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Apr
22

Do I Need a Building Permit to Install a New Metal Carport?

By Jay Lara   |   Posted In: Installations

Building permits for carports

So, you’ve chosen the perfect metal carport, barn, workshop, or other metal building for your property. Now what? Whether you have purchased a metal carport kit or are having a custom building installed by a professional team, it is important to do a bit of research beforehand so that you don’t run into zoning headaches with your new structure.

Steps to Take Before Installing Your Metal Building

  • Check with your local government office to find out if you need a building permit for the structure you wish to install.
  • If you’re required to have a permit, go ahead and complete the application. There is usually a fee associated with this which will vary from place to place. If you are purchasing from Carport Central, we will be more than happy to help with this process.
  • Wait for the approval to go through before scheduling your installation.
  • It is also important to have the utility lines marked ahead of time to ensure that we steer clear of the lines during the installation process, to avoid injury or possible utility service disruption.

Buying Requirements in Florida

Florida customers are unique in that every building we sell in Florida requires a building permit. Each Florida county has their own requirements, so depending on the county you build in, you may need an “As Built,” “Generic,” or “Wet Stamped” set of drawings. “As Built” drawings can cost around $125.00 to $200.00, and they are site-specific to what you have ordered. The building will be assembled to the exact specification of the drawings; the engineer will then mail the drawings to you so that you can pull the permit. However, some Florida counties require that the manufacturing company pull the permit. If this is the case, Carport Central has people in place to help you with this process. Most counties ask for “Generic” drawings, which are immediately available upon deposit so that you may pull the permit. Then there are some counties that may ask for “Wet Stamped” drawings, or those that are stamped or signed with a rubber stamp or ink pen by the engineer after being printed out.

What if I don’t get a building permit for my metal building?

If your area requires a building permit and you install without one, these are some possible issues you could face down the road:

  • Unforeseen safety concerns, especially if you are building it yourself and are not familiar with the process.
  • Legal issues including fines and sanctions, and the possibility of having to tear down your structure and start from scratch.
  • Nosy neighbors who may notice that you are installing a new structure and could notify the city, leading to a visit from a local inspector.
  • Building permit issues if you decide to sell your property (rare, but not unheard of).

By following the proper steps, you can ensure the successful installation and enjoyment of your new metal building without any worries down the road.

At Carport Central, we specialize in the installation of customized steel structures such as garages, carports, workshops and other metal buildings, and we work with manufacturers across the country. If you have any questions or need assistance, please give one of our friendly building specialists a call at 980-321-9898.

Author

  • Jay Lara

    Jay Lara is COO of Carport Central, and brings nearly 20 years of metal building industry experience. He’s worked in every aspect of the business, ranging from engineering to design to fabrication to installation to sales, and he’s passionate about bridging the gap between B2B and B2C for the metal buildings market.

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