Permits are nobody’s favorite part of a building project, but skipping one can cost you a lot more than the time it takes to get it. A building put up without a required permit can lead to fines, trouble when you sell your property, or even being told to take it down.
This page is general guidance, with Virginia in mind since that is our home state. Every county and town sets its own rules, so treat this as a starting point and confirm everything with your local office.
Zoning vs. Building Permits
Many people think there is one permit. Often there are two separate approvals, sometimes from two different offices.
Zoning
Zoning is about whether you can put this kind of building in this spot. It covers things like:
- Setbacks from property lines, roads, and other buildings
- Maximum building size or height for your lot
- How the building will be used (storage, home business, living space)
- How many accessory buildings you can have
Building Permit
The building permit is about whether the structure is safe. It covers things like:
- Wind and snow load requirements for your area
- Foundation and footer requirements, including frost depth
- Inspections during or after construction
- Electrical or plumbing, if you add them
Usually you clear zoning first, then apply for the building permit.
What the County May Ask For
Requirements vary, but common items include:
- A permit application
- A site plan or sketch showing the building location and distances to property lines
- Building drawings, sometimes engineered drawings
- Foundation details
- Contractor information
- Fees
Our buildings can be certified for local wind and snow loads, and engineered drawings are available. If your county asks for them, let us know early so we can get them to you.
Agricultural Exemptions
Some counties exempt certain farm buildings from parts of the building permit process. Whether you qualify, and what you need to show, depends entirely on your county. Ask your county directly. Do not assume a building is exempt just because it is on farmland.
Questions to Ask Your County
Bring this list when you call or visit:
- Do I need a zoning permit, a building permit, or both for this building?
- What are the setbacks from my property lines and road?
- Is there a size or height limit for an accessory building on my lot?
- Do you need engineered drawings, and for what wind and snow loads?
- What is the local frost depth for footers?
- What inspections are required, and when?
- Do I need a site plan, and how detailed should it be?
- Does it matter if the building will be used for a business or living space?
- Is there an agricultural exemption, and how do I qualify?
- What are the fees, and how long does review usually take?
Write down the name of the person you spoke with and the date. If you get different answers later, it helps to have notes.
Tips From Experience
- Start early. Permit review can take longer than you expect, especially in busy seasons.
- Get your setbacks right before you pick the final spot.
- If you have an HOA, check their rules too. They can be stricter than the county.
- Barndominiums and living space are held to residential codes. See our barndominium shells page.
We Can Help
We are not your county, and we cannot promise what they will approve. But we have been through this many times and can help you understand what they are asking for. Our site prep checklist and glossary may help too.
Call or text 276-235-1191 with your permit questions, or start your quote in the quote builder.
Common Questions
Do I need a permit for a metal building in Virginia?
Many Virginia counties require one, but rules vary by county and building type. Check with your local building and zoning office before you build.
What is the difference between zoning and a building permit?
Zoning covers whether the building is allowed in that spot (setbacks, size, use). The building permit covers whether the structure is safe (loads, foundation, inspections).
Can you provide engineered drawings for my permit?
Yes. Our buildings can be certified for local wind and snow loads, and engineered drawings are available.
Are farm buildings exempt from permits?
Some counties offer agricultural exemptions, but it depends on your county. Ask them directly what qualifies.
Ready to price your building?
Call or text 276-235-1191, or send us the size, location and what it is for. We will come back with a real number.