top of page
Redemption Steel logo (trimmed for header).png

Grayson County

Grayson County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

If you are putting up a carport or metal garage in Grayson County, plan on a Zoning Permit from Planning and Community Development and call the Building Department about the building permit, because the county does not post a size cutoff for carports. A Grayson County carport permit starts with Zoning Permit Application Form 0100, which has lines for accessory structures and garages. The Building Department issues building permits for the county from its office on Davis Street in Independence.


Permit office: Grayson County Building Department
Address: 129 Davis Street, P.O. Box 217, Independence, VA 24348
Phone: 276-773-2322
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • Zoning Permit (Form 0100, $15) for proposed structures, including accessory structures and garages
  • Building permit questions go to the Building Department, which handles permit issuance for the county
  • Floodplain Development Application for a site in the floodplain; the zoning form asks about floodplain status
  • Form LDA-001 if land disturbance tops 10,000 square feet; Form ES-1200 is accepted for residential construction only
  • VDOT permit if you create a new entrance off a state-maintained road


Zoning and setbacks

The Zoning Permit form sets at least 35 feet from the centerline of the public road and at least 10 feet from adjoining property lines. Staff confirm the zoning district, such as Rural Farm, Rural Residential or Shoreline Recreation, and that last one has its own structure application (Form 1100). The Towns of Fries, Independence and Troutdale run their own zoning, so a lot inside one of them goes to the town instead. County zoning questions go to 276-773-2000.


What to bring

  • Tax map number, parcel size and construction address
  • Description and size of every proposed structure
  • Site sketch showing property lines, distance to the road centerline, existing structures and any floodplain
  • Recorded survey plat, or a Google Earth or County GIS aerial if there is no plat
  • Floodplain status and Base Flood Elevation if known


Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia ยง 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Grayson uses a Zoning Statement of Agricultural Exemption (Form 1200), where the owner signs that the structure is for agricultural use only and sits on the same parcel as a bona fide agricultural operation. The form asks about floodplain status, and the county may inspect the site. It does not cover the Building Department, which needs its own paperwork, so call them before you build.


Good to know

The Building Department keeps 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. hours and has a toll-free line, 1-800-752-5117. The zoning form asks whether the property will be used for business, and farming counts as an example. It also wants at least 30 feet of frontage on a state road, a 30-foot-wide legal access to one, or another approved access.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Grayson County?
Plan on it. A Grayson County carport permit starts with the $15 Zoning Permit on Form 0100. The county does not post a carport size cutoff for the building permit, so call the Building Department at 276-773-2322 before you order.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Grayson County?
Garages and accessory structures are listed on the zoning form, so expect a Zoning Permit. Virginia exempts one-story detached tool and storage sheds of 256 square feet or less from a building permit, but ask Planning whether the zoning form still applies to yours.


How close to the road or property line can I build?
The county zoning form lists at least 35 feet from the road centerline and at least 10 feet from adjoining property lines.


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.


Ready to design your building?

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.

bottom of page