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Loudoun County

Loudoun County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

Garages need permits here, and the county lists "Garages and sheds" among residential projects that typically require them. The county's pages do not name carports or post a size cutoff for them, so plan on a permit and call plan reviewers at 703-777-0220 before you order. For a Loudoun County carport permit, expect the Department of Building and Development to look at both building and zoning. Applications go in through LandMARC, the county's online system, or in person in Leesburg.


Permit office: Loudoun County Department of Building and Development
Address: Loudoun County Government Center, 1 Harrison Street SE, Leesburg, VA 20175
Phone: 703-777-0220
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • Zoning permit for new construction outside the incorporated towns, signed by the property owner
  • Building permit for garages; the county says garages are not treated as sheds
  • Shed under 256 sq ft: Zoning Only - Residential application, $165
  • Shed of 256 to 1,000 sq ft: Building - Residential Miscellaneous Structure application, $395 including plan review and zoning
  • Grading permit when disturbed area tops 5,000 sq ft, or in the Mountainside Development Overlay, Limestone Overlay or Steep Slopes areas
  • Trade permits such as electrical, charged separately


Zoning and setbacks

Outside town limits, the county handles zoning. Inside a town, get the town's approved zoning permit first and submit it with your application; the county keeps a list of incorporated towns. The 5-foot side and rear setback the county posts applies to most one-story, nonhabitable sheds on a single-family lot, so ask about a garage or carport by calling 703-777-0220, option 2. Historic district properties need a Certificate of Appropriateness from the Planning Department before any permits are issued.


What to bring

  • Plat of the property showing the structure's location and distances to the side and rear lines
  • Building plans for a garage; the county's construction permit page calls for three sets, covering foundation, framing, wall sections and elevations
  • Statement of Owner/Lessee if the permit is issued to the owner
  • Health Department approval first if the property is on well or septic
  • Grading permit paperwork if the site triggers it


Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia ยง 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Loudoun still wants a Farm Building or Structure Application regardless of size, along with a plat, filed in LandMARC. The fee is $165 for the zoning permit when the building is exempt, or $330 if it falls under the building code or you ask for plan review.


Good to know

The county keeps a map of conservation easements, and no construction may go into the ground or air space of a county easement. If the lot has a stormwater easement, email the county's Stormwater Team before applying. Fees are paid after review, when the county says the permit is ready, and the permit must be issued before work starts. Inspections are scheduled one work day ahead in LandMARC, and the approved plans must be on site or no inspection happens. Lots with environmentally sensitive areas can take longer to review.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Loudoun County?
Expect to. No county page names carports, which is why a Loudoun County carport permit question should go to plan reviewers at 703-777-0220, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays, before you buy.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Loudoun County?
Yes to both. Garages need building and zoning permits. Sheds under 256 sq ft take a $165 zoning permit, and sheds from 256 to 1,000 sq ft cost $395 with building permit and plan review included.


How do farm buildings work in Loudoun County?
File the Farm Building or Structure Application at any size. Exempt farm buildings pay $165 for zoning and no building inspection is listed, while non-exempt ones pay $330 and get footing, framing and final inspections.


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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