Frederick County

Frederick County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Frederick County, you should plan on a building permit for a metal carport, because the county publishes its own carport requirements and fee, and those call for engineered plans designed for local wind and snow loads. Its shed exemption is narrow: under 256 square feet including any porch, one story, eave no higher than 10 feet, and accessory to a dwelling. The Frederick County carport permit fee is $90 up to 600 square feet, then $0.10 for each square foot over that, plus a 2% state surcharge.

Permit office: Frederick County Building Inspections Department
Address: 107 N. Kent St., Second Floor, Suite 200, Winchester, VA 22601
Phone: 540-665-5650
Official county page

When a permit is required

Carports: follow the county's carport permit requirements, with engineered plans for metal prefab units
Sheds over 256 square feet, multi-story, or used for something other than tool storage or a playhouse: building permit
Metal buildings that need a permit: plans certified by a Registered Design Professional
Electrical work: electrical permit if applicable, at any size

Zoning and setbacks

Construction needs approval from both the building official and the zoning administrator, and the application asks for the actual distance from the structure to each property line. A permit exemption doesn't exempt a shed from setbacks. Accessory uses can't go in the front setback yard required for the main use. An accessory structure of 500 square feet or more within five feet of a minimum setback must have its location established by a Virginia licensed surveyor.

What to bring

Permit application with measured distances to property lines
Recorded plat or drawing with the carport marked and distances to all lines
One set of structural plans: posts, footings, any slab, floor plan and four elevations
Engineered documents for local wind and snow loads on metal prefab units

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Frederick County posts a Farm Exempt Application and a Farm Buildings and Structures packet on its permit page, so start there, and check setbacks with Planning and Development.

Good to know

Applications are accepted weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and permits are issued 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local design criteria are 35 pounds per square foot ground snow, or 40 at higher elevations mainly in the northwest of the county, 115 mph wind for Risk Category II, Exposure C unless B applies, Seismic Category B and a 24 inch frost line. Credit card payments carry a 2.25% surcharge. Inspections can be scheduled online.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Frederick County?
Plan on one. The county has a carport requirements sheet and lists carports in its fee schedule, so a Frederick County carport permit needs plans and a plat showing property line distances.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Frederick County?
Metal buildings that need a permit require certified plans. A small shed may skip the building permit if it meets every exemption condition, but garage use needs a non-combustible floor, and setbacks still apply.

What snow load does a building need to meet in Frederick County?
35 pounds per square foot, or 40 at higher elevations, mainly in the northwest part of the county.

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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