Residential Building Permits
Most residential building permit applications require building plans and a recorded plat. Additional documents may be required based on the project and property conditions.
Building plans
Please view the Residential Application Checklist for information regarding required information that must be shown on the building plans.
Additional structural information may be required when the project includes trusses, engineered beams, or walls more than 12 feet high.
Recorded plat
A recorded plat is an official drawing of a property that has been filed with the Clerk of the Circuit Court. It may show property lines, dimensions, easements, rights-of-way, and other property information. A recorded plat usually includes a deed book and page number or an instrument number.
A recorded plat is required for new dwellings, additions, accessory structures, and other projects involving exterior construction.
For more information, please see Setbacks and Plats: What is Required for Permit Review
For more information about recorded plats and how to obtain one, visit the Circuit Court Clerk's Office webpage.
For an interior alteration, a plat is generally not required. A plat is required if the project includes exterior work, such as replacing, enlarging, or extending a porch or deck. Show the location of the proposed exterior work on the plat in relation to property lines and required setbacks.
Well and septic requirements
For properties served by a private well or septic system, submit the applicable documents:
- OSE well and septic construction permits from the Virginia Department of Health
- An approved well log if the parcel is less than 21 acres
- A BTEX report if the parcel is within a LUST or BTEX zone
Land disturbance
Projects disturbing more than 10,000 square feet of land require additional information and approvals. Review the applicable land-disturbance requirements before submitting the building permit application.
These are general submission requirements. Select the checklist for your specific application type to confirm everything that must be submitted.
For more information view the Land Disturbance Permit Requirements for Detached Single-Family Home Permits or the Engineering Checklists in the Forms Library.
Special Inspections
A Special Inspections Report must be submitted with the permit application when special inspections are required. Projects that may require this report include:
- Segmental or stacked block retaining walls
- Helical-pier foundation installations or repairs
- Other engineered systems requiring special inspections
For more information, please see the Special Inspections Report Packet.
Available Checklists
Residential Permit Application Checklist
Residential Basement Application Packet
Residential Deck Application Checklist
Residential Pool and Spa Packet
Residential Roof & Ground Mount Photovoltaic System Checklist
Residential Commercial Prefabricated Storage Buildings and Metal Carports Application Checklist
Commercial Building Permits
Commercial permit requirements depend on whether the project involves new construction, an addition, or alterations to an existing building.
New commercial buildings and additions
Submit the following:
- Complete building plans
- A copy of the approved site plan
The proposed building or addition must be consistent with the approved site plan.
Commercial alterations
Building plans are required for alterations to an existing commercial building. A site plan may be required if the project includes exterior changes or changes affecting the approved site layout.
Life-safety plan
Include a life-safety plan with the building plans. The plan should identify applicable life-safety features, including exits, travel distances, occupant loads, fire-resistance ratings, and accessibility requirements.
Special inspections
A Special Inspections Report is required for steel structures and other construction requiring special inspections. Submit the report with the permit application, along with the applicable engineered plans and supporting documents.
For more information, please see the Special Inspections Report Packet.
Separate trade permits
Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire-alarm, and fire-sprinkler work require separate permit applications, as applicable. Each trade contractor must apply for the permit covering their portion of the work.
Third-party plan review
If a project begins with plans reviewed by an approved third-party reviewer, plans for all permits associated with that project must also receive third-party review. This includes the main building permit and all related trade permits.
