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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Onley
Accomack County USBC rules govern the actual building permit. Town-side land-use controls may also apply; confirm with the Town before starting work.
- 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 or town requirements. In the Special Flood Hazard Area, even small accessory structures require a permit. Confirm with Accomack County and the Town of Onley before proceeding.
- Accomack County building permit application
- Required County forms (site plan, non-licensed contractor affidavit or owner consent if applicable, Health Department form if needed, flood documents if required)
- Any town-side prerequisite documents as required by the Town of Onley
- Building code
- 2021 Virginia code package administered by Accomack County (effective January 18, 2024).
- Permit validity
- Accomack County permits are valid for six months after issue; construction must have started within six months. A six-month extension is available (maximum two extensions).
- Owner-builder
- County non-licensed contractor affidavit and owner consent form available for non-licensed applicants.
- Contractor requirements
- Virginia DPOR contractor licensing and County permit declaration requirements apply.
Source: Accomack County Building and Zoning Office (building permits and inspections for Onley) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: No town-specific estimate found. County inspection requests with at least 24 hours notice will be performed within two working days.
- 01 Contact the Town of Onley to confirm whether the town requires a zoning approval, local permit, floodplain review, or business-registration step before County filing.
- 02 If no separate town-side intake applies, proceed with Accomack County's ordinary building-permit process through the ACCESS portal or at the County Building Office.
- 03 If the town requires a prerequisite approval, secure that approval before County filing.
- 04 Complete County plan review, payment, and permit issuance, then post the permit card and schedule inspections as work progresses.
Typical processing time: No town-specific estimate found. County inspection requests with at least 24 hours notice will be performed within two working days.
Source: Accomack County Building and Zoning Office (building permits and inspections for Onley) ↗
Fee schedule
Onley building permit fees
County ACCESS portal supports online payment.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 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 performed within two working days.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays.
Typical sequence: County standard 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.
Source: Accomack County Building and Zoning Office (building permits and inspections for Onley) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Onley permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Onley, VA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Onley, VA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Onley, VA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Onley, VA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Onley, VA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Onley, VA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Accomack County Building and Zoning Office (building permits and inspections for Onley) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.