Residential: Building a Detached Garage / Storage Building

Who Applies for the Permit?

• Applying for a permit as a homeowner is an important decision because the permit holder(s) bears the ultimate responsibility that the work will comply with the code.
• The homeowner is highly encouraged to have a licensed contractor apply for the permits, however, the homeowner may do so.

Documents for Your Project

• Residential Application
• Owner Affidavit - Complete if you are an owner, doing work to your primary residence. This must be notarized or signed in front of a Permit Tech in the Building Department
• Sub-Contractor List - Complete if adding electrical work to your project
• Plot Plan Template - Shows the proposed distances from the new structure to all property lines. It is required to show compliance with the Planning Department’s setback requirements. Setbacks may be verified on GIS MAPS or by calling 540-772-2065. A survey plat with the structure or a hand sketch showing the structure location with respect to the property lines and house is acceptable.
• Certification of Setback Compliance 
• Building Plans – All detached structures 500 sq. ft. and over require 2 sets of building plans submitted with the documents

Resources

Roanoke County GIS  - This will help in drawing your plot plan if you do not have a survey.

Process

1. Fill out the documents
2. Email documents to permit@roanokecountyva.gov or bring to the Roanoke County Administration Building, 2nd floor 
3. A Permit Tech will verify all paperwork for completeness. All required documents must be submitted at one time.
4. A Permit Tech will work up the permit in the computer while you wait and take a deposit if the structure requires a review. (All detached structures 500 sq. ft. and over, will require a review)
5. Review period for Residential Structures is 7 working days.
6. Notification of Approvals or Denials from the review will be by email or phone call. 
7. If plans are denied a re-submittal will be required.  When re-submitted, review time is 7 working days.
8. When plans are approved a Permit Tech will notify you of remaining fees and any review comments
9. Fees are collected
10. Permit, Receipt, Approved Stamped Plans and the Inspection Card to post, will be returned to the applicant
11. Post the Inspection Card at the site. This should be visible for the inspector and available for inspectors’ approval/denial signatures. Approved plans must also be on site if applicable.
12. Call for Inspections.
13. Verify Permit Inspections are complete and Permit is closed.

Payment and Fees

Accepted payment methods:

• Cash
• Check (made out to the County of Roanoke)
• Credit card (MasterCard, Visa)

For an estimate on your Permit cost use our FEE ESTIMATOR for New Residential Structures (Detached Accessory Structures are based on Square Footage).

All Building Permits are also subject to a State Levy Fee of 2% and a Technology Fee of 5% also shown on the last field on the FEE ESTIMATOR.

Typical Inspections

Call 540-772-2065 when Ready for Inspections

Information needed to request for an Inspection …

• Application Number (Found on the Issued Permit)
• Address of the job

Typical Inspections for Detached Structures Permits …

Erosion and Sediment Inspection 

• Initial E&S Inspection - Based on amount of land disturbance, please refer to review notes. May be needed BEFORE work begins.
• Final E&S Inspection

Building

• Footing
• Slab - prep before pouring
• Framing 
• Insulation
• Final Building 

Electrical 

• Underground Electrical
• Current Only - If new service is connected, an AEP work order number is needed before calling for an inspection
• Rough-In Electrical
• Final Electrical

Plumbing

• Groundwork Plumbing - plumbing in slab prep
• Rough-In Plumbing
• Final Plumbing

Mechanical

• Gasline
• Rough-In Mechanical
• Final Mechanical

**Inspections may vary due to type of project

**Always call before covering work