Hampton City

Hampton City, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes, you need a permit for a carport in Hampton, and the city's own list says the same for sheds. A Hampton carport permit runs through the Development Services Center on the third floor of City Hall or the Online Permit & Inspection Center. Garages are not named on that list apart from garage conversions, so call 757-728-2444 and plan on a permit.

Permit office: City of Hampton Community Development Department, Development Services Center
Address: 22 Lincoln Street, 3rd Floor, Hampton, VA 23669
Phone: 757-728-2444
Official city page

When a permit is required

Permit for carports and sheds, both on the city's 'You DO need a permit' list
Zoning permit ($15) for structures exempt from the building code
Floodplain review and permit for any proposed development in the 100-year floodplain
Chesapeake Bay structure encroachment permit for accessory structures in a protected zone

Zoning and setbacks

The city's zoning permit for structures exempt from the building code costs $15, and Hampton posts a Zoning Permit Application and Zoning Determination Checklist on its residential page. Lots near water also fall under the Chesapeake Bay zones: a 100-foot Resource Protection Area buffer around wetlands and tidal shores, then a 100-foot Resource Management Area beyond it. An accessory structure encroachment there is $1 per square foot, $100 minimum and $400 maximum. Planning & Zoning can tell you what your lot allows, and the city's GIS map shows whether you are in a protection district.

What to bring

Copy of your survey or plat
Signed and dated residential permit application
Payment of required fees before the permit is issued

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Hampton does not appear to post a farm building form, so ask Community Development at 757-727-8311 before relying on the exemption.

Good to know

The August 2025 fee schedule sets building permits at 0.39% of construction value with a $50 minimum, plus a $10 technology fee, a 2% state levy and $20 residential plan review. Work in the 100-year floodplain must be reviewed and permitted, and the structure may have to be elevated above flood level. Clearing or development in the Bay zones usually needs a site-specific resource delineation from a surveyor or environmental consultant first.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Hampton?
Yes. Carports are on the city's list of projects that need a permit, so a Hampton carport permit goes through Development Services at 757-728-2444. Bring your survey or plat.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Hampton?
Sheds are on the city's permit list, and structures exempt from the building code still have a $15 zoning permit on the fee schedule. New garages are not named on that list, so call Development Services to confirm, and plan on a permit.

What if my lot is near water?
Check the city's GIS map for Chesapeake Bay zones, which reach 200 feet from certain wetlands and waterways. Accessory structures that encroach pay $1 per square foot, from $100 up to $400, and 100-year floodplain work needs its own review and 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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