Do You Need A Shed Permit in VA? | Everything You Need to Know

If you’re preparing to embark on a shed construction project, you may wonder whether you need a shed permit in VA. To know the answer to this question, it’s crucial to understand the requirements for obtaining a shed permit in VA. This blog will equip you with everything you need to know about building a shed in VA, ensuring that your shed is constructed safely and complies with regulations. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions that we missed!

Do I Need a Permit to Build a Shed in Virginia?

Yes, in most cases, you’ll need a permit to build a shed in Virginia. Depending on your area, their regulations, and the size of your shed, you may not need a permit in VA. However, permits are important because they ensure that your shed is built safely and securely and can even increase the value of your property. Make sure you check with your local building department or permit office to determine the permit requirements for your area. 

Virginia is a larger state, and there are a lot of areas to cover. Here are a few resources to help you get started in determining the permit requirements for your area:

Can I Build A Shed Without A Permit?

Yes, you can build a shed without a permit in Virginia. However, there are certain requirements that your shed must meet in order for you to not need a building permit. In Virginia, your shed must be a one-story detached structure only used for storage or playhouse purposes. The maximum shed size without a permit in Virginia is 256 sq ft.

How Big of a Shed Can I Build Without a Permit in VA?

In Virginia, if a shed is a one-story detached structure used for storage or a playhouse and doesn’t exceed 256 sq ft, then it doesn’t require a building permit. However, depending on the city or county that you live in, a zoning permit may be required. It’s always important to check with your local building department for their requirements. Sheds can vary tremendously, from small economy sheds to large horse shelters, making it important to double check for your particular situation.

 The Commonwealth of Virginia website is an excellent resource for more detailed information on getting a shed permit in VA. They offer a PDF that breaks down the basic building requirements for sheds in Virginia. 

Maximum Shed Size in VA Beach Without Permit

The largest size your shed can be in Virginia Beach without a permit is 256 feet. This is the maximum size of any shed built in VA. 

How Far Does a Shed Have to Be From the Property Line in Virginia?

If the shed you’re building is less than 256 square feet, it must have a minimum of  3’ to 5’ side and rear setbacks from your property line. However, if your property is on a corner lot, that changes the side setback to 10’. If you’re building a shed over 256 sq ft, the setbacks from the property line for this size range from 6’ to 10’. 

These setback requirements from the property line don’t apply to sheds being built in Chesapeake, VA. This is a result of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, which is meant to protect the bay’s environment. In this area, setback requirements vary depending on the project’s square footage. The City of Chesapeake website provides additional information on shed and accessory structure requirements. 

How To Get a Shed Permit in VA

Now that you have a better understanding of whether or not you need a shed permit in VA, you may be ready to get started on the permit application process. We’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide to help you through getting a shed permit in VA:

1. Contact Local Authorities

You may have already completed this step by now, but it’s important nonetheless. Contact your local building department or zoning office to learn about the building regulations in your area, get your application form, and find out if there are any fees to obtaining a shed permit in VA.

2. Design and Plan

Now that you know the requirements and how much the project’s size and scope will cost, you can begin to plan accordingly. Sketch out a detailed plan that includes dimensions, materials, and any other important information that you need in order to comply with your local regulations.

3. Submit the Application and Provide the Required Documentation

Once the construction plan is complete, you should complete and submit the application form that you received from your local authorities. This form typically requires you to fill out information such as the shed’s size, location on your property, construction materials, and so on. You may be required to include the site plan or drawings as well to show the dimensions and planned placement of your shed. 

4. Pay Fees

Most local building departments or zoning offices require a fee to obtain a shed permit in VA. Your local authorities should provide information on their website about the fee amount and acceptable payment methods. 

5. Wait for Approval

Now that your application has been submitted, it’s time to give your local building department a chance to look over it to ensure that your shed plans comply with local building codes, zoning regulations, and other applicable requirements. There’s a lot of information to go over, so be prepared to wait for a response. 

6. Receive the Permit and Begin Building Your Shed

If you receive approval, it’s time to begin construction. Make sure the permit is displayed in a visible location so local authorities can see it. 

How Much Does a Shed Permit in VA Cost?

The fee can range from $50 to a few hundred dollars, but this often depends on the square footage of the project, the shed’s location, and any other fees required by your local jurisdiction. Be sure to visit your local building department or zoning office’s website to find out the exact cost of obtaining a shed permit in VA.

If you’re curious about how much building a shed will cost, contact us for a free quote!

Virginia Building Permit Requirements

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The building permit requirements in Virginia will depend on the city or county where you live. In general, most areas in VA will require an application to be submitted that details the shed’s dimensions, materials, and placement to ensure that you comply with local regulations. There will also likely be a permit fee and subsequent construction site inspections after the application is approved. 

Your local building department or zoning office’s website is an excellent resource for more detailed information on the requirements for getting a shed permit in VA. To help you get started, we’ll walk you through the requirements of a few places in Virginia.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Portsmouth VA?

If your shed is less than 256 square feet and is a single-story detached structure, you do not need a permit in Portsmouth, VA. If the shed you’re building is over 256 sq ft than you will need a permit. If you’re wondering where to apply for a permit, how much it will cost, and the required items needed to submit your application, the City of Portsmouth website offers more information. 

If you’re building a shed in Portsmouth, VA, we offer a range of sizes and styles to fit your storage needs.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Virginia Beach VA?

Again, any shed over 256 square feet requires a permit in Virginia Beach, VA. For additional information on obtaining a permit, visit the City of Virginia Beach’s website. 

If you’re ready to add a shed to your property, we have customizable sheds for sale in Virginia Beach, VA.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Wakefield VA?

Yes, a permit is required to build a shed in Wakefield VA. Visit the Town of Wakefield’s website to download and fill out a zoning application.  Once your application is approved, check out our sheds for sale in Wakefield, VA.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Newport News VA?

The state of Virginia requires any shed over 256 square feet to be built with a permit. If you’re ready to build a shed in Newport News, VA, you can fill out a permit application here. If you don’t want to build the shed yourself and your permit is approved, look at some of our sheds for sale in Newport News, VA.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Hampton VA?

Yes, a permit is required to build a shed that’s over 256 square feet. If you’re interested in building a shed in Hampton, VA you can visit their online permit application portal to get started on the application process. 

If you’re ready to design and build your shed, you can use our 3D designer tool. We have a number of sheds for sale in Hampton VA.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Suffolk VA?

All sheds being built in the state of Virginia must have a building permit if the shed is over 256 square feet. For more information on the building requirements in Suffolk, VA you can visit their website. If you’re ready to apply, you can visit their application procedures page to get started. 

Once you have your application, be sure to look at the sheds we have for sale in Suffolk, VA.

Do I Need a Shed Permit in Chesapeake VA?

Yes, a permit is required to build a shed in Chesapeake, VA. As a result of the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, their shed permit requirements are more stringent than the other areas mentioned. You can visit the City of Chesapeake website to learn more about when you need a permit and how to get one. 

If you’re interested in getting a shed but are unsure where to start, take a look at our sheds for sale in Chesapeake VA.

Ready to Build A Shed?

Now that you understand the requirements for building a shed, you may wonder where you can find a professional to do the job. If you’re looking to avoid building a shed yourself, look no further than Tidewater Sheds. We’re committed to helping you build the ideal shed for your storage needs. 

We offer a range of styles and sizes that will meet your preferences. You can start designing your shed with our 3D designer. If you have any questions about shed permits in VA or are ready to start building your shed, feel free to contact us and get a free quote!