Goochland County

Goochland County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

In Goochland County, a metal carport or garage over 256 square feet needs a building permit, because the county requires one for accessory structures past that size. At 256 square feet or less the county uses a $25 Zoning Compliance Application instead, though its small structures sheet speaks of sheds and similar storage and never names carports. For a small Goochland County carport permit question, call Building Inspection before you order.

Permit office: Goochland County Department of Building Inspection
Address: 1800 Sandy Hook Road, PO Box 119, Goochland, VA 23063
Phone: 804-556-5815
Official county page

When a permit is required

Accessory structure over 256 square feet: building permit
Accessory structure of 256 square feet or less: Zoning Compliance Application, $25
Detached one-story shed or storage building of 256 square feet or less: no building permit, per the county sheet
More than 10,000 square feet of land disturbed: Land Disturbance permit, whatever the building size

Zoning and setbacks

Residential accessory buildings can only go in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from side and rear lot lines, and the county's small structures sheet raises that to 35 feet on a corner lot. They cannot sit on a drainfield or any part of a septic system, or inside a dedicated easement or right-of-way. Property lines must be clearly marked for inspection, and you are responsible for keeping to the setbacks.

What to bring

Zoning Compliance Application or Residential Building Permit Application
Two sets of sealed, surveyed site plans with setbacks marked, for the zoning application
One copy of construction drawings and one copy of the property survey, for a building permit
Estimated square footage and building value
Copy of any deed restrictions
Shrink swell soil report if the office says it applies, since the county requires one for new construction

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Goochland has its own process: file the Zoning Compliance Application with a notarized Farm Use Affidavit, on a farm of at least 5 acres zoned A-1 or A-2 (6 acres with a dwelling), and the Zoning Administrator must issue the zoning permit before the Building Code Official applies the exemption.

Good to know

Building Inspection is open weekdays 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and takes permit applications until 4:00 p.m. You can apply through the county's online permit portal. The residential application shows $30 for the first $4,000 of value, $4.50 per $1,000 above that, a 2% state levy and $25 zoning for structures other than a house. Planning and Zoning is at 804-556-5860. A permit expires if work has not begun within 6 months of issuance. Farm buildings in a flood plain must still meet flood proofing rules.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Goochland County?
Yes once it is over 256 square feet, since the county requires a building permit for accessory structures that size. A Goochland County carport permit at 256 square feet or less is not spelled out, because the sheet does not name carports, so ask Building Inspection at 804-556-5815.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Goochland County?
Over 256 square feet, yes. A one-story detached shed of 256 square feet or less skips the building permit but still needs the $25 Zoning Compliance Application, a 5 foot setback and a rear yard location.

Can I skip the permit for a barn on farmland in Goochland County?
You can skip the building code permit if the barn qualifies, but you still file the Zoning Compliance Application and notarized Farm Use Affidavit. The county says a false affidavit may violate state law, and building without a permit when not legally exempt can bring a fine of up to $2,500.

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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