Dinwiddie County

Dinwiddie County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Dinwiddie County, the county's FAQ lists a building permit for accessory structures over 200 square feet, which is the number to plan around for a metal carport or garage. It sits below the 256 square foot statewide shed exemption, so check with Building Inspections if yours lands between them. You can start a Dinwiddie County carport permit through the county's EnerGov online portal. Note the early office hours, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm on weekdays.

Permit office: Dinwiddie County Office of Building Inspections
Address: 14010 Boydton Plank Road, Dinwiddie, VA 23841
Phone: 804-469-4500
Official county page

When a permit is required

The county FAQ lists accessory structures over 200 square feet.
It also lists additions, including decks and porches, and structural remodels or repairs.
Statewide, the USBC exempts one-story detached tool and storage sheds of 256 square feet or less, and it does not call out carports.
Electrical, mechanical and plumbing work falls under the same office's code enforcement.

Zoning and setbacks

Planning & Zoning is in the same Boydton Plank Road building and is reached through the main number, 804-469-4500. Its page requires Site Plan Review before building permits in cases such as nonresidential uses and multifamily, business and industrial districts. Setbacks and accessory building rules are not on that page, so ask about your parcel's district, which you can look up on the county's interactive maps.

What to bring

Tax map number and property location
Building type, use, size in square feet and height
Contact details for the property owner
Site plan, if your use or district requires Site Plan Review

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Dinwiddie posts a Farm Use form, a notarized affidavit describing the farm operation and building, and it warns the structure stays subject to the county zoning and erosion and sediment ordinances. A building with residential use is not eligible.

Good to know

Applications run through the EnerGov Portal. The Building Official is at extension 2119 on the main county line. Planning staff are at extensions 2116, 2146 and 2117. Mail goes to P.O. Drawer 70, Dinwiddie, VA 23841.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Dinwiddie County?
If it's over 200 square feet, plan on a Dinwiddie County carport permit, since the county FAQ lists accessory structures over that size. Confirm with Building Inspections at 804-469-4500, because the FAQ does not name carports.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Dinwiddie County?
Use 200 square feet as your working number for a garage or shed. A small qualifying shed could fall under the state's 256 square foot exemption, and that overlap is worth raising when you call.

Does a farm building in Dinwiddie County still need any paperwork?
Yes, the county has a notarized Farm Use form. On that form, an eligible building needs no building permit or inspections, but zoning and erosion and sediment rules still apply.

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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