Salem City

Salem's own handout settles it: a metal carport needs both a zoning permit and a building permit, and the zoning permit comes first. For a Salem City carport permit, the zoning fee is $25, and the building fee starts at $35 and depends on construction cost. The city treats prefab, site-built, metal and wood the same way under the code. It also defines a carport as open on at least two sides, so closing in more than that moves you into the garage rules. Call the Zoning Administrator about setbacks and easements before you place anything.

Permit office: City of Salem Community Development, Building Inspections
Phone: 540-375-3036
Official city page

When a permit is required

• Carports and light-framed garages need a building permit, whatever the size.
• Zoning permits apply to every size of building, including sheds that skip the building permit.
• Sheds of 256 square feet or less, such as a 12x20, avoid the building permit but must be anchored to the ground.
• Sheds of 257 square feet or more need the building permit.
• Adding power, heat or water means separate electrical, mechanical or gas, and plumbing permits.

Zoning and setbacks

The city does not print setback numbers in its handout. Call the Zoning Administrator at 540-375-3032 for setback and easement requirements, and do it before placing the building. Salem says buildings cannot go in a flood plain. It also warns that setbacks and other zoning rules can apply even when no building permit is needed.

What to bring

• Completed permit applications for each permit that applies
• A plot plan showing setback distances from property lines and the distance to other structures on the lot
• Two sets of construction drawings: a dimensioned floor plan, elevations or an isometric sketch, framing details, and anchoring or foundation details
• For a prefab building, plans specific to your unit from the seller or manufacturer, since generic plans are not accepted
• Manufacturer literature giving the number, size and spacing of anchors for a light-framed metal structure
• A basic development plan and signed affidavit for a detached structure over 256 square feet, unless an RDP has stamped the plan

Farm buildings

Under Virginia law a farm building is exempt from the building code, except when used as a restaurant, and flood plain and mudslide rules continue to apply. Salem's handout adds that pole barns are for working farms and that the same building off a working farm counts as an ordinary detached structure. The city lists no farm procedure in what we read, so ask the Building Inspection Department.

Good to know

Permits are issued from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, and you can apply through the online permit portal. Starting work before you have the permit doubles the fee, up to $250. Foundations scale with size: 257 to 400 square feet needs a permanent foundation at least 24 inches below final grade, and over 400 needs continuous footings. Metal runners must sit on piers or be anchored into earth, not directly on a 4-inch slab, and a detached structure over 256 square feet within 5 feet of the house needs a 1-hour rated exterior wall.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Salem City?
Yes. You need the zoning permit first, then the building permit, and the city does not make an exception because the carport is prefab or metal.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Salem City?
A light-framed metal garage needs both permits. A shed needs a zoning permit at any size, and the building permit starts at 257 square feet.

What inspections should I expect?
The list runs footing if over 256 square feet, slab if there is a concrete floor, framing, any trade inspections, and a final. You need final approval before using the building.

Sources

• City of Salem: Permits
• City of Salem: Building Inspections Permit FAQs
• City of Salem: Sheds and Carports and Garages handout
• City of Salem: Building Permit Fees
• City of Salem: Zoning Permit Fee
• City of Salem: Residential Permit Application Requirements

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.

Ready to design your building?

Design it yourself in 3D with the button below, or call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you figure out what your county needs.