Greene County

Greene County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes, a carport in Greene County needs a building and zoning permit, and the county says the same for garages and sheds. The one carve-out it posts is for residential accessory storage structures of 256 square feet or less, which are exempt from both. A Greene County carport permit uses the Additions, Garages, Shed and Deck Packet, and you email it in with every checklist item attached.

Permit office: Greene County Building Inspections Department
Address: 40 Celt Road, Room 226, Stanardsville, VA 22973
Phone: 434-985-5204
Official county page

When a permit is required

Building and zoning permit for carports, garages and sheds
No building or zoning permit for residential accessory storage structures of 256 square feet or less
Special use permit for a residential accessory structure over 768 square feet in the A-1 and C-1 districts
Health Department sign-off on the sewage disposal form if the property has private septic, except for decks and portable sheds

Zoning and setbacks

In the A-1 and C-1 districts, a residential accessory structure of 768 square feet or less is allowed by right. It has to stay 5 feet or more from side and rear lot lines and cannot sit within the street setback line, which in A-1 is 50 feet from a right-of-way that is 50 feet or wider. Setbacks vary by district, and the county asks you to confirm yours with Planning & Zoning before building.

What to bring

Fully completed Additions, Garages, Shed and Deck Packet
Two sets of building plans showing structural components, plus the completed height form (11x17 or smaller preferred)
Site sketch on a copy of a survey plat showing existing and proposed buildings and setbacks
Copy of the contractor's state license and Greene County business license (owners may act as their own general contractor)
Health Department septic approval, if it applies

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Greene's Building Inspections page posts a Farm New Structure - Zoning Department Review document and a 2026 Farm Structure Electric Affidavit, and the permit packet has a Barn/Farm Use Only checkbox. Call the office at 434-985-5204 to find out which of these your barn needs.

Good to know

The online Civic Portal for building permits has been on hold since December 1, 2025, so send applications to inspections@gcva.us, and the office will not accept one with anything missing. Call for final pricing before you pay, since a 2% state surcharge goes on the subtotal and cards carry a 3% fee. The office is open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm, and inspections need at least 48 hours' notice at 434-985-5204, press 0.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Greene County?
Yes. The county lists carports among projects needing a building and zoning permit, so a Greene County carport permit goes through the Additions, Garages, Shed and Deck Packet. Email it to inspections@gcva.us.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Greene County?
Garages and sheds need one too. Residential accessory storage structures of 256 square feet or less are exempt from building and zoning permits.

What size accessory building can I put up in A-1?
Up to 768 square feet is allowed by right for a residential accessory structure in A-1 or C-1. Anything larger requires a special use permit.

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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