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Tazewell County

Tazewell County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

Yes, the county's own permit list says attached or detached carports need a Building Permit, and it gives no small-size exception for them. That makes a Tazewell County carport permit a different question from a shed, which is off the hook at 256 square feet or less on a single-family property. Garages sit on the same must-permit list as carports. The Building Safety Department handles this from its Main Street office in Tazewell, Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you are working in Bluefield, your permit comes from the Bluefield town office instead.


Permit office: Tazewell County Building Safety Department (Office of Building Inspections)
Address: 173 Main Street, Tazewell, VA 24651
Phone: 276-385-1215
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • Building Permit for any attached or detached carport or garage, per the county list
  • Building Permit for a one-story detached shed or storage building of 257 square feet or more
  • Separate permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical or gas work
  • Erosion and sediment Screening Form to the Engineering Office if you disturb 10,000 square feet or more


Zoning and setbacks

The county's Building Safety pages do not describe a county zoning permit or publish setbacks, so ask at 276-385-1215 what applies to your parcel. Inside the Town of Tazewell, the Town's own guide requires a zoning permit for every accessory structure before installation, even one small enough to skip the building permit. The Town's building office is at 276-988-2501. Check any subdivision covenants too, since the county points owners to them on fences and the Town does the same for accessory buildings.


What to bring

  • Miscellaneous Building Permit Application, the county's form for utility buildings and similar projects
  • Your property address and the size of the building
  • For in-town lots, the Town's guide asks for a dimensioned floor plan and elevations, framing plans, and a foundation plan with anchorage details
  • Manufacturer literature showing the number, size and spacing of anchors, which the Town's guide requires for metal light-framed buildings


Farm buildings

Under Virginia law a true farm building is outside the building code, except one used as a restaurant, and flood plain and mudslide rules remain. Tazewell County's permit list does not cover farm buildings, so call 276-385-1215 and ask what they want from you. The county's Agricultural Exemption form covers erosion rules for things like tilling and terraces, so do not assume it clears a barn.


Good to know

Inspections need 24 hours of notice. Call between 8:00 and 9:30 a.m. and you may get on that day's schedule if there is room, while later calls roll to the next day. The Town of Tazewell's guide is written for lots in town, but metal buyers should read it: it says metal runners must sit on piers or be anchored into earth, not directly into a 4-inch slab, and prefab metal buildings may need a design professional's seal. It also gives 18 inches as the footing depth in Tazewell County. Ground disturbance of an acre or more brings in a state storm water permit.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Tazewell County?
Yes. Attached and detached carports are both listed as needing a Building Permit, and the list sets no minimum size for them.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Tazewell County?
A garage needs a Building Permit. A one-story detached shed needs one at 257 square feet or larger, and at 256 or less it does not on a single-family property. The Town's guide adds that the code treats metal and wood alike.


What about footings and anchors in Tazewell County?
The Town of Tazewell's guide lists an 18-inch footing depth for the county and says anchoring applies regardless of size or permit exemption. Ask the county office whether it holds your site to the same details.


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.

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