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Petersburg City

Petersburg City, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

A Petersburg carport permit is required: the homeowners guide posted on the city's site lists adding a carport as needing a permit and plans, with possible zoning, historic district and Chesapeake Bay approvals. Applications go through the online portal run by the Permit Office on E. Washington Street, 804-733-2410. Do not send payment with your application, because fees are tabulated and paid when the permit is issued.


Permit office: Petersburg Building Official's Office, Permit Office (Code Enforcement)
Address: 1340 E. Washington St., Petersburg, VA 23803
Phone: 804-733-2410
Official city page


When a permit is required

  • The city's rule of thumb: permits are required for all work except ordinary repairs.
  • Adding a carport, or adding or enlarging a garage: permit and plans, per the homeowners guide.
  • Enclosing an existing carport: permit and plans, and possibly zoning and historic district approval.
  • Sheds over 256 sq ft: permit and plans. One-story detached sheds of 256 sq ft or less are exempt under USBC 108, as long as they are not Group F-1 or H.
  • Electrical, plumbing and mechanical work each take their own permit.


Zoning and setbacks

Planning reviews your plot plan for setbacks, easements and zoning compliance, and the Zoning Administrator (804-733-2312) reviews building permits and issues Certificates of Zoning Compliance. Limits vary by district. In the A district, the posted ordinance keeps accessory buildings in the rear yard, at least 5 feet from any party lot line, and at no more than 30 percent of the rear yard, and sends any over 1,000 sq ft to the Planning Commission. In the RTH district, they stay in the rear yard, at least 8 feet from the rear line and 3 feet from a side line, and may not take more than 25 percent of it. Confirm your own lot's district with Planning at 804-733-2308.


What to bring

  • Application submitted through the city permit portal
  • Site plan, which the city requires for accessory structures
  • Plans for the carport, garage or larger shed
  • Proof of a contractor license, or a sworn affidavit that licensure is not required
  • Proof that required local taxes or license fees are paid


Farm buildings

State law covers this one rather than a city procedure we could find: Code of Virginia ยง 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3 exempt farm buildings and structures, except restaurant use, and flood plain and mudslide rules still apply. Petersburg's pages do not describe a farm sign-off, so talk to the Building Official's Office at 804-733-2409 before relying on the exemption.


Good to know

The Permit Office is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Starting work without a permit costs $50, and so does a reinspection when the holder is at fault, such as work that is not ready. A 2% state tax is added to permit totals. Environmental Engineering reviews plot plans for drainage, erosion control and Chesapeake Bay Act compliance. Work in a historic district goes before the Architectural Review Board. A new residential accessory structure can be given a three-year limit to finish, counted from the permit date.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Petersburg?
Yes. The city's homeowners guide lists a new carport as needing a permit and plans, and it may need zoning review too.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Petersburg?
A garage needs a permit and plans. For a shed, the line is 256 sq ft: at or under that, a one-story detached shed is exempt from the building permit, and over that it needs a permit, plans and zoning approval.


Who checks my setbacks in Petersburg?
Planning does, using the plot plan. The Zoning Administrator's line is 804-733-2312.


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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