How much does a building permit cost in Town of Chincoteague, VA?

The minimum permit fee is Residential new construction minimum $80.00; residential remodeling minimum $60.00; commercial new construction minimum $110.00; commercial remodeling minimum $90.00 (older posted schedule). January 2024 Council minutes indicate updated figures: residential minimum $72.00, commercial minimum $96.00 for several categories. Verify current amounts with the Town.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential new construction $0.18 per square foot; residential remodeling $0.13 per square foot; commercial new construction $0.23 per square foot plus $5 per plumbing fixture; commercial remodeling $0.18 per square foot. Flat fees apply for demolition, pools, docks, roofing, and administrative actions.. Plan check fee: No separate public plan-check fee line found..

How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Chincoteague, VA?

1. Determine whether the work triggers a permit. The Town requires permits for new construction, enlargements, alterations, repairs, demolition, regulated equipment work, asbestos disturbance, and certain lot-line changes. 2. Obtain outside approvals first if needed: Health Department approval for new buildings or bedroom increases; public works or entrance approvals for some commercial work; flood elevation certificates for new structures and substantial additions; pile plans for pile-supported structures; and wetlands approvals from the Corps, VMRC, and Accomack County Wetlands Board where applicable. 3. Submit the building permit application either online through iWorQ or at the Town office with site plans, plans, and supporting documents. 4. If using the online portal, complete all required fields and upload related plans or documents. Applications are reviewed within 5 business days. 5. After review and approval, pay the required fee and receive the issued permit. 6. Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance as work progresses. For electrical permits or electrical inspections, contact the independent electrical inspector at 757-665-6260.

How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Chincoteague, VA?

Typical processing time is Applications reviewed within 5 business days..

What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Chincoteague, VA?

The following work is generally exempt: Low-voltage wiring and equipment operating at less than 50 volts, subject to the limitations stated by the Town; Tents and air-supported structures of 900 square feet or less with occupant load 50 or less; Ordinary repairs including qualifying replacement of non-gas and non-oil plumbing or mechanical equipment within a dwelling unit; Painting, repair of plaster, interior tile, and similar wall coverings; Replacement of windows and doors and qualifying electrical switches, outlets, light fixtures, or ceiling fans within a dwelling unit. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with the Town of Chincoteague Building and Zoning Department before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Chincoteague, VA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 757-336-6519 (Town Office — at least 24 hours in advance), 757-665-6260 (independent electrical inspector). Requests require at least 24 hours notice..

City Building Permits

Town of Chincoteague, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Chincoteague, Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Virginia Accomack County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Chincoteague is the one incorporated town that Accomack County expressly excludes from its building-permit jurisdiction. The Town maintains its own Building and Zoning Office and uses an independent electrical inspector (757-665-6260).

Department: Town of Chincoteague, Inc. Building and Zoning Department
Address: 6150 Community Drive, Chincoteague, VA 23336
Phone: 757-336-6519
Email: mbowden@chincoteague-va.gov
Website: https://chincoteague-va.gov/building-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Open iWorQ Citizen Portal

Platform: iWorQ • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine whether the work triggers a permit. The Town requires permits for new construction, enlargements, alterations, repairs, demolition, regulated equipment work, asbestos disturbance, and certain lot-line changes.
Obtain outside approvals first if needed: Health Department approval for new buildings or bedroom increases; public works or entrance approvals for some commercial work; flood elevation certificates for new structures and substantial additions; pile plans for pile-supported structures; and wetlands approvals from the Corps, VMRC, and Accomack County Wetlands Board where applicable.
Submit the building permit application either online through iWorQ or at the Town office with site plans, plans, and supporting documents.
If using the online portal, complete all required fields and upload related plans or documents. Applications are reviewed within 5 business days.
After review and approval, pay the required fee and receive the issued permit.
Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance as work progresses. For electrical permits or electrical inspections, contact the independent electrical inspector at 757-665-6260.

Typical processing time: Applications reviewed within 5 business days.

Source: Town of Chincoteague, Inc. Building and Zoning Department

General Requirements

Permits are required when constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure; changing use in ways that increase code requirements; installing or altering regulated equipment; disturbing asbestos-containing materials during demolition or renovation; or moving a lot line that affects code compliance.

Required Documents

Building permit application
Site plan
Building plans
Related outside approvals (Health Department, public works, etc.) where required
Flood elevation certificate for new residential and commercial structures
Pile plan by a Virginia-licensed architect or engineer for pile-supported structures
Wetlands approvals where relevant

Permit validity: No public Town narrative stating the basic permit-expiration rule was found. The Town fee schedule includes a permit six-month extension fee with a maximum of two extensions.
Building code: The Town administers permits under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The current effective Virginia package is the 2021 code cycle, effective January 18, 2024.
Owner-builder: A homeowner may obtain a permit. If a contractor is being hired, the contractor should obtain the permit because the permit signatory is responsible for the work. The Town warns that if a contractor asks a homeowner to obtain the permit, there may be a chance the contractor is not properly licensed.
Contractor requirements: State contractor and trade licensing is regulated through Virginia DPOR. Permits should be obtained by the licensed contractor performing the work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee: Residential new construction minimum $80.00; residential remodeling minimum $60.00; commercial new construction minimum $110.00; commercial remodeling minimum $90.00 (older posted schedule). January 2024 Council minutes indicate updated figures: residential minimum $72.00, commercial minimum $96.00 for several categories. Verify current amounts with the Town.
Plan check fee: No separate public plan-check fee line found.
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Residential new construction $0.18 per square foot; residential remodeling $0.13 per square foot; commercial new construction $0.23 per square foot plus $5 per plumbing fixture; commercial remodeling $0.18 per square foot. Flat fees apply for demolition, pools, docks, roofing, and administrative actions.
Reinspection fee: $40.00 (older posted schedule; verify current amount).
Penalty (no permit): $50.00 first offense for work started without permit; $200.00 second or later offense (older posted schedule; verify current amounts).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Low-voltage wiring and equipment operating at less than 50 volts, subject to the limitations stated by the Town
Tents and air-supported structures of 900 square feet or less with occupant load 50 or less
Ordinary repairs including qualifying replacement of non-gas and non-oil plumbing or mechanical equipment within a dwelling unit
Painting, repair of plaster, interior tile, and similar wall coverings
Replacement of windows and doors and qualifying electrical switches, outlets, light fixtures, or ceiling fans within a dwelling unit

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with the Town of Chincoteague Building and Zoning Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

757-336-6519 (Town Office — at least 24 hours in advance) (phone)
757-665-6260 (independent electrical inspector) (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Requests require at least 24 hours notice.
Inspection hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Building and Zoning Administrator in-office availability: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, first come first served.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing, foundation, concrete prep, piling observation, structural members and fasteners before concealment (including sheathing and flashing), rough electrical/mechanical/plumbing before concealment, energy-conservation inspection before concealment, final inspection, and any additional inspections required by the Building Official.

Additional Resources

Building code: The Town administers permits under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The current effective Virginia package is the 2021 code cycle, effective January 18, 2024.
Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Owner-builder rules: View rules
Building and Zoning Department
Forms and Applications
License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Town of Chincoteague, Inc. Building and Zoning Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Chincoteague Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Chincoteague, VA?: Permits are required when constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure; changing use in ways that increase code requirements; installing or altering regulated equipment; disturbing asbestos-containing materials during demolition or renovation; or moving a lot line that affects code compliance.
How much does a building permit cost in Town of Chincoteague, VA?: The minimum permit fee is Residential new construction minimum $80.00; residential remodeling minimum $60.00; commercial new construction minimum $110.00; commercial remodeling minimum $90.00 (older posted schedule). January 2024 Council minutes indicate updated figures: residential minimum $72.00, commercial minimum $96.00 for several categories. Verify current amounts with the Town.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Residential new construction $0.18 per square foot; residential remodeling $0.13 per square foot; commercial new construction $0.23 per square foot plus $5 per plumbing fixture; commercial remodeling $0.18 per square foot. Flat fees apply for demolition, pools, docks, roofing, and administrative actions.. Plan check fee: No separate public plan-check fee line found..
How do I apply for a building permit in Town of Chincoteague, VA?: 1. Determine whether the work triggers a permit. The Town requires permits for new construction, enlargements, alterations, repairs, demolition, regulated equipment work, asbestos disturbance, and certain lot-line changes. 2. Obtain outside approvals first if needed: Health Department approval for new buildings or bedroom increases; public works or entrance approvals for some commercial work; flood elevation certificates for new structures and substantial additions; pile plans for pile-supported structures; and wetlands approvals from the Corps, VMRC, and Accomack County Wetlands Board where applicable. 3. Submit the building permit application either online through iWorQ or at the Town office with site plans, plans, and supporting documents. 4. If using the online portal, complete all required fields and upload related plans or documents. Applications are reviewed within 5 business days. 5. After review and approval, pay the required fee and receive the issued permit. 6. Request inspections at least 24 hours in advance as work progresses. For electrical permits or electrical inspections, contact the independent electrical inspector at 757-665-6260.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Town of Chincoteague, VA?: Typical processing time is Applications reviewed within 5 business days..
What work is exempt from building permits in Town of Chincoteague, VA?: The following work is generally exempt: Low-voltage wiring and equipment operating at less than 50 volts, subject to the limitations stated by the Town; Tents and air-supported structures of 900 square feet or less with occupant load 50 or less; Ordinary repairs including qualifying replacement of non-gas and non-oil plumbing or mechanical equipment within a dwelling unit; Painting, repair of plaster, interior tile, and similar wall coverings; Replacement of windows and doors and qualifying electrical switches, outlets, light fixtures, or ceiling fans within a dwelling unit. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with the Town of Chincoteague Building and Zoning Department before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Town of Chincoteague, VA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 757-336-6519 (Town Office — at least 24 hours in advance), 757-665-6260 (independent electrical inspector). Requests require at least 24 hours notice..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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