Unincorporated Accomack County

Permits are administered under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. County floodplain guidance adds that even small accessory structures that would otherwise be exempt still require permits in the Special Flood Hazard Area. Captains Cove and Trails End roofing applications require prior approvals before the County can issue a permit.

• Exempt Installation of qualifying low-voltage wiring and equipment under the USBC exemption language
• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet, unless another rule applies
• Exempt Limited roof shingle replacement on an area of 10 feet by 10 feet
• Exempt Window replacement
• Exempt Other USBC Section 108.2 exempt work listed on the County permit-requirements page

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. County floodplain guidance states even small backyard storage buildings under 256 square feet require a permit if located in the Special Flood Hazard Area. Confirm with the Accomack County Building and Zoning Office before proceeding.

Building code

Permits issued after January 18, 2024 are subject to the 2021 Virginia code package: 2021 Virginia Construction Code, Residential Code, Plumbing Code, Mechanical Code, Fuel Gas Code, Energy Conservation Code, Statewide Fire Prevention Code, Existing Building Code, and the 2020 National Electrical Code.

Permit validity

Building permits are valid for six months after issue; construction must have started within six months to remain active. A six-month extension is available (maximum two extensions).

Owner-builder

The County posts a non-licensed contractor affidavit and owner consent form, indicating the County distinguishes between licensed-contractor work and owner or other non-licensed applicant situations.

Contractor requirements

Virginia state contractor licensing is governed by DPOR. The County checks whether the applicant is a licensed contractor or is proceeding under a non-licensed declaration. County business-license requirements may also apply.

Source: Accomack County Building and Zoning Office, within Building, Planning and Economic Development ↗

1. 01
   Confirm whether the project is in unincorporated Accomack County or in an incorporated town. If in a county-served town, confirm whether that town requires a local zoning or town permit before County intake.
2. 02
   Determine the permit type and gather required County forms: building application, required-forms sheet, site plan, owner consent or non-licensed contractor affidavit if applicable, Health Department form if bedrooms or septic are implicated, and flood documents where required.
3. 03
   Register for an ACCESS account if filing online. The portal is used to apply for permits, pay fees, view comments, download issued permits and certificates, and schedule inspections.
4. 04
   Submit the permit package through ACCESS or coordinate directly with the Building Office if the project needs staff assistance or a town-side prerequisite first.
5. 05
   Respond to County review comments and upload revisions if requested. Review may also require floodplain, environmental, wetlands, Chesapeake/Atlantic Preservation Area, health, or zoning-related approvals depending on site conditions.
6. 06
   Pay fees through the ACCESS portal or at the Building Office.
7. 07
   After approval and issuance, post the permit card on site and call for inspections as work reaches each required stage.

Typical processing time: No public countywide permit-review SLA published. For inspections, requests with at least 24 hours notice will be performed within two working days.

Source: Accomack County Building and Zoning Office, within Building, Planning and Economic Development ↗

The ACCESS portal supports online fee payment. No separate payment-processing surcharge policy located.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• 757-787-5721 (phone)
• 757-824-5223 (alternate) (phone)
• building@co.accomack.va.us (email)
• ACCESS portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Requests require at least 24 hours notice. Inspections will be performed within two working days of a timely request.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays

Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing, foundation, slab or under-slab work, framing and structural members before concealment, rough trade inspections before concealment, energy-conservation inspection, flood-elevation certificate checkpoints where applicable, and final inspection. Permit holders must notify the department when each required stage is reached.

Source: Accomack County Building and Zoning Office, within Building, Planning and Economic Development ↗