Greensville County

Greensville County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

You may not need a building permit for a carport in Greensville County if it is a bolt-together metal unit that is not on a permanent foundation, since the county lists those as exempt. Put one on a permanent foundation and you should plan on a Greensville County carport permit through Building Inspections. Ask the Planning Department about zoning either way, because the county's page does not say whether the exemption reaches zoning.

Permit office: Greensville County Building Inspections Department
Address: 1781 Greensville County Circle, Emporia, VA 23847
Official county page

When a permit is required

No building permit for bolt-together metal carports not installed on a permanent foundation
Building permit for a carport on a permanent foundation or an enclosed garage; plan on it and confirm with the office
County page exempts detached residential tool and storage sheds under 200 square feet
Zoning Permit alongside a Building Permit, listed at $25 by the Planning Department

Zoning and setbacks

The Planning Department handles zoning from the same government building and charges $25 for a Zoning Permit issued with a Building Permit. Its page does not spell out setbacks and points to the county Zoning Ordinance, so get your numbers from Planning at (434) 348-4205 ext. 2500 before you set the building.

What to bring

Building Permit Application
Plot plan for any structure extending into a front, rear or side yard
Soil and erosion plan for construction that disturbs the earth
Construction plans and specifications
Water and sewer availability form
Contractor authorization form if it applies, and the Business License Verification form

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Greensville's page lists farm buildings not used for residential purposes as exempt and tells owners to contact the Inspections Department for what counts as a farm building. It posts no farm form.

Good to know

The building fee schedule charges carports $0.10 per square foot as exterior space and garages $0.12 per square foot as unfinished interior space, plus a 2% state surcharge. Permits are issued Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and can also be handled by mail. The county's shed figure of under 200 square feet is smaller than Virginia's 256-square-foot exemption, so a shed between those sizes is worth a call first.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Greensville County?
Bolt-together metal carports not on a permanent foundation are exempt from a building permit under the county's list. Anything on a permanent foundation should go through the Greensville County carport permit process, at $0.10 per square foot plus the 2% state surcharge. Check zoning with Planning.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Greensville County?
The county page does not list garages as exempt and sets a garage fee of $0.12 per square foot, so plan on a permit. Sheds under 200 square feet are exempt there, and Virginia exempts those of 256 square feet or less, so ask the office about any shed in that gap.

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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