Metal Garage Permits
Let’s talk about a part of buying a metal garage that nobody gets excited about: the building permit. It’s not glamorous, but building permits matter. A permit is what keeps your metal garage project legal, safe, and up to code. It’s how your city makes sure the structure can handle the kind of weather your area gets. Skip that step, and you could be facing more than a fine.
In this blog, we'll cover nine real-world reasons why getting your metal garage building permit matters. If you’re planning a structure, we’ll provide you with some helpful insights that can make the process easier and help you soar above the red tape.
Quick Takeaway TL;DR
- Building codes are the rules; permits prove you’re following them.
- You’ll need one before pouring concrete or setting posts.
- Building codes check that your garage can handle wind, snow, or seismic loads.
- Zoning approval is a separate thing - that’s about where you can build.
- Power and gas won’t connect without a passed inspection.
- No permit can hurt your insurance, loans, or resale later.
Difference Between Building Codes and Permits
Building codes are the rulebook. They’re the minimum safety standards that say how strong, stable, and weather-ready your garage needs to be.
A building permit, on the other hand, is your official green light. It means your plans got reviewed, approved, and will be inspected as the project goes up.
Also Read: Permitting and Regulations
What Are Building Codes?
Building codes are there to make sure buildings don’t fall apart when nature tests them. The International Code Council (ICC) writes the main codes, while the IBC, the IRC, and your local government adopt and tweak them.
For metal garages, these codes tie back to ASCE 7, which sets standards for wind, snow, and seismic forces. It’s all about keeping the structure solid and the people inside safe. Your building will need to be able to meet these regional standards, and you’ll need to prove that the engineering of your structure can handle it.
What Are Building Permits?
A building permit is local approval for your project. It’s the city’s way of saying, “Your plans look safe. Go ahead.” For this process, you’ll usually submit drawings, wait for a quick review, and then get inspections at certain stages of the construction process.
Permits aren’t just red tape you’ll have to cut through. They exist so every building in town, including yours, is built right the first time around.
What Factors Can Affect the Permit?
What is involved in the permitting process? Let’s break down some of the things that can affect your permitting process:
- Size: A small one-car garage might get approved in days. A larger or attached one usually needs more attention from building inspectors and may require more time to process.
- Location: Different zones, different rules. Coastal areas worry about wind, mountain regions about snow. The county you’re in makes a big difference.
- Foundation: The foundation type you choose can affect the paperwork that's required with your building permit.
- Local Law: Each town tweaks the code. Some want stamped drawings, some don’t. It’s best to check before you start filling anything out.
9 Reasons Why You Need a Permit
In most localities, you’ll be required to obtain a permit before breaking ground. But why? What purpose does it serve? Let’s explore the biggest reasons this is a mandatory part of the building process:
- It’s the Law: Once your state adopts the building code, you’re legally required to get a permit. Skipping it isn’t worth the risk as fines add up fast.
- It’s About Safety: A permit confirms your garage meets ASCE 7 standards. That’s how they make sure your building won’t buckle under the strain of wind or snow.
- Setbacks and Zoning: The plan review checks property lines, easements, and distance from other structures. Build too close to something, and they’ll make you move it.
- Submittals Keep Things Moving: Your permit file usually needs drawings, foundation details, and sometimes engineered plans. The clearer your documents, the faster approval happens.
- Inspections Keep You on Track: Inspectors don’t just show up at the end - they check key stages, like when you pour the slab or finish the frame. Catching problems early saves time.
- No Permit, No Power: Most power and gas companies won’t flip the switch until they see a final inspection pass. No pass, no service.
- Insurance and Bank Rules: No permit can void a claim or slow down a refinance. Lenders and insurers like to see that the garage was legally built.
- HOA is Not the Same Thing as a Permit: Your HOA might care about looks and placement, but that’s not the same as getting a building permit. You need both.
- Resale Made Simple: When you sell later, buyers love clean paperwork. A properly permitted garage helps the sale go smoother and protects your property value.
What You Can Expect to Pay for a Building Permit
Permit fees depend on your town and the size of the structure you’re building. You can expect anywhere from $150 to maybe $1,000 for a larger metal garage.
It’s always a good idea to add in your permitting and setup costs into your budget, and plan ahead for any costs that may come up during the process.
Also Read: Standard Garage Sizes
Direct Metal Structures is the Leading Partner for Durable Metal Buildings
Whether you’re designing a backyard garage to house the family car or you’re undertaking a large-scale commercial project, Direct Metal Structures is proud to be the experts to call for high-quality steel structures.
Our buildings are certified against the weather and made to meet or exceed the local permitting regulations for your area before they ever leave the design phase. They’re also backed by industry-leading warranties, so you can rest easy knowing you invested in quality.
Call our experts at 888-277-7950 for more information about our range of metal buildings. Our experts will walk you through the design phase and help you create a building that’s more than ready for any permitting process.
FAQs About Metal Building Permits
Have questions before you build? You’re not alone. To help make your process go smoothly, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we see:
Do I need a permit for a carport or an enclosed garage?
Answer: In most cases, yes. You’ll want to check with local building officials to determine which permits you’ll be required to obtain.
Will utilities connect without inspection?
Answer: No. Power and gas companies always wait for your final approval before turning anything on.
Do I need both zoning and a building permit?
Answer: Yes. Zoning says where you can build; the permit says how it’s built.
How long does it take to get a permit for a metal garage?
Answer: That depends. Small projects can be approved in days. Others might take a week or two.
Can I build while waiting for approval?
Answer: You shouldn’t. If an inspector catches you building without one, expect a stop-work order.
Who files the permit, me or the builder?
Answer: You. In most cases, you’ll be primarily responsible for securing permits and coordinating with building officials and engineering teams. .
Do I need engineer-stamped plans?
Answer: Sometimes. Smaller garages might not, but larger or custom ones usually do.
Do permits expire?
Answer: Yes. Most last about a year. If your project drags on, you can usually request an extension.
What’s the easiest way to get approved?
Answer: Submit clear plans, pay the fee, and stay in touch with your local building office. A friendly chat there saves a lot of back-and-forth later.
