Reviewed by the Benton Metal Depot team · Updated
One mistake people make when planning a garage is sizing it for what they own today. If you're building your garage in Bakers Crossing, think about storage, door clearance, work space and what might be added later. Benton Metal Depot supplies metal garage packages for residents throughout Chatham and the surrounding area.
Key Points
- ◦The current local setback for a metal garage is Not retrieved — Chatham County has its own zoning ordinance with district-specific setback tables; figures were not found in available search results and need direct lookup..
- ◦Plan for door clearance and walking room when deciding how wide your garage needs to be.
- ◦Doors, windows and other selections can change the final cost of a garage.
- ◦In Bakers Crossing, a building permit is required once the garage exceeds No explicit sqft exemption found on the county page — it lists "garages, carports... accessory buildings, storage buildings, tool sheds" as requiring permits without stating a size cutoff. Georgia's state minimum code baseline (IRC) exempts one-story detached sheds/playhouses up to 120 sq ft, but it is unconfirmed whether Chatham County enforces that exemption as-is. square feet.
- ◦Get the final garage dimensions before completing permanent site work.
At a Glance
| Permit threshold |
No explicit sqft exemption found on the county page — it lists "garages, carports... accessory buildings, storage buildings, tool sheds" as requiring permits without stating a size cutoff. Georgia's state minimum code baseline (IRC) exempts one-story detached sheds/playhouses up to 120 sq ft, but it is unconfirmed whether Chatham County enforces that exemption as-is.
As of 2026 · Source |
|---|---|
| Setback (side/rear) |
Not retrieved — Chatham County has its own zoning ordinance with district-specific setback tables; figures were not found in available search results and need direct lookup.
As of 2026 · Source |
| Wind load zone |
Coastal Georgia (Savannah/Chatham County) — commonly cited around 130 mph (3-second gust, ASCE 7-22, Risk Category II), with barrier-island areas (Tybee, Wilmington, Skidaway Islands) potentially reaching or exceeding 140 mph. NOT verified against a primary county map — Georgia adopted the 2024 IBC/IRC (with GA amendments) effective Jan 1, 2026, referencing ASCE 7-22, and the exact mapped speed depends on precise site location and must be confirmed with a GA-licensed engineer or the county building official.
As of 2026 · Source |
| Panel type/gauge |
29-gauge and 26-gauge Rib panels -- Benton's existing standard gauge/profile for pole-barn, carport, and agricultural structures.
As of 2026 · Source |
| Drive time from Statesboro |
74
As of 2026 · Source |
Permits & Setbacks in Chatham County
The permit question for a Bakers Crossing metal garage comes down to one number from Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services: No explicit sqft exemption found on the county page — it lists "garages, carports... accessory buildings, storage buildings, tool sheds" as requiring permits without stating a size cutoff. Georgia's state minimum code baseline (IRC) exempts one-story detached sheds/playhouses up to 120 sq ft, but it is unconfirmed whether Chatham County enforces that exemption as-is. square feet. Stay under it and skip the full permit process; either way, keep the Not retrieved — Chatham County has its own zoning ordinance with district-specific setback tables; figures were not found in available search results and need direct lookup. setback in mind before you pick a spot.
Delivery to Bakers Crossing
Current delivery time to Bakers Crossing is approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Benton also serves nearby communities including Chippewa Terrace, Rio Vista, Beaulieu and Lakeside Park. Before delivery gets close, make sure you've handled the local permits and any site preparation needed for your particular garage.
Representative product photo — a Chatham County-specific project photo is pending (rotates in from Trey's weekly upload per the freshness cadence).
FAQ
Can I use my metal garage as a workshop too?
Definitely! Just plan for the workshop before deciding on the garage size. A workbench, toolboxes, shelving and equipment can eat up a lot of floor space, especially when you're also parking a vehicle inside. Make sure to give yourself enough room to work comfortably instead of trying to fit a workshop into whatever space happens to be left over.
Are metal garages a good choice for Georgia?
Metal buildings are utilized throughout Georgia for garages, equipment storage and other residential, agricultural and commercial uses. The important thing is choosing a building appropriate for the project and location. If you're building in Bakers Crossing, make sure the garage specifications and site plan also meet the local requirements that apply to the property.
What do I need to do to my property before the garage arrives?
First, decide exactly where the garage will go and check the permit and setback requirements with Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services. Then follow the site requirements for the garage you've selected. Any grading, concrete or other preparation should be based on the final building specifications. Don't prepare the site using rough dimensions if the building hasn't been finalized.
Can I use a metal garage just for storage?
Yes. Cars don't have to be part of the equation at all. A metal garage can give you enclosed space for tools, lawn equipment, recreational gear and other belongings. If storage is the main purpose, think about shelving and aisle space while planning the building so everything remains accessible once the garage starts filling up.
Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Bakers Crossing?
That depends on the garage and the requirements of Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services. The current rule requires a permit once the garage exceeds No explicit sqft exemption found on the county page — it lists "garages, carports... accessory buildings, storage buildings, tool sheds" as requiring permits without stating a size cutoff. Georgia's state minimum code baseline (IRC) exempts one-story detached sheds/playhouses up to 120 sq ft, but it is unconfirmed whether Chatham County enforces that exemption as-is. square feet. Check before doing any permanent site work. There may be other requirements tied to your property as well, so getting an answer early can save you from having to change plans later.
What can I keep in a metal garage?
Cars and trucks are obvious, but metal garages can also hold lawn equipment, tools, recreational gear and general storage. Larger buildings can leave room for work areas, too. Make a list of what you intend to keep inside before choosing the building size. It's easy to underestimate how quickly floor space disappears.
Can my metal garage have windows and different doors?
The available configuration depends on the garage package, but doors and windows should be considered while you're planning the layout. Think about where vehicles will enter, where you want a regular walk door and whether natural light is needed inside. Making those decisions early helps you choose a layout that works instead of adding features wherever they'll fit.
Should I pour the concrete before ordering the garage?
Get the garage specifications nailed down first. You want to know the correct dimensions and make sure the planned location meets the rules for Bakers Crossing before putting permanent concrete in the ground. It's much easier to adjust a garage plan on paper than to deal with a slab that was poured in the wrong place or at the wrong size.
Definitions
- ◦ Walk Door
- A regular entry door that lets you enter the garage without opening one of the larger vehicle doors.
- ◦ Clear Span
- Open floor space between the building's exterior supports without interior columns getting in the way.
- ◦ Wall Panel
- Formed metal sheet used to enclose and protect the exterior walls of the garage.
- ◦ Trim
- The finished metal pieces used along corners, roof edges, openings and other transitions on the building.
- ◦ Eave Height
- The height of the sidewall measured to the point where the wall and roof meet.
- ◦ Concrete Slab
- A flat poured-concrete surface commonly used as the finished floor and part of the foundation system for a garage.
- ◦ Overhead Door
- The large door that opens upward to let cars, trucks or equipment move in and out of the garage.
- ◦ Building Permit
- Approval from the local government to construct a building under the building and zoning rules that apply to the property.
- ◦ Ridge
- The top line of a pitched roof where the two sloping sides come together.
- ◦ Building Footprint
- The amount of ground the garage takes up, based on its outside width and length.
Bakers Crossing, Chatham County — At a Glance
- Permit Authority Name
- Chatham County Building Safety & Regulatory Services
- Permit Authority Url
- https://buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov/PermitsInspections/WhenPermitsRequired
- Permit Threshold Sqft
- No explicit sqft exemption found on the county page — it lists "garages, carports... accessory buildings, storage buildings, tool sheds" as requiring permits without stating a size cutoff. Georgia's state minimum code baseline (IRC) exempts one-story detached sheds/playhouses up to 120 sq ft, but it is unconfirmed whether Chatham County enforces that exemption as-is.
- Setback Feet Side Rear
- Not retrieved — Chatham County has its own zoning ordinance with district-specific setback tables; figures were not found in available search results and need direct lookup.
- Wind Load Zone
- Coastal Georgia (Savannah/Chatham County) — commonly cited around 130 mph (3-second gust, ASCE 7-22, Risk Category II), with barrier-island areas (Tybee, Wilmington, Skidaway Islands) potentially reaching or exceeding 140 mph. NOT verified against a primary county map — Georgia adopted the 2024 IBC/IRC (with GA amendments) effective Jan 1, 2026, referencing ASCE 7-22, and the exact mapped speed depends on precise site location and must be confirmed with a GA-licensed engineer or the county building official.
- Coastal
- 1
- Drive Miles
- 58.9
- Drive Minutes
- 74
- Nearby Towns
- Chippewa Terrace, Rio Vista, Beaulieu, Lakeside Park
- Delivery Weeks In Stock
- 1
- Delivery Weeks Custom
- 2
- Panel Type Gauge
- 29-gauge and 26-gauge Rib panels -- Benton's existing standard gauge/profile for pole-barn, carport, and agricultural structures.
- Color Count
- 7
Why Benton Metal Depot
Benton Metal Depot manufactures metal products in Statesboro and has served residential, agricultural and commercial customers since 2004. For someone building a garage in Bakers Crossing, that means working with a regional metal supplier rather than trying to piece the project together from unrelated sources. The garage package can be quoted around the specifications of the project.
Ready to talk through your metal garages project in Bakers Crossing?
Sources
- Internal: category-data.php (pole-barns / agricultural-pole-barns copy) (2026)
- color-collection.php Weather XL Rib/PBR color chart: Polar White, Pebble Gray, Granite, Onyx, Vanilla, Sand, Chocolate (29ga; 5 of the 7 also available in 26ga). Real Benton color count for this panel line -- not confirmed as the specific palette Jim/Trey intend to offer for metal garages. (2026)
- https://buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov/PermitsInspections/WhenPermitsRequired (2026)
- https://buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov/PermitsInspections/WhenPermitsRequired — needs direct confirmation by phone (912-201-4300) (2026)
- https://buildingsafety.chathamcountyga.gov/ — needs direct ordinance lookup (2026)
- Aggregated from windload.solutions and similar secondary sources — no primary Chatham County wind map found (2026)
- Given/client spec — Chatham County (Savannah) is a coastal Georgia county (2026)
- Computed 2026-09-16: GeoNames zip centroid -> OSRM public routing engine (real driving route from Statesboro, Bulloch County, GA). Deterministic and reproducible, but a free public demo routing server, not Google Maps -- spot-check a sample before confirming. (2026)
- Computed 2026-09-16: same OSRM routing result as drive_miles, converted from seconds. (2026)
- Computed 2026-09-16: 4 nearest cities in benton_service_area_cities.php by straight-line (haversine) distance from zip centroid. (2026)
- Bulk-set via dev-fact-review.php (2026)
Other Cities We Serve in Chatham County
See the Chatham County hub for metal garages
