How much does a building permit cost in Covington, VA?

Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. The building permit form shows permit cost plus a 2% state levy based on estimated total physical value of construction. The city does not publicly post the full fee table on reviewed pages..

How do I apply for a building permit in Covington, VA?

1. Confirm scope with Development Services. The city handles building permits, rezoning, floodplain development permits, sign permits, stormwater permits, land disturbance permits, and open burning permits. 2. Download the building permit application from the city's forms page or request the needed form by email to devservices@covington.va.us. 3. Complete the application with project description, owner and contractor information, plot plan, and mechanics lien and owner affidavit information as applicable. 4. If the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the building permit must go through the city's floodplain review before issuance. 5. Submit the completed application by email, fax, mail, or drop off at 340 E. Walnut Street. 6. Respond to any city review comments and pay assessed fees. The application form includes permit cost plus a 2% state levy based on estimated total physical value of construction. 7. After permit issuance, proceed with work and schedule the required inspections. Seven inspections are required on all new structures.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Covington, VA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (540) 965-6356, devservices@covington.va.us.

City Building Permits

Covington, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Virginia Alleghany County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Covington is an independent city, not part of Alleghany County for permit administration. Building, zoning, floodplain, land disturbance, and related permit intake are handled through City of Covington Development Services.

Department: Development Services, City of Covington
Address: 340 E. Walnut Street, Covington, VA 24426
Phone: (540) 965-6356
Email: devservices@covington.va.us
Website: https://covington.va.us/covington-departments-and-services/development-services.html

Application Process

Confirm scope with Development Services. The city handles building permits, rezoning, floodplain development permits, sign permits, stormwater permits, land disturbance permits, and open burning permits.
Download the building permit application from the city's forms page or request the needed form by email to devservices@covington.va.us.
Complete the application with project description, owner and contractor information, plot plan, and mechanics lien and owner affidavit information as applicable.
If the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the building permit must go through the city's floodplain review before issuance.
Submit the completed application by email, fax, mail, or drop off at 340 E. Walnut Street.
Respond to any city review comments and pay assessed fees. The application form includes permit cost plus a 2% state levy based on estimated total physical value of construction.
After permit issuance, proceed with work and schedule the required inspections. Seven inspections are required on all new structures.

Source: Development Services, City of Covington

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new work, repairs, alterations, additions, and demolitions. The city also has separate permit pathways for land disturbance, stormwater, sign, floodplain development, and open burning.

Required Documents

Building permit application
Project description
Plot plan
Owner and contractor information
State and city license information for contractors
Owner affidavit if applicant is not a licensed contractor
Mechanics lien agent information if designated
Demolition asbestos certification if applicable
Floodplain review documentation if the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area

Permit validity: No Covington-specific expiration rule was located on public pages reviewed. Virginia Construction Code default six-month abandonment and inactivity rules apply.
Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective January 18, 2024, subject to Virginia transition rules)
Owner-builder: The city form includes an owner affidavit for applicants who are not licensed contractors. The owner must affirm familiarity with Virginia contractor licensing law and that hiring an unlicensed contractor is unlawful.
Contractor requirements: The building permit form requests both the Virginia state license number and a city license number. Virginia Code section 54.1-1111 requires proof of contractor licensure or a written exemption statement before permit issuance.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Valuation-based. The building permit form shows permit cost plus a 2% state levy based on estimated total physical value of construction. The city does not publicly post the full fee table on reviewed pages.
Payment note: Checks should be payable to the City of Covington. Applications may be submitted by email, fax, mail, or drop off.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Development Services, City of Covington to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(540) 965-6356 (phone)
devservices@covington.va.us (email)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Seven inspections are required on all new structures: footing excavation and reinforcement; foundation systems; preparatory work before slab placement; structural members and fasteners before concealment; electrical, mechanical, and plumbing before concealment; energy conservation material before concealment; and final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective January 18, 2024, subject to Virginia transition rules)
Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Rezoning Application (PDF)
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
Virginia Contractor Permit Prerequisite (Code § 54.1-1111)
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 Development Services, City of Covington before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Covington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Covington, VA?: A building permit is required for new work, repairs, alterations, additions, and demolitions. The city also has separate permit pathways for land disturbance, stormwater, sign, floodplain development, and open burning.
How much does a building permit cost in Covington, VA?: Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. The building permit form shows permit cost plus a 2% state levy based on estimated total physical value of construction. The city does not publicly post the full fee table on reviewed pages..
How do I apply for a building permit in Covington, VA?: 1. Confirm scope with Development Services. The city handles building permits, rezoning, floodplain development permits, sign permits, stormwater permits, land disturbance permits, and open burning permits. 2. Download the building permit application from the city's forms page or request the needed form by email to devservices@covington.va.us. 3. Complete the application with project description, owner and contractor information, plot plan, and mechanics lien and owner affidavit information as applicable. 4. If the site is in a Special Flood Hazard Area, the building permit must go through the city's floodplain review before issuance. 5. Submit the completed application by email, fax, mail, or drop off at 340 E. Walnut Street. 6. Respond to any city review comments and pay assessed fees. The application form includes permit cost plus a 2% state levy based on estimated total physical value of construction. 7. After permit issuance, proceed with work and schedule the required inspections. Seven inspections are required on all new structures.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Covington, VA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (540) 965-6356, devservices@covington.va.us.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Covington can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

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.

Other cities in Alleghany County

Clifton Forge Iron Gate

View all Alleghany County jurisdictions →