Virginia

Virginia Permit Guide for Metal Carports, Garages and Barns

Virginia uses one building code statewide, the Uniform Statewide Building Code, and your local building department enforces it. That means the building rules are mostly the same from one county or city to the next, but zoning rules like setbacks and height limits are set locally. Most metal garages and barns need a building permit. A small one-story storage shed can be exempt, and true farm buildings are exempt from the building code. Start by calling your county or city building office before you order.

Building code in effect

Virginia builds to the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which took effect on January 18, 2024. The USBC is mandatory statewide and replaces local building codes, so counties and cities can't write their own building code. The state is working on the next edition in its 2024 code development cycle, but the 2021 edition is the one in force now.

Who issues permits

Building permits come from the local building department. In Virginia that means your county building office, or if you live in one of the 38 independent cities, that city's own permit office, since independent cities are separate from the counties around them. Some towns run their own building department; in a small town that doesn't, the county handles it. Zoning is usually a separate approval from the planning or zoning office, and some localities want a zoning permit even when no building permit is needed. DHCD keeps a directory to help you find your local building official.

County permit guides

Don't see your county? Call 919-725-8176 and we'll help you find the right office.

When you need a permit

Small storage sheds: The USBC exempts one-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses when the building area is 256 square feet or less. That exemption doesn't apply to Group F-1 or H occupancies.
Garages and larger buildings: A metal garage, shop or building over 256 square feet needs a building permit. Plan on submitting drawings and a site plan.
Carports: The statewide exemption list doesn't call out carports, so many localities treat a carport like any other accessory structure. Ask your building office how they handle your size.
Zoning still applies: Even a building that doesn't need a building permit has to meet local setbacks, and some counties require a zoning permit for it.
Farm buildings: Farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code under state law. See the farm section below.

Farm buildings

Under Code of Virginia § 36-99 and USBC Section 102.3, farm buildings and structures are exempt from the building code. The exemption doesn't cover a building or part of a building on a farm that's run as a restaurant, and farm buildings in a flood plain or mudslide-prone area still have to meet flood-proofing or mudslide rules. If any part of the building is used for something other than farming, you can lose the exemption. Many localities have a farm building exemption form and still require a zoning permit, so call before you build. Electrical work in a farm building may still need a permit; ask your local office.

Wind and snow

Virginia covers a lot of ground. Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore see hurricanes and strong coastal winds, while the Blue Ridge and southwest mountains get more snow. Your local building department will tell you the wind speed and snow load your building has to be designed for, so ask before you order. Our partnered manufacturers offer certified buildings rated for 140 MPH wind and 35 PSF snow load, and higher ratings can be quoted where required.

Before you order

Call your county or city building office before you order. Ask whether you need a building permit, a zoning permit or both, what setbacks apply, and what wind speed and snow load to design for.
If you live in an independent city like Richmond, Norfolk or Virginia Beach, call the city, not the county around it.
Check your HOA rules and deed restrictions. They can limit size, color or placement even when the county allows the building.
Have a level site ready before install day: a concrete slab, gravel pad or well-graded ground. If the county wants engineered drawings for a certified building, let us know and we can help you get them.

Common questions

Do I need a permit for a carport in Virginia?
It depends on size and your locality. The statewide code only exempts small one-story storage sheds of 256 square feet or less, and it doesn't list carports, so most carports end up reviewed like other accessory buildings. Call your county or city building office and ask, and check zoning setbacks too.

Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Virginia?
Yes, in most cases. A garage over 256 square feet needs a building permit from your local building department under the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code. You'll usually need a site plan and building drawings, and zoning approval may be separate.

Are farm buildings exempt?
Yes. Virginia law exempts farm buildings and structures from the building code, except for restaurant use and flood plain or mudslide-prone areas. You may still need a zoning permit and a farm exemption form from your locality.

Sources

Permit rules change. Always confirm with your local permit office before you build.

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.

Design Your Building in 3D