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Mathews County

Mathews County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

Yes, in Mathews County a carport needs a Zoning Permit, and the Building Department wants a copy of it or an exemption letter before issuing a building permit. Mathews County carport permit fees start with $50 for zoning, or $150 if you apply after the fact. Reach the Building Department at 804-725-7171 and Planning, Zoning & Wetlands at 804-725-4034, both on the ground floor at 50 Brickbat Road.


Permit office: Mathews County Building Department
Address: 50 Brickbat Road, Suite 102, Mathews, VA 23109
Phone: 804-725-7171
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • County zoning code requires a zoning permit (clearance) to erect any structure, apart from a short exempt list that covers fences, flag poles, mail boxes, hunting blinds and dog pens. Carports are not on it.
  • The county's zoning FAQ names sheds and garages as needing a zoning permit.
  • The building permit comes after zoning, and the application asks for your zoning permit number.
  • Any work in a special flood hazard area needs a Flood Zone Development Permit.


Zoning and setbacks

Zoning permits come from Planning, Zoning & Wetlands in Suite 103. An attached carport counts as part of the building and cannot project into required front, side or rear yards. Along listed stretches of Routes 14 and 198, primary and accessory buildings must sit 100 feet from the edge of the right-of-way under § 175-15.20. A setback verification survey by a Virginia licensed surveyor is required for building in a Resource Protection Area (RPA) or within 10 feet of a setback line, unless the Zoning Administrator waives it, and it must be certified before the footing inspection. Ask the office for your district's yard numbers.


What to bring

  • A plat or scaled sketch showing where the structure will go on your property
  • The RPA zoning application needs a to-scale site plan with property lines, rights-of-way, wetlands or water, existing buildings, well, septic and drainfield, and setback lines
  • Your zoning permit number, 911 address and tax map number for the building application
  • Construction documents or a scope of work, including added documents for roof trusses or engineered beams
  • The Owner's Affidavit if you are acting as your own contractor


Farm buildings

Mathews County's Rural district exists partly to support farming, and farm buildings and structures are exempt under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3, except restaurant use. Flood plain and mudslide rules still apply. We found no posted county farm procedure, so check with the Building Department and with zoning, which has its own rules.


Good to know

Building permits run $0.12 per square foot for out buildings and garages, with a $50 minimum and a 2 percent state surcharge. The RPA Modification Permit is $100. The county has up to 30 days to review a zoning application, and a zoning permit expires after one year if no building permit has been obtained. In a flood zone, plan on an Elevation Certificate or Floodproofing Certificate before final inspection. You can apply through the county's online portal or email the fillable PDFs, which the department says works best.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Mathews County?
Yes, start with a $50 Zoning Permit from Planning, Zoning & Wetlands at 804-725-4034. Then apply for the building permit at 804-725-7171, with the zoning permit number in hand.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Mathews County?
Yes for zoning: the county FAQ says sheds and garages need a Zoning Permit with a plat or scaled sketch. A garage also takes a building permit. A storage shed of 256 square feet or less can be exempt from the building permit under state code.


What if my lot is in a Resource Protection Area or flood zone?
Expect extra steps. RPA projects use the RPA zoning application and can need a setback verification survey. Flood zone work needs a Flood Zone Development 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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