Harrisonburg City

Plan on a building permit for a carport in Harrisonburg and call Community Development before you order, because the city's permit page never names carports. It does name detached garages as accessory structures, and it requires a permit for any shed that is 257 square feet or larger, has more than one floor, or will store a car. A Harrisonburg carport permit question usually comes down to that last point, so have your size and intended use ready when you call.

Permit office: Department of Community Development, Building Inspections
Address: 409 S Main St, 2nd Floor, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
Phone: 540-432-7700
Official city page

When a permit is required

• Accessory buildings are on the city's list of work that needs a building permit.
• Sheds: a permit is needed at 257 sq ft or larger, with more than one floor, or when used for car storage.
• Detached garages count as accessory structures. Not all accessory structures need a permit, but all must meet zoning.
• Carports are not named on the city's pages, so ask the office.
• Electrical and plumbing work may need separate permits.

Zoning and setbacks

Residential accessory buildings must sit in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from side and rear property lines, and cannot take up more than 30% of the required rear yard. Those rules apply even when no building permit is needed. Floodplain development falls under a separate article of the Zoning Ordinance, and the Planning & Zoning staff can be reached at ZoningDivision@harrisonburgva.gov.

What to bring

• Building Permit Application and Building Permit Checklist (English and Spanish versions exist)
• Building Permit Impervious Square Footage Form
• Site plan
• Fee: accessory structures start at $60, plus a 2% state levy

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Harrisonburg's permit pages post no farm form or procedure, so ask Community Development at 540-432-7700 how it wants a farm building documented.

Good to know

Apply through the LAMA Permit Portal, by emailing a fillable PDF to permits@harrisonburgva.gov, or in person. Most permits cost $60 for the first $2,000 of work value and $6 for each added $1,000 or fraction. Keep the permit where it can be seen from the street until the job is finished, and have your contractor, owner or agent give a Permit Technician the permit number, address and inspection type to book an inspection.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Harrisonburg?
Probably, but the city does not name carports, so call 540-432-7700 and describe the size and use. That call settles any Harrisonburg carport permit question, and the zoning rules for the rear yard and the 5-foot line apply either way.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Harrisonburg?
A shed needs one at 257 sq ft or larger, with more than one floor, or if it will hold a car. Detached garages are treated as accessory structures, and the fee for accessory structures starts at $60.

How close to the property line can an accessory building go in Harrisonburg?
On residential lots it must be in the rear yard and at least 5 feet from the side and rear lines, covering no more than 30% of the required rear yard.

Sources

• Harrisonburg City: Building Permit
• Harrisonburg City: Building Inspections
• Harrisonburg City: Zoning Information
• Harrisonburg City: Fees Directory
• Harrisonburg City: Permit Directory
• Harrisonburg City: Community Development

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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