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Colonial Heights City

Colonial Heights City, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

Yes, in Colonial Heights an attached or detached carport or garage needs a building permit, and the city's residential permit chart says so with no size floor. City code also requires a Zoning Permit before the building permit can be issued. For a Colonial Heights carport permit, start with Building Inspections at 804-520-9297.


Permit office: Colonial Heights Department of Building Inspections
Address: 201 James Avenue, P.O. Box 3401, Colonial Heights, VA 23834
Phone: 804-520-9297
Official city page


When a permit is required

  • Building permit for any attached or detached garage or carport
  • Building permit for a one-story tool shed over 256 square feet
  • Zoning Permit for putting up, adding to or altering a structure, $50 under the city code
  • Certificate of zoning compliance before using a new or changed structure, $100 under the city code
  • Separate electrical permit if you're adding wiring


Zoning and setbacks

In the RL district, city code keeps accessory structures behind the front building line of the house, at least 5 feet from side and rear lines. They can't be taller than the house and can cover up to 20% of the rear yard. Other districts differ, for example a 15 foot height limit in RO, BB, GB and IN. A building attached by a wall or roof counts as part of the main building, so accessory setbacks wouldn't apply to it. A Zoning Permit lapses after six months if the work hasn't started.


What to bring

  • Building Permit Application, online or as the printable PDF
  • Application checklist for residential new construction and additions, if it fits your project
  • Plot plan of the property, using the city's Single Family Residence Plot Plan form if it fits
  • Plans by email to siteplans@colonialheightsva.gov for large files, with the property address in the subject line


Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia ยง 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Colonial Heights posts no farm building form, so ask Building Inspections what to file, and ask the Zoning Administrator how the city zoning rules apply to your lot.


Good to know

The city says permits are processed within 2 weeks and inspections are scheduled within 48 hours. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and payment can be made online or by check. Fees are figured using the structure's exterior dimensions, a 2% state levy is added, and fees double if work started without the required permit. Site work and right-of-way questions go to the Engineering Department.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Colonial Heights?
Yes. The city's chart requires a building permit for an attached or detached carport, and it gives no minimum size. A Colonial Heights carport permit also depends on a Zoning Permit being issued first.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Colonial Heights?
A garage needs a building permit, attached or detached. A one-story tool shed needs one when it's over 256 square feet, which matches the statewide exemption. The chart doesn't address smaller sheds, so ask whether a Zoning Permit still applies.


How close to the property line can an accessory building go in Colonial Heights?
In the RL district the code calls for 5 feet from side and rear lines, and it must sit behind the front building line of the house. Check your district first, since the rules change by district.


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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Design it yourself in 3D with the button below, or call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you figure out what your county needs.

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