Rockbridge County

A metal carport in Rockbridge County needs a building permit unless it qualifies as agricultural construction, and Planning and Zoning has to sign your application before the Building Department takes it. So a Rockbridge County carport permit really starts one floor up from the permit counter, at the same South Main Street building. County code calls the result a Zoning and Building Permit. In the A-2, A-T, R-1 and R-2 districts, a detached accessory building has to stay at least 5 feet from every property line. Expect about two weeks for residential plan approval.

Permit office: Rockbridge County Building Department
Address: Rockbridge County Administrative Office Building, 150 South Main Street, Room 109, Lexington, VA 24450
Phone: 540-463-9361
Official county page

When a permit is required

• Carports fall outside the state's small shed exemption, so apply for the permit.
• County zoning code ties building work on a permitted use to a Zoning and Building Permit issued without a public hearing.
• A one-story detached tool or storage shed up to 256 square feet can skip the building permit under state code. Check with Planning and Zoning about the location anyway.
• Land disturbance over 10,000 square feet takes a separate Erosion and Sediment Control permit from the county's E&S Administrator.
• In the Town of Glasgow or Goshen, get the permit endorsement form from the Town Manager's Office first. The county will not issue a permit without it.

Zoning and setbacks

Planning and Zoning, on the second floor at 150 South Main Street (540-464-9662), checks the zoning type, use, setbacks and flood zone. The county code sets a 5-foot minimum from any property line for accessory buildings in the A-2, A-T, R-1 and R-2 districts. An attached carport or garage counts as part of the main building, so the main building's yards apply. We could not confirm a number for A-1 or read the code's main setback table, so get those figures from the zoning office.

What to bring

• The application packet from the Building Department, filled out in full with contractor and subcontractor license details and signatures
• An Owner's Affidavit if you are acting as your own contractor
• Planning and Zoning's signature on the application
• A signed, surveyed plat or site plan showing the building's location relative to property lines, existing buildings, roads and utilities
• Two complete sets of plans, including foundation and framing details and a material list
• The signed Agreement in Lieu of an Official Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for a residential project disturbing under 10,000 square feet

Farm buildings

State law exempts farm buildings from the building code, apart from restaurant use, and flood plain and mudslide rules still hold. Rockbridge's own zoning code says agricultural construction does not need a Zoning and Building Permit, and the Building Department posts an Affidavit - Farm form. Ask the department when that affidavit has to be filed for your building.

Good to know

The Building Department is open Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and inspectors can be reached from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. before they head out. Its page says all permits require a current Virginia contractor license for the general contractor and subcontractors, though the county's build guide gives owners a signed affidavit route, so ask which fits your job. The permit is paid for and plans are picked up at the same office once approvals are in.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Rockbridge County?
Yes for a carport that is not agricultural construction. Zoning signs off first, then the Building Department reviews the plans, which takes about two weeks for residential work.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Rockbridge County?
A metal garage takes the same route. A one-story detached storage shed at 256 square feet or under avoids the building permit, and in the A-2, A-T, R-1 and R-2 districts it still has to keep the 5-foot line.

I'm in Glasgow or Goshen. Does the town get involved?
Yes. The county wants a completed endorsement form from the Town Manager's Office before it issues the building permit.

Sources

• Rockbridge County: Building Department
• Rockbridge County: Before You Start to Build
• Rockbridge County Code: Chapter 30, Zoning Ordinance

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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