.png)
Covington City
Covington City, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages
Covington doesn't post a size cutoff for carports, so call Development Services at 540-965-6356 before you order and describe the building. The same office handles building permits, zoning and floodplain questions, so one call covers all three. A Covington carport permit starts with the city's Building Permit Application, which asks for a plot plan and whether the lot sits in a Special Flood Hazard Area.
Permit office: City of Covington Development Services
Address: 340 E. Walnut Street, Covington, VA 24426
Phone: 540-965-6356
Official city page
When a permit is required
- The city posts no list of which carports or sheds need a permit, so ask before ordering
- Building Permit Application for new work, additions and alterations
- Floodplain review before a permit is issued if the lot is in a Special Flood Hazard Area
- Floodplain Development Permit, available by emailing the office
- Land Disturbance and Stormwater permits, also by email, if the office says your site work needs them
Zoning and setbacks
The Building Official also serves as Zoning Administrator, so setback and use questions go to the same desk. The city's page doesn't post setback numbers or describe a separate zoning permit, so ask about both when you call. Have your property address and map number ready.
What to bring
- Completed Building Permit Application with owner and property details, including map number
- Plot plan showing the new and existing structures, measured from property lines and from each other
- Contractor name and state and city license numbers, or an owner's affidavit if you aren't a licensed contractor
- Estimated total value of construction
- Mechanic's lien agent information, if you've designated one
Farm buildings
Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia ยง 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Covington has no farm building form on its page, so ask Development Services what to file and whether zoning or floodplain rules still apply.
Good to know
Development Services is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., in the former School Board Office on E. Walnut Street. Applications can go by email to devservices@covington.va.us, by mail or by drop off. The form adds a 2% state levy to the permit cost, but no fee amounts are posted. The city says it's updating its permits and applications, so ask whether the posted form is current.
Common questions
Do I need a permit for a carport in Covington?
The city doesn't post a rule or size cutoff for carports, which is why the honest answer is to call Development Services at 540-965-6356. If you need a Covington carport permit, the Building Permit Application is the form to expect.
Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Covington?
Statewide, the building code exempts one-story detached storage sheds of 256 square feet or less, and Covington doesn't post its own cutoff. For a garage or a larger shed, expect the Building Permit Application, and ask about zoning either way.
What if my Covington lot is in a flood zone?
The application asks about Special Flood Hazard Areas. If yours is in one, the permit goes through city floodplain review before it's issued.
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.
Ready to design your building?
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.