Permits for Metal Buildings: What You Need to Know Before You Build
​
So you’re ready to put up a new carport, garage, or portable building. You’ve picked the size, the style, the color—maybe even bragged to the neighbors. But before the first post goes in the ground, there’s one little thing standing between you and your shiny new structure: permits.
​
We know… nobody wakes up excited to deal with paperwork. But getting the right permits is one of the most important steps in building anything that isn’t a cardboard box. Don’t worry—we’re breaking down the process so it’s simple, painless, and maybe even a little entertaining.
​
Why Permits Matter
​
Permits aren’t just a formality. They exist for a few important reasons:
​
-
Safety
They ensure your structure meets local codes so it doesn’t blow away, collapse, or try to impersonate a kite during the next windstorm. -
Insurance
Many insurance companies require proper permits before they’ll cover the structure. -
Property Value
A permitted building protects you during appraisals, refinancing, or when selling your home. -
Avoiding Fines
Trust us—you don’t want a surprise visit from a zoning officer with a clipboard and “that look.”
​
Do You Always Need a Permit?
​
Short answer: Usually, but not always.
Long answer: It depends on your location, the size of the structure, and what you’re using it for.
​
Some cities or counties don’t require permits for smaller buildings. Others want paperwork for anything bigger than a doghouse. And some places—well, they want permits for the doghouse too.
​
What Affects Whether You Need a Permit?
1. Size of the Building
Bigger buildings almost always require permits. Smaller portable sheds may or may not.
​
2. Intended Use
Storing lawn equipment is one thing. Turning it into a living space? That’s a whole different level of “we need paperwork.”
​
3. Foundation Type
Anything anchored to the ground—concrete slab, footers, or even ground anchors—often requires approval.
​
4. Local Zoning Requirements
Every city or county has its own rules, setbacks, and funky little quirks.
What Permits Typically Cover
-
Zoning approval
Ensures your building is allowed in that location. -
Building permits
Checks the structure meets code for wind, snow, and foundation requirements. -
Electrical or plumbing permits (if you’re adding them)
Because nobody wants DIY wiring gone wrong.
​
How the Permitting Process Usually Works
While every location is different, the general steps look like this:
-
Check your local rules
Visit your county or city’s planning/zoning department website (or just call them—sometimes a real human beats hunting through pages of PDFs). -
Submit required documents
This may include:-
Site plan
-
Building drawings
-
Wind/snow load info
-
Foundation details
-
-
Pay the permit fee
Sometimes it’s small. Sometimes it feels like you're paying for their breakroom coffee machine. -
Wait for approval
Some offices approve permits fast. Others… well, let’s just say patience is a virtue. -
Schedule inspections
Some areas do one inspection. Others want multiple. (We don’t make the rules.)
​
How ARK Custom Builders Makes Permitting Easier
At ARK Custom Builders, we deal with metal buildings and portable sheds every day. We can help you understand what your county requires, provide the drawings or documents you need, and make sure your building is designed to hit the necessary wind and snow loads.
​
In short—you dream it, we’ll help handle the “boring but important” part.
​
Final Thoughts
​
Permits may not be the most exciting part of building a new structure but skipping them can cost you big. With the right prep and the right team on your side, the permitting process is smooth, simple, and stress-free.
​
Ready to start your project the right way?
Contact ARK Custom Builders and let’s get your new building rolling—with or without the red tape.