Charles City County

Charles City County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Charles City County, a metal carport over 256 square feet needs a permit, and a shed under 256 square feet still needs a setback approval application with a $20 fee. Anyone pricing a Charles City County carport permit should also look at the county's Accessory/Agricultural Structure packet, which covers building and zoning on one application. It covers projects under 2,500 square feet of disturbance.

Permit office: Charles City County Building Official (Building Inspections), with Community Development
Address: 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030
Phone: 804-652-4727
Official county page

When a permit is required

Carports over 256 square feet: permit.
Sheds over 256 square feet: permit.
Sheds under 256 square feet: setback approval application, $20.
Anything over 256 square feet: construction plans go in with the application.

Zoning and setbacks

The packet places an accessory structure beside or behind the house, or 100 feet from the ultimate VDOT right-of-way. It can't sit on a lot with no principal building, or over a drain field or septic tank. Keep 10 feet from other structures. Side and rear distances are blank on the form, so get them from staff.

What to bring

3 sets of construction plans and 6 sets of site plans or plats.
Scaled sketch on a survey plat, with distances to lines and structures.
RMA, RPA or NONE designation, plus floodplain limits if any.
Signed Agreement in Lieu of E&S plan and Responsible Land Disturber certificate.

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Locally, the same packet treats agricultural buildings as accessory structures and has an Agricultural use checkbox.

Good to know

Chesapeake Bay rules matter here. Any RPA or RMA on the parcel, or 2,500 square feet or more of disturbance, means a site plan is required, and an RPA carries a 100-foot setback where it applies. See the Accessory/Agricultural packet.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Charles City County?
Yes if it is over 256 square feet. The Building Official's page doesn't state what happens at or under that size, so ask before relying on an exemption. Treat the Charles City County carport permit as tied to zoning review as well.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Charles City County?
Sheds over 256 square feet need one, and smaller ones need the $20 setback approval. Garages are covered by the accessory packet, with plans required above 256 square feet.

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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