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Wise County

Wise County, VA Permits for Metal Carports and Garages

Virginia

Yes, you should count on a Wise County carport permit, because the county's Permits and Fees page lists garages, storage sheds and carports as work that needs a building permit. The county also charges for a Zoning Permit, with its own application form. Its zoning ordinance adds a rule that catches some buyers: no permanent accessory building may go up until the permit for the main building has been issued. If your project is very small, ask the department how the state's 256 square foot exemption fits with that list.


Permit office: Wise County Building & Zoning Department
Address: 206 E Main Street, Room 220, Wise, VA 24293
Phone: 276-328-7119
Official county page


When a permit is required

  • A building permit, since the county names garages, storage sheds and carports on its permit list
  • A Zoning Permit, using the county's Zoning Permit Application (ask whether your project needs one)
  • An issued permit for the main building before a permanent accessory building is built on the lot
  • Floodplain ordinance compliance if the site is in a floodplain
  • Erosion and Sediment Land Disturbing Permit, if the department says your disturbed area calls for one


Zoning and setbacks

The county's zoning ordinance covers unincorporated territory, and the Town of Wise says zoning there goes through its own Planning and Zoning department even though the county still issues building permits. General required yards in the A-RR district are 20 feet front on minor and collector streets (40 on arterials), 20 feet side and 20 feet rear, while R-1 calls for 30 feet front (40 on arterials), 15 feet side and 25 feet rear. Accessory buildings have their own section, Sec. 5-7, so have the department confirm the numbers for your structure.


What to bring

  • Structure dimensions
  • Square footage of the area you will disturb or excavate
  • Contractor and tradesman addresses, phone numbers and license numbers
  • Electrical service size, if the building will have power
  • Completed Building Permit Application and Zoning Permit Application


Farm buildings

Virginia does not apply its building code to true farm buildings (Code of Virginia 36-99 and USBC 102.3), other than a restaurant use, and flood plain and mudslide rules still count. Ask the Building & Zoning Department how it wants that claim documented, since no local form turned up. One local rule to note: in the A-RR district, an enclosed pen or building for keeping livestock must stay 40 feet from side and rear lot lines.


Good to know

The county's listed rates are a $35 Zoning Permit and $0.05 per square foot, $15 minimum, for residential storage buildings, plus a 2% levy. The page does not give a specific rate for a garage or carport, so ask which line applies to yours. The owner calls the department to schedule required inspections, and the footer inspection comes before any concrete is poured. An accessory building also cannot be lived in, apart from domestic employees or caretakers who serve the main building, and that use must meet residential code. The department can tell you whether a property is in the floodplain.


Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Wise County?
Yes in most cases. Carports are named on the county's building permit list, and the zoning ordinance says no accessory building goes on a lot without one. Call about a very small carport, since state code exempts some detached structures of 256 square feet or less.


Do I need a permit for a metal garage or shed in Wise County?
Both garages and storage sheds are on that same list. A residential storage building is priced at $0.05 per square foot with a $15 minimum, plus the 2% levy. If the lot has no house yet, ask first, because a permanent accessory building needs the main building's permit issued before it can be built.


Can I put a metal building on a Wise County lot with no house?
Not a permanent one until the permit for the main building has been issued. Even then, the ordinance limits its use to temporary storage of materials related to construction on the premises until the house is finished and has its certificate of occupancy.


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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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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