A Building and Zoning Application (AKA a building permit) is required for:
- All construction regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
- Installations, replacements, or alterations of walls, structural components, required egress systems, required fire or smoke rated assembly, water and sewage systems, electric wiring, fire protection system, mechanical systems, fuel supply systems, or any equipment regulated by the USBC.
- When a new certificate of occupancy is required.
- When the movement of a lot line decreases the safety of a building or structure according to the building code from the year it was constructed.
- Removal or disturbance of any construction or demolition materials containing asbestos.
- An Accessory Apartment.
- Retaining walls (Over 3 feet)
- ONLY REQUIRES ZONING REVIEW
- Sheds under 256 feet. Requires approval of the location of the proposed structure. (Electric and plumbing will require a Building Sub-Contractor Application and Health Department approval if well and septic exist on the property).
- Retaining walls (3 feet or less).
A Building and Zoning Application (AKA a building permit) is generally not required for:
- Patios.
- Tents or air-supported structures less than 900 square feet in size.
- Fences (unless required for safety or as a barrier around a swimming pool).
- Flagpoles.
Please be aware that some additional information must be submitted with your application depending on the type of permit needed. Please review the appropriate packet for the type of work you are proposing to submit for review.
- For any work proposing a new structure or change in the footprint of an existing structure, we require such to be shown on the most recent plat (obtainable from the County Clerk’s office), along with distances to property lines indicated
- For structures on parcels that contain environmentally-sensitive areas, such as slopes of 25% or greater, or stream buffers, it is helpful to include and indicate the location of work on a map showing these features. A map can be printed out from the County’s GIS site. After finding your parcel, click the Maps link, choose the Map Theme titled 'Critical Resource Plan"
If you believe your project is exempt from building permit requirements, we recommend you contact Community Development at 434-296-5832 before beginning work.
Payment Information:
- Permits that are submitted through Camino, credit card payment will be submitted through Camino. You will have the option to may payment by mail or in-person before submitting your application through Camino.
- For permits submitted through Online, credit card information will be submitted through our digital submission software.
- For permits listed In-Person, checks and exact cash will be submitted to our front desk either in-person or mail and applied to your permit. We currently do not accept credit card at the front desk.
