Pittsylvania County

Pittsylvania County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Yes. The county's accessory structures page says that, in general, a building permit is required to build a carport, a garage or a shed, so treat a Pittsylvania County carport permit as a given. Prefabricated units delivered fully assembled are treated the same as ones built on site. Call Building Inspections in Chatham at 434-432-7755, and ask about sealed plans early, since prefab metal carports may need them.

Permit office: Pittsylvania County Community Development, Building Inspections
Address: Chatham, VA 24531
Phone: 434-432-7755
Official county page

When a permit is required

Carports and garages: building permit, whether built on site or delivered assembled.
Sheds and playhouses over 256 sq ft: building permit.
One-story detached tool and storage sheds of 256 sq ft or less that are not classified for occupancy do not need one, but that exemption does not cover zoning, land disturbance, flood hazard, electrical, plumbing or mechanical permits.
Exempt or not, all accessory structures must be anchored.
Electrical, plumbing or HVAC work may need separate permits.

Zoning and setbacks

County Code § 35-74 keeps detached accessory buildings out of the front yard. They must sit at least 15 feet from the main building and the rear lot line, respect the district's side setback, stay at two stories or less, and cover no more than 30 percent of the rear yard. An accessory building attached by a substantial wall or roof follows the rules for the main building. The county's zoning FAQ also limits them to the side or rear yard and points to its GIS map for looking up your zoning.

What to bring

Building permit application, submitted in person, by fax to 434-432-7919, or by email
Dimensioned floor plan and elevations
Framing plans showing structural member sizes and on center spacing
Foundation plan with anchorage details
Seal from a registered design professional, if the county requires one for a prefabricated metal carport or garage

Farm buildings

Pittsylvania spells out its process. Under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3, a qualifying farm building on a working farm needs no building permit, but you sign an affidavit at the Community Development office saying it will be used only for agriculture for its entire lifespan. The county warns that lying on it, or skipping the change of use process later, is a Class 4 felony. If non-farm use is possible someday, it recommends getting the permit and inspections during construction. Restaurant use is not exempt, and flood plain and mudslide rules still apply.

Good to know

Community Development is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Exempt small buildings can skip footings only if the eave height is 10 feet or less and the finished floor is no more than 18 inches above grade. The same zoning ordinance keeps any building housing livestock 200 feet from a lot line in or next to institutional, residential or business districts.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Pittsylvania County?
Generally yes, and the county names carports directly. Size does not get a carport out of it on that page, since the 256 sq ft exemption is written for sheds, playhouses and similar uses.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Pittsylvania County?
A metal garage does, and its plans may need a design professional's seal. A one-story detached shed of 256 sq ft or less does not need a building permit, though it still has to be anchored and meet setbacks.

Is there a phone number for the Pittsylvania County permit office?
Yes. Building Inspections is 434-432-7755, open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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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