Franklin County

Franklin County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Franklin County, a metal building used for storage or utility needs a building permit once it exceeds 256 square feet, and the county's FAQ doesn't address carports, so call about one before you order. On county parcels outside town limits, Planning and Zoning also requires a Land Use permit for new structures. Your Franklin County carport permit is handled through the same online portal used for building and zoning permits. The accessory structure rate is $0.18 per square foot with a $60 minimum, plus a 2% state surcharge.

Permit office: Franklin County Building Inspections Office
Address: 1255 Franklin Street, Suite 103, Rocky Mount, VA 24151
Phone: 540-483-3047
Official county page

When a permit is required

Storage or utility buildings over 256 square feet, with or without electrical: building permit
Detached storage or utility structures under 256 square feet: no building permit, but an electrical permit if wired
Carports: not addressed in the FAQ, call 540-483-3047
New buildings and structures on county parcels outside town limits: Land Use permit

Zoning and setbacks

Zoning approval must come from Planning and Zoning before a building permit is issued. Under Chapter 25, the side setback in A-1 and the residential districts is 10% of road frontage, at least 10 feet and at most 12. Rear setback is generally 30 feet, but in A-1, RE, R-1, R-2 and RC-1 an accessory structure up to 576 square feet can sit 12 feet from the rear line. Accessory buildings are held to the same front setback as the main structure, and on non-primary roads that is 55 feet from centerline or 30 feet from the right of way, whichever is greater.

What to bring

Land Use permit approval
Building permit application through the portal
Drawings matching the county's Residential Submittal Guide, including footing depth for frost protection
Road frontage and planned distance to property lines

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Franklin County uses a notarized Farm Structure Exemption affidavit with no plans or inspections by Building Inspections, though farm structures in a flood plain or mudslide-prone area are still subject to those rules, and a false affidavit can bring a fine up to $2,500.

Good to know

The office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Building permits here also cover the Towns of Boones Mill and Rocky Mount, while the Land Use permit language applies to county parcels outside town limits. Lots next to Smith Mountain Lake have a 20 foot rear setback option, and no structure may sit on or below the 800 foot contour. The county has a zoning ordinance update underway, so confirm setbacks before you pour. Applications run through the Building and Zoning Permits portal.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Franklin County?
The county's FAQ doesn't address carports, so call Building Inspections about a Franklin County carport permit. A Land Use permit is required for new structures on county parcels outside town limits.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Franklin County?
A storage or utility building over 256 square feet needs a building permit. Under 256 square feet, no building permit is needed unless it's wired, which takes an electrical permit.

How close to the property line can I put a building?
In A-1, RE, R-1, R-2 and RC-1, an accessory structure up to 576 square feet can sit 12 feet from the rear line. Side setback is 10 to 12 feet, based on road frontage.

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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