Lunenburg County

Lunenburg County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Plan on a permit for a carport or garage of 256 square feet or larger in Lunenburg County, because that is the cutoff the county's fee schedule gives for accessory structures. Carports are not listed by name, so ask about a Lunenburg County carport permit before ordering a smaller one. The Building Inspector's office at the county administration building handles applications, Monday to Friday, 9 to 5. The storage building and garage rate is $75 plus $0.15 per square foot.

Permit office: Lunenburg County Building Inspection
Address: 11413 Courthouse Road, Lunenburg, VA 23952
Phone: 434-696-2143
Official county page

When a permit is required

Accessory structures of 256 square feet and larger: building permit, per the April 2026 fee schedule
Storage buildings and garages: listed on the fee schedule at their own rate
Electrical work: separate Electrical/Mechanical Permit Application
Inside the Town of Victoria: a town zoning permit as well, since the town handles zoning but leaves building permits to the county inspector

Zoning and setbacks

The county's setback checklist puts accessory buildings at least 5 feet from any property line. On a corner lot, the side facing the side street needs at least 50 feet for main and accessory buildings alike. The same checklist sets a 35-foot general height limit and quotes much larger yards for main structures, so ask which figures apply to your district. Questions on the ordinance can go to the county Planner at 434-696-1011, and the text is in the county code.

What to bring

Building Permit Application with owner, property address and tax map number
Type of construction and square footage
Contractor's name, address, license number and contact details, plus mechanic's lien agent
Real job cost
For new construction, as separate documents: footing and foundation plans, a wall section, an elevation, a framing plan, an electrical plan and a mechanical description
Approved VDOT entrance permit and Health Department sanitation approval letter, which the application lists for new construction (ask whether they apply to your building)

Farm buildings

Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3. Lunenburg County's fee schedule says there is no charge for permits for agricultural structures. The county posts no farm exemption form, so ask the Building Inspector at 434-696-2143 what you need to show.

Good to know

Starting work before the permit is issued adds a $200 fee, and a re-inspection costs $50 after a second failed inspection. The 2% state levy applies on top of permit fees. Refunds are 80% if you ask in writing before any inspection is completed. In Victoria, the town's zoning permit stays active for one year and only patios and small structures under six feet tall and 20 square feet skip it.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Lunenburg County?
At 256 square feet or larger, plan on it, since the county fee schedule requires a permit for accessory structures of that size. A Lunenburg County carport permit under that size is a question for the Building Inspector, because carports are not named in the schedule or the statewide shed exemption.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Lunenburg County?
Garages and storage buildings have their own line on the fee schedule at $75 plus $0.15 per square foot. One-story detached storage sheds of 256 square feet or less are exempt statewide, while the county's schedule says 256 and larger, so call about a building right at 256.

How close to the property line can I put an accessory building in Lunenburg County?
The county's checklist says at least 5 feet from any property line, and at least 50 feet on the side street side of a corner lot.

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