so a carport on a vacant lot is a problem.

What to bring

Three copies of a scale plan showing clearing and grading limits
A boundary survey for parcels of three acres or less. The department can waive it for accessory structures

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Caroline has an Agricultural Structure Permit Packet: two scaled site plans, a signed Agricultural Affidavit, a Contractor Affidavit and a $75 deposit credited to the total.

Good to know

The fee schedule lists a $75 accessory zoning permit and detached garages at $0.12 per square foot, $100 minimum. Complete residential permits take about 21 days per the county FAQ. A Zoning Permit lapses if work does not start within six months. Schedule inspections at 804-633-9896 before 2:00 p.m. for the next workday.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Caroline County?
Yes for zoning, since an accessory use needs a Zoning Permit. Carports are not named in Section 4 or on the shed affidavit, so ask whether a building permit also applies.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Caroline County?
A garage takes a Zoning Permit plus the listed garage fee. A residential shed of 256 square feet or less may qualify for the affidavit, with a plat or sketch showing property lines.

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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