top of page
Redemption Steel logo (trimmed for header).png

Shenandoah County

Shenandoah County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

Yes, you will need paperwork for a metal carport here, and Shenandoah County even has a packet named for it: Storage Sheds & Metal Carports. On top of that, the county requires a Zoning Permit for any improvement to your property, even when no building permit is needed. Both run through Community Development at 540-459-6185. For a Shenandoah County carport permit, start by finding your zoning district, because accessory side setbacks range from 15 to 30 feet.


Permit office: Shenandoah County Office of Community Development (Building Inspection and Zoning)
Address: 600 N. Main Street, Suite 107, Woodstock, VA 22664
Phone: 540-459-6185
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • A Zoning Permit is required for new construction and for any improvement to your property, even work that needs no building permit.
  • Metal carports and sheds have their own application packet, Storage Sheds & Metal Carports.
  • Pole buildings have a separate packet that excludes farm structures. Ask which packet fits a metal garage.
  • The county tells owners to check with Building Inspections before starting if they think a project is exempt, and it posts a Permit Exemptions document.
  • Any development in a floodplain district needs a zoning permit first.


Zoning and setbacks

Accessory buildings in C-1 Conservation and A-1 Agriculture must stay 20 feet from side lines and 10 feet from the rear line. In RR-C and RR-A the side number rises to 30 feet, with the rear still at 10 feet. R-1 and R-2 allow 5 feet at the rear, with the general 15 foot side yard. Front yards for structures are 40 feet in C-1 and A-1, 100 feet in RR-C, 60 feet in RR-A and 35 feet in R-1 and R-2. Confirm R-3 and any other district with the Zoning Administrator.


What to bring

  • The Storage Sheds & Metal Carports packet, filled out.
  • The county's Zoning Site Plan Form, with the zoning permit application.
  • If a contractor is pulling the permit, the license holder must get it or submit a Permit Authorization Affidavit.
  • Ask the office what else the packet calls for on your project.


Farm buildings

Virginia does not apply its building code to farm buildings other than those used as restaurants, though flood plain and mudslide rules remain. Shenandoah County has a Farm Structures packet to use, and the county code charges no zoning fee for farm structures. If you want electric run to one, the power company needs this department's approval, and the packet forms are still required.


Good to know

A zoning permit expires six months after issuance if work has not started, and two years after issuance once it has begun, though the Zoning Administrator can extend it. That matters if your delivery date is far out. Moving an accessory structure elsewhere on the same parcel carries no zoning fee. The rules are in Chapter 165 of the county code, and packets are on the county permit page.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Shenandoah County?
Yes. Use the Storage Sheds & Metal Carports packet and expect a Zoning Permit as well, since the county requires one for any improvement. Community Development can confirm details at 540-459-6185.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Shenandoah County?
A garage does. A small shed of 256 square feet or less may skip the building permit under the state code, but the county still wants a Zoning Permit, and the shed must meet the accessory setbacks for your district.


How close to the property line can I build on A-1 land?
An accessory building on A-1 land must be at least 20 feet from a side line and 10 feet from the rear line. The front yard for structures is 40 feet.


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.


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.

bottom of page