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A garage can give you extra storage, workspace, and everyday convenience. But before building one in Virginia, it’s important to understand your local permit and zoning rules.
While Virginia sets statewide building codes, garage permits, and placement rules are handled by counties and cities. This guide walks through what to know, who to contact, and how to get started so you can plan your garage with confidence.

Yes. In most cases, a building permit is required to construct a garage in Virginia.
Garage construction is regulated under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which sets minimum standards for structural safety, fire protection, and accessibility. While the USBC is adopted statewide, it is enforced at the local level by city and county building departments.
Key points to know:
Even when a garage is detached or prefabricated, permitting and zoning review typically still apply. Always confirm requirements with your local building and zoning department before construction.

Yes. An electrical permit is required for any electrical work in a garage in Virginia.
Under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), installing or modifying electrical systems (including wiring, outlets, lighting, or a subpanel) requires an electrical permit and inspection.
Important details to keep in mind:
Because enforcement and procedures vary by locality, always confirm electrical permitting requirements with your local building department before starting work.

Yes. Most Virginia localities require a floor plan or scaled drawing when you apply for a garage building permit. This helps reviewers confirm that your design meets code and zoning requirements.
Typical floor plan requirements:
• Show overall garage dimensions and wall lengths
• Indicate door and window openings
• Identify load-bearing walls and structural elements
• Label any planned utilities (electrical, mechanical, plumbing)
• Include the property layout or site plan with distances to property lines

You can usually customize your garage design as long as the structure still meets building and zoning codes.
Commonly approved garage customizations include:
• Windows and doors – for natural light, ventilation, or accessibility
• Second-story lofts or storage space – may require structural review
• Electrical service – lighting, outlets, or a subpanel (requires a separate electrical permit)
• Insulation and finishing – for energy efficiency or workspace comfort
• Attached carports or covered entries – subject to setback and lot-coverage limits
Always check your local zoning ordinance for height, footprint, and use restrictions before finalizing your design.
Garage permit requirements in Virginia can vary by city or town. Each city name in the contact list below jumps directly to an overview of the rules that apply to your specific location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always confirm requirements with local officials before beginning construction.
Yes. Alexandria requires a building permit from its Permit Center for nearly all new garage construction.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for new or expanded garages
• Submit site plan and drawings through the city’s online permit portal
• Confirm zoning setbacks and lot coverage with Planning & Zoning
Garage construction in Alexandria is regulated by the Alexandria Permit Center.
Yes. Arlington issues building permits for all detached and attached garages under Virginia’s USBC.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for new or expanded garages
• Submit site plan and drawings through the city’s online permit portal
• Confirm zoning setbacks and lot coverage with Planning & Zoning
Garage construction in Alexandria is regulated by the Alexandria Permit Center.
Yes. Blacksburg’s Planning and Building Department requires a residential building permit for any new garage.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for new garages
• Submit site plan, drawings, and zoning verification
• Electrical or mechanical work may need separate permits
The Blacksburg Planning and Building Department manages garage permitting.
Yes. Chesapeake requires a building permit before starting any garage project.
Requirements:
• Permit required for attached and detached garages
• Submit drawings, site plan, and application
• Confirm setbacks and lot coverage through zoning
Garage permits are issued by the Chesapeake Building Permits Office.
Yes. Danville’s Inspections Division reviews and approves permits for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for all new garages
• Provide site plan and drawings
• Confirm zoning restrictions and inspection scheduling
The Danville Inspections Division oversees building permits for garages.
Yes. Hampton requires a building permit and zoning approval for new garage construction.
Requirements:
• Permit required under USBC
• Submit plans, application, and zoning verification
• Confirm setback distances before applying
Garage permits in Hampton are handled by the Hampton Building Department.
Yes. Harrisonburg requires a building permit for all new detached and attached garages.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for detached and attached garages
• Provide construction drawings and plot plan
• Verify setbacks with zoning prior to submittal
The Harrisonburg Building Permit Office manages garage permitting.
Yes. Leesburg requires a building permit and zoning review for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Building permit and zoning review required
• Submit plans, site plan, and trade permits if needed
• Confirm setbacks and easements with zoning staff
Leesburg requires permits for all new garages through the Applications & Checklists Portal.
Yes. Lynchburg’s Permitting and Inspections Division requires a building permit before any new garage build.
Requirements:
• Permit required for garages under USBC
• Submit detailed construction drawings and site plan
• Confirm zoning approval before building
Garage construction in Lynchburg is reviewed by Permitting & Inspections.
Yes. Manassas requires a residential building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for new garages
• Provide site plan, building drawings, and permit form
• Verify zoning setbacks before application
The Manassas Building Permit Office enforces Virginia’s USBC locally.
Yes. Newport News requires a building permit for detached and attached garages.
Requirements:
• Permit required for attached and detached garages
• Submit drawings, plot plan, and application
• Confirm zoning compliance prior to construction
Garage permits are issued by the Newport News Permit Applications Office.
Yes. Norfolk’s Permits Office requires a residential building permit for new garage construction.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for new garages
• Submit site plan and construction drawings
• Confirm setbacks and lot coverage limits through zoning
Norfolk’s Permits Office regulates garage construction.
Yes. Portsmouth requires a building permit under the USBC for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Permit required for garage construction under USBC
• Provide building and site plans
• Verify setbacks with zoning
Garage permits are reviewed by Portsmouth Permits & Inspections.
Yes. The City of Richmond requires a building permit and zoning review for garage construction.
Requirements:
• Permit required for detached or attached garages
• Submit drawings, application, and zoning verification
• Typical setbacks: 10 ft front, 3 ft sides, 3 ft rear (confirm locally)
The Richmond Permits & Inspections Office manages all garage permits.
Yes. Suffolk requires a building permit for any new garage built under Virginia’s state code.
Requirements:
• Building permit required under USBC
• Provide site plan, building drawings, and application
• Verify setbacks and trade permit needs
Garage construction in Suffolk requires a permit from the Suffolk Building Permits Office.
Because garage permits are handled locally in Virginia, requirements can differ by county. Each county name in the contact list below jumps directly to an overview of the rules that apply to your specific location. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s always best to check directly with local officials before moving forward.
Yes. Accomack County requires a building permit for most new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit a site plan and construction drawings
• Verify setbacks and zoning with the Planning Department
Accomack County enforces the USBC through its Building Department. Visit the Accomack County Building Permits page.
Yes. Albemarle County requires a building permit and zoning approval before garage construction.
Requirements:
• Check setbacks and lot coverage through Zoning
• Separate electrical permits may be needed
Albemarle County requires building permits for new garages under the USBC. Apply through the Albemarle County Building Permits page.
Yes. Alleghany County requires a building permit for new garages under the USBC.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and a site layout
• Confirm zoning setbacks before applying
• Schedule inspections as directed
Garage construction in Alleghany County requires a building permit. Information is available from Alleghany County Building Inspections.
Yes. Amelia County requires a building permit for new garage structures.
• Provide a site plan showing property lines
• Verify local setback rules
Amelia County regulates garages under Virginia’s USBC. Visit the Amelia County Building Department.
Yes. Amherst County requires a building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Zoning approval is required prior to permit issuance
• Submit drawings and lot layout for review
The Amherst County Building Safety & Inspections office manages garage permits.
Yes. Appomattox County requires a building permit and site plan for new garage construction.
Requirements:
• Provide construction drawings and site plan
• Confirm zoning and setback rules
Apply for permits through Appomattox County Building Inspections.
Yes. Arlington County requires a residential building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Check zoning setbacks via the county’s Zoning Ordinance
• Separate electrical or mechanical permits may be necessary
The Arlington County Building Department issues residential building permits through its Online Permit Portal.
Yes. Augusta County requires a building permit for most new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit a building plan and site plan
• Verify property setbacks with zoning
Augusta County follows Virginia’s USBC. Visit the Augusta County Building Permit page.
Yes. Bath County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Review zoning and setbacks before applying
• Provide construction drawings and site plan
Garage permits in Bath County are managed by the Bath County Building, Planning & Zoning office.
Yes. Bedford County requires a building permit and zoning review for new garages.
Requirements:
• Zoning approval required
• Provide plans and property survey with application
Bedford County enforces state code through its Building Inspections office.
Yes. Bland County requires a building permit for any new garage construction.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for garages
• Submit construction details and site map
• Verify setbacks with zoning
The Bland County Building, Planning & Zoning office handles garage permits.
Yes. Botetourt County requires a building permit for garages under Virginia’s USBC.
Requirements:
• Apply online or in person
• Submit plans and zoning approval
• Confirm setbacks and distance from property lines
Botetourt County requires building permits for garages under Virginia’s USBC. Contact the Botetourt County Building Department for specifics.
Yes. Brunswick County requires a building permit before starting garage construction.
Requirements:
• Electrical or mechanical work needs separate permits
• Provide site and building plans for review
Brunswick County regulates residential garages through its Building Inspection Office.
Yes. Buchanan County requires a building permit under Virginia’s building code.
Requirements:
• Verify zoning or floodplain restrictions
• Submit plans and inspection requests
Buchanan County follows Virginia’s building code. Check the Buchanan County Government Site for permit details.
Yes. Buckingham County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Verify setbacks with Zoning Department
• Schedule required inspections
Garage construction requires a building permit from Buckingham County Building Permits and Forms.
Yes. Campbell County requires a building permit before garage construction.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and drawings for review
• Confirm setback and zoning limits before applying
Garage construction in Campbell County is regulated by the Permits & Inspections Office.
Yes. Caroline County requires a building permit and site plan for new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide site and building plans
• Verify property setbacks with zoning
The Caroline County Building Inspections Department issues garage permits under Virginia’s USBC.
Yes. Carroll County requires a building permit under the USBC for garages.
Requirements:
• Include site plan showing setbacks
• Separate trade permits for electrical work
Carroll County follows the state code and reviews garage plans through Permitting & Inspections.
Yes. Charles City County requires a building permit for garage projects.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and plot plan
• Check zoning rules before submission
Visit the Charles City County Building Inspection website for permit requirements.
Yes. Charlotte County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Confirm setbacks and lot coverage
• Submit plans for review and approval
Charlotte County regulates garages through its Building Inspection Office.
Yes. Chesterfield County requires a building permit and zoning approval for new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan, structural drawings, and application
• Common residential setbacks: 25 ft front, 10 ft sides, 25 ft rear (verify)
Chesterfield’s Building Inspection Department enforces Virginia’s USBC.
Yes. Clarke County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide construction drawings and site plan
• Verify setbacks with planning staff
Clarke County manages garage permits through its Building Department.
Yes. Craig County requires a building permit under Virginia’s USBC.
Requirements:
• Submit building plans and location map
• Confirm zoning compliance before construction
The Craig County Building & Zoning Office oversees garage permitting.
Yes. Culpeper County requires a building permit and zoning review for new garages.
Requirements:
• Zoning approval must precede permit issuance
• Provide detailed plans and site sketch
Garage permits are issued by the Culpeper County Building Department.
Yes. Cumberland County requires a building permit for most garages.
• Apply for permit before construction
• Provide site plan and building drawings
• Confirm setbacks and easements with zoning
Cumberland County follows the USBC through its Building Inspections Department.
Yes. Dickenson County requires a building permit for garage construction.
Requirements:
• Submit site layout and plans
• Verify floodplain or zoning restrictions
See the Dickenson County Building Office for local permitting.
Yes. Dinwiddie County requires a building permit under Virginia’s USBC.
Requirements:
• Submit application, drawings, and plat
• Schedule required inspection
The Dinwiddie County Building Inspections Department handles garage permits.
Yes. Essex County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide construction plans and site plan
• Confirm zoning setbacks with planning
Garage permits in Essex County are issued by the Essex County Building Department.
Yes. Fairfax County requires a building permit and zoning approval for new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit plat, drawings, and permit application
• Typical setbacks: 20 ft front, 10 ft sides, 10 ft rear (verify for zoning district)
The Fairfax County Land Development Services (LDS) manages garage permits.
Yes. Fauquier County requires a building permit for all new detached and attached garages under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and construction drawings
• Verify setbacks and lot coverage with zoning
Garage construction requires a building permit from the Fauquier County Building, Permitting & Inspections Department.
Yes. Floyd County requires a building permit for garages.
Requirements:
• Submit drawings and property layout
• Verify setback distances with zoning
Floyd County’s Building Inspections Department handles garage permits.
Yes. Fluvanna County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Include plans and zoning verification
• Electrical work needs a separate permit
The Fluvanna County Building Inspections Office issues building permits.
Yes. Franklin County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Include plans and zoning verification
• Electrical work needs a separate permit
The Franklin County Building Inspections Department issues building permits.
Yes. Frederick County requires a building permit before building a new garage.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and zoning approval
• Inspections scheduled via online portal
Frederick County issues building permits through the Building Inspections Department.
Highland County oversees garages through the Building & Zoning Office.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and lot layout
• Verify setback requirements
The Giles County Building, Planning & Zoning office regulates garages.
Yes. Gloucester County requires a building permit and zoning verification for new garages.
Requirements:
• Building permit required for garages
• Submit site plan and construction drawings
• Verify lot coverage and setbacks
Visit the Gloucester County Building Inspection Office website for more specific information.
Yes. Goochland County requires a building permit for garage construction.
Requirements:
• Include site plan and drawings
• Confirm zoning compliance
Goochland’s Building Inspection Office manages garage permits.
Yes. Grayson County requires a building permit for garages under state code.
Requirements:
• Building permit required
• Submit application and construction plans
• Verify setbacks before approval
Garage permits are issued by the Grayson County Building Department.
Yes. Greene County requires a building permit before garage construction.
Requirements:
• Provide site plan and elevation drawings
• Confirm setback distances
The Greene County Building Inspections Office handles permit applications.
Yes. Greensville County requires a building permit and zoning approval.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and zoning confirmation
• Schedule required inspections
Greensville County enforces Virginia’s building code through its Building Inspections Department.
Yes. Halifax County requires a building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide site and building plans
• Confirm zoning setbacks
Garage construction is regulated by the Halifax County Building Code Enforcement Department.
Yes. Hanover County requires a building permit and zoning review for new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit construction drawings and site layout
• Common setbacks: 35 ft front, 15 ft side corner, 6 ft side interior, 25 ft rear (verify locally)
Hanover County’s Building Inspections Department issues all residential permits.
Yes. Henrico County requires a building permit for all garages and accessory structures.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings, plat, and trade permits if applicable
• Typical setbacks: 35 ft front, 15 ft side corner, 6 ft side interior, 25 ft rear (verify locally)
Apply through the Henrico County Permit Center.
Yes. Henry County requires a building permit under the USBC.
Requirements:
• Submit application, plans, and site details
• Verify setbacks and zoning rules
The Henry County Building Inspection Office manages garage permits.
Yes. Highland County requires a building permit and zoning approval for garages.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and property layout
• Check local zoning setbacks
Highland County oversees garages through the Building & Zoning Office.
Yes. Isle of Wight County requires a building permit for any new detached or attached garage.
Requirements:
• Submit site and construction plans
• Confirm setback and zoning requirements
Garage permits are handled by the Isle of Wight County Building Inspections Department.
Yes. James City County’s Building Safety & Permits Office issues building permits for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Permit required for detached and attached garages
• Provide construction drawings and site plan
• Verify setbacks with zoning before applying
The James City County Building Safety & Permits office manages all garage permits.
Yes. King George County requires a residential building permit before starting garage construction.
Requirements:
• Apply before construction begins
• Provide site plan and building drawings
• Confirm zoning setbacks and coverage limits
Garage permits are issued by the King George County Permits Office.
Yes. King William County requires a building permit for all new garage projects.
Requirements:
• Submit building application and plans
• Verify setbacks and lot coverage with zoning
The King William County Building Department enforces the Virginia USBC.
Yes. King and Queen County requires a building permit for all new garage projects.
Requirements:
• Submit construction plans and plat
• Verify property setbacks with zoning
Garage permits are available through the King and Queen County Building Inspection Office.
Yes. Lancaster County requires a building permit for detached and attached garages.
Requirements:
• Provide site plan and drawings
• Confirm setbacks and zoning
The Lancaster County Building Inspections Department manages residential building permits.
Yes. Lee County requires a building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Apply before starting construction
• Submit building and site plans
• Confirm zoning requirements
Garage permits are issued through Lee County Building Safety & Inspection.
Yes. Loudoun County requires both a building and zoning permit for new garage construction.
Requirements:
• Submit construction drawings and site plan
• Typical setbacks: 25 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear (verify locally)
Loudoun County enforces Virginia’s USBC through the Department of Building & Development.
Yes. Louisa County requires a building permit and zoning review for garages.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and site plan
• Verify setbacks with zoning
The Louisa County Building Permits & Inspections office handles garage permitting.
Yes. Lunenburg County requires a building permit for most new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and site details
• Confirm zoning restrictions
Lunenburg County issues garage permits through its Building Inspector’s Office.
Yes. Madison County requires a building permit before garage construction.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and plat
• Verify setbacks before applying
Garage permits in Madison County are managed by the Building Department.
Yes. Mathews County requires a building permit for new garages under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and construction drawings for review
• Verify zoning setbacks before applying
Garage construction requires a building permit from the Mathews County Building Department.
Yes. Mecklenburg County requires a building permit for new garage construction.
Requirements:
• Provide site plan and drawings
• Verify setbacks and easements
The Mecklenburg County Building Inspection Office issues permits under the USBC.
Yes. Middlesex County requires a building permit for garages.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and property layout
• Confirm zoning limits
Apply through the Middlesex County Building Department.
Yes. Montgomery County requires a building permit and zoning verification for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and construction drawings
• Separate electrical and trade permits may apply
The Montgomery County Building Permits & Inspections office manages garage permits.
Yes. Nelson County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide plans and zoning confirmation
• Schedule inspections through county portal
Garage permitting in Nelson County is handled by the Building Inspections department.
Yes. New Kent County requires a building permit before beginning garage construction.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and drawings
• Verify zoning compliance
Visit New Kent County Building Department for permitting details.
Yes. Northampton County requires a building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and zoning confirmation
• Check setbacks before applying
Garage construction requires a permit from the Northampton County Building Inspections & Permits office.
Yes. Northumberland County requires a building permit under Virginia’s USBC.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and plat
• Verify setbacks with zoning
The Northumberland County Building & Zoning Office oversees garage permitting.
Yes. Nottoway County requires a building permit for garage construction.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and site layout
• Confirm zoning distances
Apply through the Nottoway County Building Permits Office.
Yes. Orange County requires a building permit and zoning review for garages.
Requirements:
• Submit construction plans and plot plan
• Verify setbacks with zoning
The Orange County Building Department manages residential garage permits.
Yes. Page County requires a building permit for detached or attached garages.
Requirements:
• Submit drawings and site plan
• Confirm zoning requirements
Garage permits are issued by the Page County Building Inspections Department.
Yes. Patrick County requires a building permit under the USBC for new garages.
Requirements:
• Permit required before construction
• Provide plans and site layout
• Verify setbacks locally
Garage permits are handled by the Patrick County Building Inspections Office.
Yes. Pittsylvania County requires a building permit and zoning approval for garage construction.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and zoning approval
• Schedule inspections once approved
The Pittsylvania County Building Inspections Department manages garage permits.
Yes. Powhatan County requires a building permit before building a garage.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and site plan
• Verify setbacks and easements
Garage permits are handled by the Powhatan County Building Inspections Department.
Yes. Prince Edward County requires a building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit drawings and property layout
• Confirm zoning and setback limits
Visit the Prince Edward County Building Department website for permit information.
Yes. Prince George County requires a building permit for new garages under the USBC.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and drawings
• Verify setbacks with zoning
Prince George County enforces Virginia’s USBC through its Building Inspections Department.
Yes. Prince William County requires a residential building permit and zoning approval for all garages.
Requirements:
• Provide plat, construction drawings, and trade permits
• Typical setbacks: 25 ft front, 8 ft side, 25 ft rear (verify locally)
Garage permits are managed by the Building Development Division.
Yes. Pulaski County requires a building permit before garage construction.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and site sketch
• Verify zoning with local office
Permitting information is available through the Pulaski County Government Website.
Yes. Rappahannock County requires a building permit for all new detached and attached garages.
Requirements:
• Submit construction drawings and site plan
• Verify zoning setbacks before applying
Garage construction requires a building permit from the Rappahannock County Building Department.
Yes. Richmond County requires a building permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide site plan and building drawings
• Confirm setbacks and lot coverage with zoning
Garage construction requires a building permit from the Richmond County Building Department.
Yes. Roanoke County requires a building permit for all residential garages before construction begins.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and construction drawings
• Verify zoning and setback compliance
Garage construction requires a building permit from the Roanoke County Building Safety Office.
Yes. Rockbridge County requires a building permit for new garages and major additions.
• Permit required for detached and attached garages
• Submit drawings and plot plan for review
• Confirm zoning setbacks before applying
Garage construction requires a building permit from the Rockbridge County Building Department.
Yes. Rockingham County requires a building permit for new garages in accordance with the state building code.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and construction drawings
• Verify setbacks and zoning approval prior to submission
Garage construction requires a building permit from the Rockingham County Building Services Department.
Yes. Russell County requires a building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and construction drawings
• Verify zoning and setback distances
Garage permits in Russell County are issued by the Building Safety Office.
Yes. Scott County requires a building permit for garages under state code.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and drawings
• Verify zoning restrictions
Garage construction requires a building permit from the Scott County Building Permits Office.
Yes. Shenandoah County requires a building permit before starting garage construction.
Requirements:
• Provide drawings and site plan
• Confirm setbacks and zoning compliance
Shenandoah County’s Building Inspection Department manages garage permits.
Yes. Smyth County requires a building permit and zoning verification for garages.
Requirements:
• Apply before construction
• Submit plans and property layout
• Verify setbacks with zoning
Garage permits are handled by the Smyth County Building & Zoning Office.
Yes. Southampton County requires a building permit under the Virginia USBC.
Requirements:
• Submit site plan and drawings
• Confirm zoning before applying
The Southampton County Community Development Office oversees garage permits.
Yes. Spotsylvania County requires a building permit and zoning approval for new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide construction drawings and site plan
• Typical setbacks: 25 ft front, 10 ft side, 25 ft rear (verify locally)
Apply through the Spotsylvania County Building Department.
Yes. Stafford County requires a building permit and site plan for new garage construction.
Requirements:
• Submit plans, plat, and application
• Verify setbacks through zoning
The Stafford County Building Permits & Inspections Department manages garage permits.
Yes. Surry County requires a building permit for any new garage.
Requirements:
• Submit construction drawings and property layout
• Confirm zoning and setback details
Surry County’s Building Inspections Office issues garage permits.
Yes. Sussex County requires a building permit under the USBC.
Requirements:
• Provide site plan and drawings
• Verify setbacks with zoning
The Sussex County Building Inspections Department enforces Virginia’s building code.
Yes. Tazewell County requires a building permit before constructing a garage.
Requirements:
• Submit drawings and plot plan
• Confirm zoning setbacks
Garage permits are issued by the Tazewell County Building Inspections Office.
Yes. Warren County requires a building permit for detached and attached garages.
Requirements:
• Provide site plan and building drawings
• Verify zoning rules
Visit the Warren County Building Inspections & Permits Office website for permit details.
Yes. Washington County requires a building permit under the USBC for new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit construction and site plans
• Verify setbacks and easements
The Washington County Building & Development Office handles garage permits.
Yes. Westmoreland County requires a building permit for new garages.
Requirements:
• Provide plans and site details
• Confirm setback requirements
Garage permits are available through the Westmoreland County Building & Zoning Office.
Yes. Wise County requires a building permit for all new garages.
Requirements:
• Submit plans and zoning approval
• Verify setbacks before construction
Wise County enforces the USBC through its Building & Zoning Office.
Yes. Wythe County requires a building permit for garage construction.
Requirements:
• Submit construction drawings and property plan
• Confirm zoning restrictions
Garage permits are issued by the Wythe County Building Inspection Office.
Yes. York County requires a building permit for garages and carports under the state code.
Requirements:
• Submit plans, site layout, and trade permits if needed
• Verify setbacks before applying
York County’s Building Safety Office manages garage permitting.

Before you buy or build a garage in Virginia, take time to confirm what’s allowed on your property. Each city and county has its own rules that determine where you can build, how large your garage can be, and whether you can run electricity or add other features.
Once you’ve checked in with your local building or zoning office and have the approvals you need, try our 3D Garage Builder or browse our Garage Models to start designing a space that fits your property and style.
Create the building of your dreams by customizing a design in 3D. You can also call us at 717-442-3281. We're here to assist you!