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1. When is a permit required?

Application for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit shall be obtained prior to commencing any of the following activities:

Construction, reconstruction, alteration, repair, conversion or demolition of a building or structure, including the installation or altering of any equipment regulated by the USBC.

Change of Occupancy of an existing structure when a new certificate is required by the USBC

Movement of a lot line that increases the hazard to or decreases the level of safety of an existing building or structure.

Removing or disturbing any asbestos containing materials during demolition, alteration, renovation of or additions to buildings or structures.

2. When is a permit not required?

A permit is not required for: Ordinary repairs which do not involve any violations of the building code. These include painting, roofing, most glass, most doors, floor covering and porch flooring, repairs to plaster or interior tile and other wall covering, residential cabinets, and wiring and equipment operating under 50 volts. Detached accessory structures less than 256 sq. ft. NOTE: must be structurally sound and anchored. Zoning permit is still required. Tents or air supported structure less than 900 sq. ft. and less than 50 persons. Fences and privacy walls (does not include retaining walls) that do not exceed six feet above finished grade. Swimming pools meeting all three of the following conditions: less than 200 sq. ft., less than 5,000 gallons capacity and less than 24" deep. Pools that fail to meet any one of these conditions require a permit. Re-roofing of 1 and 2 family dwellings (roof covering only). Most wiring and equipment that operates at less than 50 volts. (exceptions) Replacement of plumbing and electrical fixtures, fittings, appliances, including electric water heaters, fans, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air cleaners, and similar mechanical equipment, doors and windows with that of similar capacity in the same location in most residential uses.

3. Who may apply for a permit?

Permits may be applied for by the owner or lessee of the building or the agent of either, or by the licensed professional engineer, architect, contractor or subcontractor (or their prospective agents) employed in connection with the prospective work. Engineers, architects, contractors or subcontractors must provide evidence that they are licensed to practice in Virginia or are exempt from the requirements.

4. How long is a permit valid?

A permit remains valid for as long as the work is proceeding. If the work is halted or abandoned for a period of at least six months, the permit may be suspended. Extensions may be granted for cause by the building commissioner. Letters are sent to permit holders advising them that the permit is about to be suspended and requesting a progress report when no inspections have been scheduled for 6-12 months. If the permit is suspended, you may be required to re-apply and/or pay additional fees to re-activate the permit.

5. May a permit be voided?

Permits may only be voided by the building commissioner when false or fraudulent information has been provided on the application. Otherwise, the permit may be canceled by the applicant.

6. May a permit be returned for a refund?

Anytime before completion of the project, a permit may be canceled by the permit holder. If the project is incomplete, you are eligible for a refund based on the unfinished portion of the work minus an administrative cost of 25%.