Reviewed by the Benton Metal Depot team · Updated
If you're shopping for a metal garage in Ararat, don't start with the building size. Instead, you should start with what you're planning to put inside it. A pickup, two cars and a workbench all need different amounts of room. Benton Metal Depot supplies garage packages for residential, agricultural and commercial properties throughout Berkeley.
Key Points
- ◦Check the permit and setback rules before deciding exactly where the garage will go.
- ◦Delivery to Ararat is currently estimated at 1 to 2 weeks.
- ◦A metal garage can be used as parking, storage, equipment and work space under the same roof.
- ◦Benton Metal Depot is approximately 160.2 miles from Ararat.
- ◦The current local setback for a metal garage is Not confirmed. A search result appeared to describe a "within 3 ft of the main building counts as part of the main building for setback purposes" rule, but that language traces to the City of Berkeley, California's municipal code, not Berkeley County, SC — it was NOT used here to avoid misattributing a fact to the wrong jurisdiction. Berkeley County SC's own accessory-structure setback table needs direct primary-source lookup before publishing any number..
At a Glance
| Permit threshold |
200
As of 2026 · Source |
|---|---|
| Setback (side/rear) |
Not confirmed. A search result appeared to describe a "within 3 ft of the main building counts as part of the main building for setback purposes" rule, but that language traces to the City of Berkeley, California's municipal code, not Berkeley County, SC — it was NOT used here to avoid misattributing a fact to the wrong jurisdiction. Berkeley County SC's own accessory-structure setback table needs direct primary-source lookup before publishing any number.
As of 2026 · Source |
| Wind load zone |
Berkeley County design criteria require a minimum of 133 mph wind design ("D" seismic for commercial, "D-2" for residential"), per the county's own building-regulations documentation — a real, county-published figure rather than a generic estimate, but still confirm which code edition/map this is tied to (and whether it applies county-wide or only near the coastal/Charleston-adjacent portion of the county) with a licensed SC engineer or the county building official before treating it as final.
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 |
206
As of 2026 · Source |
Permits & Setbacks in Berkeley County
Berkeley's permitting office, Berkeley County Building and Codes Enforcement, sets the accessory-structure line at 200 square feet — build under that and you generally skip the full building-permit process, though a setback of Not confirmed. A search result appeared to describe a "within 3 ft of the main building counts as part of the main building for setback purposes" rule, but that language traces to the City of Berkeley, California's municipal code, not Berkeley County, SC — it was NOT used here to avoid misattributing a fact to the wrong jurisdiction. Berkeley County SC's own accessory-structure setback table needs direct primary-source lookup before publishing any number. still applies. Confirm your lot's zoning district before ordering, since setbacks vary by district.
Delivery to Ararat
Current delivery time to Ararat is approximately 1 to 2 weeks. Benton also serves nearby communities including Mount Holly, Pine Grove, Goose Creek and Tranquil Acres. 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 Berkeley County-specific project photo is pending (rotates in from Trey's weekly upload per the freshness cadence).
FAQ
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 Ararat, make sure the garage specifications and site plan also meet the local requirements that apply to the property.
Do I need a permit for a metal garage in Ararat?
That depends on the garage and the requirements of Berkeley County Building and Codes Enforcement. The current rule requires a permit once the garage exceeds 200 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.
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 Berkeley County Building and Codes Enforcement. 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.
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.
How close can my metal garage be to the property line?
The current setback in Ararat is Not confirmed. A search result appeared to describe a "within 3 ft of the main building counts as part of the main building for setback purposes" rule, but that language traces to the City of Berkeley, California's municipal code, not Berkeley County, SC — it was NOT used here to avoid misattributing a fact to the wrong jurisdiction. Berkeley County SC's own accessory-structure setback table needs direct primary-source lookup before publishing any number., although you should confirm the requirement for your particular property with Berkeley County Building and Codes Enforcement. A setback controls how close the building can be to certain property boundaries. Check that distance before you settle on a location, especially when space on the lot is tight.
Definitions
- ◦ 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.
- ◦ Concrete Slab
- A flat poured-concrete surface commonly used as the finished floor and part of the foundation system for a garage.
- ◦ 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.
- ◦ Setback
- The required amount of space between your garage and a property line, road or another boundary covered by local rules.
- ◦ Ridge
- The top line of a pitched roof where the two sloping sides come together.
- ◦ Gable
- The triangular wall section found at the end of a building with a pitched roof.
- ◦ Roof Panel
- A formed sheet of metal that makes up part of the garage's exterior roof surface.
Ararat, Berkeley County — At a Glance
- Permit Authority Name
- Berkeley County Building and Codes Enforcement
- Permit Authority Url
- https://berkeleycountysc.gov/dept/codes/
- Permit Threshold Sqft
- 200
- Setback Feet Side Rear
- Not confirmed. A search result appeared to describe a "within 3 ft of the main building counts as part of the main building for setback purposes" rule, but that language traces to the City of Berkeley, California's municipal code, not Berkeley County, SC — it was NOT used here to avoid misattributing a fact to the wrong jurisdiction. Berkeley County SC's own accessory-structure setback table needs direct primary-source lookup before publishing any number.
- Wind Load Zone
- Berkeley County design criteria require a minimum of 133 mph wind design ("D" seismic for commercial, "D-2" for residential"), per the county's own building-regulations documentation — a real, county-published figure rather than a generic estimate, but still confirm which code edition/map this is tied to (and whether it applies county-wide or only near the coastal/Charleston-adjacent portion of the county) with a licensed SC engineer or the county building official before treating it as final.
- Coastal
- Drive Miles
- 160.2
- Drive Minutes
- 206
- Nearby Towns
- Mount Holly, Pine Grove, Goose Creek, Tranquil Acres
- 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
Buying a garage isn't just a matter of picking a picture and choosing a size. You also have to think about what you're putting inside, where it will sit and what materials the project needs. Benton Metal Depot works with residents in Ararat and throughout the region to help them choose a garage package that will work well with whatever they need.
Ready to talk through your metal garages project in Ararat?
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://berkeleycountysc.gov/dept/codes/ (2026)
- South Carolina Residential Code § R105.2 (2018 IRC, adopted statewide) — same statewide default as neighboring Dorchester/Aiken counties; not independently re-confirmed on a Berkeley County-specific page in this pass, so verify against Berkeley County's current permit application guidance before publishing (2026)
- https://berkeleycountysc.gov/wp-content/uploads/docs/Buildings-and-Building-Regulations.pdf (not independently readable as text in this pass) and https://library.municode.com/sc/berkeley_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH11BUBURE (2026)
- https://berkeleycountysc.gov/wp-content/uploads/docs/Buildings-and-Building-Regulations.pdf (2026)
- Berkeley County is not among the coastal counties named in the client spec, though its southeastern portion borders Charleston County/the coast directly (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 Berkeley County
See the Berkeley County hub for metal garages
