Hopewell City

Hopewell City, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes, if your carport is over 256 square feet you need a building permit in Hopewell, and the city caps carports at 15 feet tall. A detached or freestanding metal carport can only go in the rear yard. That covers most of a Hopewell carport permit, and the Division of Code Enforcement application asks for a plot plan so staff can check zoning.

Permit office: Department of Planning & Development (Development)
Address: 300 N Main Street, Ground Floor, Hopewell, VA 23860
Phone: 804-541-2220
Official city page

When a permit is required

Carports over 256 sq ft need a building permit.
Sheds, outbuildings and other accessory structures over 256 sq ft need a building permit.
Porches and decks need a building permit.
Any development in a floodplain district needs a zoning permit first, including buildings, temporary structures, filling and grading.

Zoning and setbacks

Accessory structures go in the rear yard, 5 feet from any building, on the same property as a primary structure. On residential lots the height limit is the lesser of the main structure's height or 18 feet, or 15 feet for metal carports. The combined total is capped at 50% of the minimum rear yard area, and on lots of 1 acre or less accessory structures cannot exceed 75% of the main structure's square footage. An attached carport may extend up to 5 feet into a required side yard but no closer than 5 feet to the side lot line, and alley-entry garages must be at least 5 feet from the alley line.

What to bring

Building Permit Application with the Building Description & Information section filled in
Two sets of building plans or specifications, where applicable
Three plot plans showing property lines, existing structures, the proposed building's size and height, and setbacks to each line
Copies of your state contractor's license and business license, which must be on file before a permit is issued
Check or money order payable to the City of Hopewell

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Hopewell's forms page lists no farm application, so ask the Development office at 804-541-2220 what it needs.

Good to know

The residential building permit fee is a $25.00 minimum, plus $0.22 per square foot and the state surcharge. The plot plan must also show buffers, easements, Chesapeake Bay areas and floodplains, and the application says no structure may be located in those areas. The office takes drop-off applications in person or by mail from 9 am to 4 pm, Monday through Friday, and same-day appointments are not guaranteed. See Floodplain Management and Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas if your lot is near water.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Hopewell?
Yes, over 256 sq ft. Any size still has to follow the zoning rules, so a Hopewell carport permit question starts with height (15 feet maximum) and location (rear yard only if detached and metal).

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Hopewell?
The city's rule for sheds, outbuildings and accessory structures is the same 256 sq ft line. Alley-entry garages must also stay at least 5 feet from the alley line.

Can I build in a Chesapeake Bay area or floodplain in Hopewell?
The building permit application says no structure may be located in buffers, easements, Chesapeake Bay areas or floodplains, and those must be marked on your plot plan. Call Development at 804-541-2220 if your lot has any of them.

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.

Ready to design your building?

Design it yourself in 3D with the button below, or call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you figure out what your county needs.

Design Your Building in 3D