Reviewed by the Benton Metal Depot team · Updated
For some residents in Elim, a metal garage means covered parking. For others, it's where the lawn equipment, tools and weekend projects end up. Benton Metal Depot supplies metal garage packages throughout Long, so the building can be planned around the job it needs to do on your property.
Key Points
- ◦In Elim, a building permit is required once the garage exceeds Not explicitly published — the county maintains a Land Development Code (PDF) and a building permit application, but no clear sqft exemption threshold for accessory structures was found in it via search. Needs direct confirmation with Code Enforcement (912-545-3683 / codeenforcement@longcountyga.gov). square feet.
- ◦Benton serves Smiley Crossroads, Donald, Wefanie and Ludowici and other communities around Elim.
- ◦The current local setback for a metal garage is Not found — the Land Development Code likely contains a setback table by district (see Planning & Zoning page), but specific figures were not extractable via search. Needs direct confirmation..
- ◦Plan for door clearance and walking room when deciding how wide your garage needs to be.
- ◦Check the permit and setback rules before deciding exactly where the garage will go.
At a Glance
| Permit threshold |
Not explicitly published — the county maintains a Land Development Code (PDF) and a building permit application, but no clear sqft exemption threshold for accessory structures was found in it via search. Needs direct confirmation with Code Enforcement (912-545-3683 / codeenforcement@longcountyga.gov).
As of 2026 · Source |
|---|---|
| Setback (side/rear) |
Not found — the Land Development Code likely contains a setback table by district (see Planning & Zoning page), but specific figures were not extractable via search. Needs direct confirmation.
As of 2026 · Source |
| Wind load zone |
Inland Georgia — roughly 110-120 mph (ASCE 7, Exposure C), though Long County is closer to the coast than most counties in this batch (roughly 25-30 miles from Long County to tidewater). NOT a verified figure; 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 |
94
As of 2026 · Source |
Permits & Setbacks in Long County
The permit question for a Elim metal garage comes down to one number from Long County Code Enforcement Office: Not explicitly published — the county maintains a Land Development Code (PDF) and a building permit application, but no clear sqft exemption threshold for accessory structures was found in it via search. Needs direct confirmation with Code Enforcement (912-545-3683 / codeenforcement@longcountyga.gov). square feet. Stay under it and skip the full permit process; either way, keep the Not found — the Land Development Code likely contains a setback table by district (see Planning & Zoning page), but specific figures were not extractable via search. Needs direct confirmation. setback in mind before you pick a spot.
Delivery to Elim
Current delivery time to Elim is approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Benton also serves nearby communities including Smiley Crossroads, Donald, Wefanie and Ludowici. 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 Long County-specific project photo is pending (rotates in from Trey's weekly upload per the freshness cadence).
FAQ
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 Elim?
That depends on the garage and the requirements of Long County Code Enforcement Office. The current rule requires a permit once the garage exceeds Not explicitly published — the county maintains a Land Development Code (PDF) and a building permit application, but no clear sqft exemption threshold for accessory structures was found in it via search. Needs direct confirmation with Code Enforcement (912-545-3683 / codeenforcement@longcountyga.gov). 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.
How much extra room should I allow around my vehicles?
Don't measure a car and make the garage barely wider than the vehicle. You need enough room to open the doors, get in and out, walk around it and reach anything stored nearby. With two vehicles, remember the space between them too. Adding a little breathing room during planning can make a big difference once you use the garage every day.
Can I put a metal garage beside my house?
You may be able to, but don't assume every open spot on the property is buildable. Long County Code Enforcement Office has requirements that can affect garage placement, including a current setback of Not found — the Land Development Code likely contains a setback table by district (see Planning & Zoning page), but specific figures were not extractable via search. Needs direct confirmation.. Check the rules for your address before choosing the location, particularly if you're working with limited room between the house and property line.
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.
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.
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 Long County Code Enforcement Office. 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.
Definitions
- ◦ Eave Height
- The height of the sidewall measured to the point where the wall and roof meet.
- ◦ Trim
- The finished metal pieces used along corners, roof edges, openings and other transitions on the building.
- ◦ Walk Door
- A regular entry door that lets you enter the garage without opening one of the larger vehicle doors.
- ◦ Concrete Slab
- A flat poured-concrete surface commonly used as the finished floor and part of the foundation system for a garage.
- ◦ Wall Panel
- Formed metal sheet used to enclose and protect the exterior walls of the garage.
- ◦ Clear Span
- Open floor space between the building's exterior supports without interior columns getting in the way.
- ◦ Fastener
- A screw or other connector used to hold metal panels and building components securely in place.
- ◦ Building Permit
- Approval from the local government to construct a building under the building and zoning rules that apply to the property.
- ◦ Roof Pitch
- How steep the roof is, usually described by how much it rises over a set horizontal distance.
- ◦ Overhead Door
- The large door that opens upward to let cars, trucks or equipment move in and out of the garage.
Elim, Long County — At a Glance
- Permit Authority Name
- Long County Code Enforcement Office
- Permit Authority Url
- https://www.longcountyga.gov/code-enforcement
- Permit Threshold Sqft
- Not explicitly published — the county maintains a Land Development Code (PDF) and a building permit application, but no clear sqft exemption threshold for accessory structures was found in it via search. Needs direct confirmation with Code Enforcement (912-545-3683 / codeenforcement@longcountyga.gov).
- Setback Feet Side Rear
- Not found — the Land Development Code likely contains a setback table by district (see Planning & Zoning page), but specific figures were not extractable via search. Needs direct confirmation.
- Wind Load Zone
- Inland Georgia — roughly 110-120 mph (ASCE 7, Exposure C), though Long County is closer to the coast than most counties in this batch (roughly 25-30 miles from Long County to tidewater). NOT a verified figure; must be confirmed with a GA-licensed engineer or the county building official.
- Coastal
- Drive Miles
- 59.3
- Drive Minutes
- 94
- Nearby Towns
- Smiley Crossroads, Donald, Wefanie, Ludowici
- 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 Elim, 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 Elim?
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://www.longcountyga.gov/code-enforcement (2026)
- https://www.longcountyga.gov/code-enforcement (Land Development Code PDF linked there) (2026)
- https://www.longcountyga.gov/planning-zoning (2026)
- General ASCE 7 inland-Georgia range (aggregated secondary sources) — no county-specific or primary map source found (2026)
- Long County is not among the coastal counties named in the client spec (per provided coastal flag list) (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)
