Halifax County

Yes, an open carport in Halifax County needs a zoning permit, and the county applies that to any structure erected on your property. A Halifax County carport permit starts with the $50 zoning permit from Planning & Zoning at the Administration Building. Ask at the same time what building permit plans your project needs, since the county asks anyone starting a project to check on plans and specifications first.

Permit office: Halifax County Planning & Zoning Department
Address: 1050 Mary Bethune Street, Halifax, VA 24558
Phone: 434-476-3300 ext. 3321
Official county page

When a permit is required

• Zoning permit ($50) for any structure erected on your property, including open carports and pre-fabricated buildings
• Farm structures also need a zoning permit, on the agriculture-only application
• Building permit requirements come from Building Code Enforcement at the same address

Zoning and setbacks

In the A-1 Agricultural district the setbacks are 75 feet from the road right-of-way, 15 feet on the sides and 35 feet at the rear. For any other district the county sends you to the Zoning Administrator. The Zoning Permit Application can be emailed to the permit staff once completed.

What to bring

• Completed Zoning Permit Application with lot size in acres
• Sketch of all buildings, additions and property lines, with distances to property lines and roads
• Driveway sketch relative to the structure if you are requesting a 911 address

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Halifax still requires a zoning permit, using its agriculture-only application with a Farm Structure affidavit, $50 by cash or check. You will need a Farm Service number from the Farm Service Center at 434-476-6558. The county performs no inspections and issues no Certificate of Occupancy on these, and farm buildings in a flood plain or mudslide-prone area still face those regulations.

Good to know

Planning & Zoning is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 5 pm. The farm affidavit is signed by the owner and co-owner, and a false statement is treated as a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2,500 under Code of Virginia Section 36-106. The form's office section also tracks Health Department and VDOT road pipe permit numbers, so have those handy if your site needs them.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Halifax County?
Yes. The county names open carports among the structures that need a zoning permit, so a Halifax County carport permit starts at Planning & Zoning with a $50 fee. Call 434-476-3300 ext. 3321 about building permit plans.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Halifax County?
Plan on a zoning permit, because the county requires one for any structure erected on your property, including pre-fabricated buildings. Virginia exempts one-story sheds of 256 square feet or less from a building permit, and the county's zoning page lists no small-shed exception, so ask the office.

What are the setbacks in A-1 Agricultural?
75 feet from the road right-of-way, 15 feet on each side and 35 feet at the rear. Other districts go through the Zoning Administrator.

Sources

• Halifax County: Planning & Zoning
• Halifax County: Zoning Permit Application
• Halifax County: Zoning Permit (ag only) with Farm Structure Affidavit
• Halifax County: Building Code Enforcement Staff Directory

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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