Russell County

Russell County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Russell County's Building Permit Application has a square footage line for a carport, and that fits the state rule: a metal carport here needs a building permit unless it is a farm building. Anyone searching for a Russell County carport permit will deal with the Building Official's office in Lebanon, open 8:00 to 4:00 on weekdays. The same form lists Garage, Accessory Structure and Storage/Utility Building as project categories. You will need your County Tax Map ID number and a completed In-Lieu Plan. A permit is good for 6 months from its filing date.

Permit office: Russell County Building Department (Building Official)
Address: 137 Highland Drive, Suite D, Lebanon, VA 24266
Phone: 276-889-8012
Official county page

When a permit is required

Carports are not on the state's exempt list, so file a Building Permit Application.
Land disturbance over 10,000 square feet, about a quarter acre, generally needs a county Erosion and Sediment permit.
Each trade takes its own Trade Permit Application, so adding power to the building means an electrical one.
A one-story detached storage shed up to 256 square feet is exempt from the building permit under state code.
Disturbing one acre or more can also bring state stormwater permit coverage through DEQ.

Zoning and setbacks

The county's Building Permit Application has fields for flood zone and land disturbance but none for zoning. The pages we read give no setback numbers, so ask the Building Department what distance from property lines applies to your parcel before you settle on a spot.

What to bring

Completed Building Permit Application
County Tax Map ID Number
Completed In-Lieu Plan
A Trade Permit Application for each trade involved, such as electrical
Health Department approval if the work may affect a private septic system

Farm buildings

Farm buildings sit outside the Virginia building code, with restaurant use the exception and flood plain and mudslide rules still applying. Russell County's version is a notarized Farm Building or Structure Exemption form, listing your parcel address and Tax Map ID, and it defines what counts as farm use, such as storing farm machinery or sheltering animals. Agricultural work also needs an agricultural E&S affidavit on file before the project starts.

Good to know

Applications can be submitted online, and payment goes to the County Treasurer's Office, which takes a credit or debit card by phone. Inspections need 24 hours' notice. The farm form also has a line for an AEP or Old Dominion work order number. Fee amounts are not posted on the pages we read, so ask the office when you apply.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Russell County?
Yes, unless it is a true farm building. The carport goes on the county's Building Permit Application, which has a square footage field for it.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Russell County?
A metal garage needs one, and Garage is a listed category on the form. A storage building can go under Storage/Utility Building, though one-story detached storage sheds of 256 square feet or less are exempt under state code.

Do I need an erosion plan for a small building?
The county's FAQ exempts disturbed areas under 10,000 square feet from the E&S permit, but its building permit list still calls for a completed In-Lieu Plan. Ask the office which applies to your job.

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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