Craig County

Craig County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Craig County, a metal carport, garage or shed needs a Zoning Permit no matter how small it is, because the county's permit FAQ says zoning permits apply regardless of structure size. New residential and commercial structures need a building permit too, and the county doesn't post a separate carport rule, so ask how yours will be treated. A Craig County carport permit can be applied for online through CloudPermit. Building and zoning share one office in New Castle.

Permit office: Craig County Building and Zoning Office
Address: 108 Court Street, New Castle, VA 24127
Phone: 540-864-5010
Official county page

When a permit is required

Zoning Permit for any structure, over or under 256 square feet
Building permit for new residential and commercial structures, additions and alterations
Land Disturbance Permit if the site work calls for it; disturbing over 10,000 square feet requires a licensed Responsible Land Disturber
State stormwater permit if you disturb more than one acre

Zoning and setbacks

The county's permit packet lists these setbacks: A-1 is 50 feet front, 25 feet each side and 50 feet rear. RR is 50 feet front, 15 feet each side and 35 feet rear. R-1 is 30 feet front, 15 feet each side and 30 feet rear. On a corner lot, the street side setback for an accessory building is 35 feet in RR and 25 feet in R-1. In a FEMA flood plain, the county policy requires an elevation certificate before the building permit, with the first floor one foot above base flood elevation.

What to bring

Basic Permit Packet, which covers additions, alterations and sheds
Site plan with the lot, roads, driveways and building dimensions in feet
Setback distances from the building to the front, back and side lot lines, with a signed affidavit confirming them
Tax map parcel number, zoning district and conservation easement status
Elevation certificate if you're in a flood plain

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Craig County has a Farm Structure Affidavit with no fees or building inspections, but you still need a Zoning Permit, must meet setbacks, and should expect a site visit after the building is finished.

Good to know

The office is open Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and permits are only issued during those hours, though you can apply online any time. The county's mailing address is P.O. Box 308. Fees are calculated by the county, with separate permit and zoning lines on the form, and no amounts are posted. Homeowners and their direct family members can do their own work without a contractor license.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Craig County?
Yes, at least a Zoning Permit, since Craig County requires one regardless of size. The county doesn't address carports separately for a building permit, so ask the office at 540-864-5010 when you start your Craig County carport permit application.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Craig County?
A garage or shed needs a Zoning Permit at any size. The 256 square foot figure comes from the statewide shed exemption, and the county says zoning still applies over or under that size.

Does a Craig County farm building need a Zoning Permit?
Yes. The county says farm structures are exempt from the building code but not from zoning, and filing a Schedule F can support the exemption claim.

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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