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Fluvanna County

Fluvanna County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

In Fluvanna County, a carport or garage needs both a building permit and a zoning permit, and the county names both structures on its list. The one break posted is for residential accessory storage structures of 256 square feet or less, which are exempt from building permits. For a Fluvanna County carport permit, applications and plans go in by email only, to building@fluvannacounty.org.


Permit office: Fluvanna County Building Inspections Office
Address: 132 Main Street, P.O. Box 540, Palmyra, VA 22963
Phone: 434-591-1935
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • Carports: building and zoning permit
  • Garages: building and zoning permit
  • Sheds: building and zoning permit, unless the residential storage exemption applies
  • Residential accessory storage of 256 square feet or less: exempt from a building permit. The page does not say this waives zoning


Zoning and setbacks

The Zoning Permit costs $50 for a secondary structure and $100 for a primary one. Where one applies, the county asks for a site plan of the property with the application. We don't have confirmed setback distances, so get those from Planning and Zoning before picking a spot.


What to bring

  • Completed Zoning Permit application with site plan
  • Application for Building Permit
  • Site and building plan
  • Well, septic or VDOT entrance approval, where applicable
  • Land Disturbing Permit and a named Certified Responsible Land Disturber, where applicable


Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia ยง 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Fluvanna has its own exemption request form, filed with a basic site plan, and the form has a section where zoning records setbacks, then you call the office when the building is finished.


Good to know

Office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. Inspections need at least 24 hours' notice, and the permit holder or an authorized agent on file must request them. The building permit fee varies, so ask for a figure. An Agreement in Lieu of Erosion and Sediment Control Plan runs $125 for a single family residence, if your job calls for one. Applications made after January 18, 2024 follow the 2021 USBC.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Fluvanna County?
Yes. The county lists carports among projects needing building and zoning permits, so a Fluvanna County carport permit means both, sent by email.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Fluvanna County?
Garages need both permits. A residential accessory storage structure of 256 square feet or less is exempt from a building permit, but ask Zoning whether its permit still applies.


How much is the zoning permit for a carport or garage?
$50 for a secondary structure. The building permit is separate and its cost varies.


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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