Reviewed by the Benton Metal Depot team · Updated
For some residents in Smiley Crossroads, 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
- ◦Doors, windows and other selections can change the final cost of a garage.
- ◦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.
- ◦In Smiley Crossroads, 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 Donald, Wefanie, Elim and Ludowici and other communities around Smiley Crossroads.
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
Before a metal garage goes up in Smiley Crossroads, check with Long County Code Enforcement Office — Long's cutoff for requiring a building permit is 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. Below that, you still need to clear 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 from your property line.
Delivery to Smiley Crossroads
Residents in Smiley Crossroads are currently looking at about 1 to 2 weeks after placing an order. Benton Metal Depot is approximately 59.3 miles away. Use that window to finish whatever needs to happen at the property first. Waiting until the garage is ready can create unnecessary delays if the site isn't.
Representative product photo — a Long County-specific project photo is pending (rotates in from Trey's weekly upload per the freshness cadence).
FAQ
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.
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.
Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Smiley Crossroads?
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.
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.
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 Smiley Crossroads, make sure the garage specifications and site plan also meet the local requirements that apply to the property.
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.
How long does it take to get a metal garage delivered to Smiley Crossroads?
Current delivery time to Smiley Crossroads is approximately 1 to 2 weeks. If your project also involves permitting, grading or concrete, don't wait to do those jobs until the garage is almost ready. Use the delivery window to get the property prepared, and base your schedule on the estimate given for your order.
Definitions
- ◦ Fastener
- A screw or other connector used to hold metal panels and building components securely in place.
- ◦ Roof Pitch
- How steep the roof is, usually described by how much it rises over a set horizontal distance.
- ◦ Building Permit
- Approval from the local government to construct a building under the building and zoning rules that apply to the property.
- ◦ Overhead Door
- The large door that opens upward to let cars, trucks or equipment move in and out of the garage.
- ◦ 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.
- ◦ Gable
- The triangular wall section found at the end of a building with a pitched roof.
- ◦ Setback
- The required amount of space between your garage and a property line, road or another boundary covered by local rules.
- ◦ Roof Panel
- A formed sheet of metal that makes up part of the garage's exterior roof surface.
- ◦ Trim
- The finished metal pieces used along corners, roof edges, openings and other transitions on the building.
Smiley Crossroads, 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
- Donald, Wefanie, Elim, 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 has been working with metal building products in Statesboro since 2004. That local experience is important when you're planning a garage in Smiley Crossroads and trying to sort through materials, building specifications and the rest of the project details. Benton works with homeowners, contractors and property owners throughout the region.
Ready to talk through your metal garages project in Smiley Crossroads?
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)
