Bath County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Bath County is a Virginia county locality under the Uniform Statewide Building Code. Bath County Building, Planning and Zoning is the countywide building department and zoning office. No incorporated town in Bath County was identified with a separate building department. Unincorporated communities including Warm Springs, Hot Springs, and Millboro are under county permit administration. Zoning and floodplain review are handled within the same department, with the Zoning Administrator serving as Floodplain Administrator.

Department

Bath County Building, Planning and Zoning

Address

65 Courthouse Hill Road, Warm Springs, VA 24484

Phone

(540) 839-7236

Email

bathpermits@bathcountyva.gov

Website

https://www.bathcountyva.gov/government/building__planning_and_zoning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project needs only a building permit or also zoning approval, floodplain review, Health Department approval (VDH for septic and wells), utility connection approval from the Bath County Service Authority, VDOT entrance approval for new state-highway entrances, or erosion and sediment approvals. All new construction and additions require zoning approval.
2. Download the Bath County Building and Zoning Application. The current form combines the building permit, zoning permit, contractor and owner affidavit, and solid waste affidavit components.
3. Assemble required attachments. Residential work requires at minimum basic plans and, for new structures or bedroom additions, approved septic and well permits from VDH or approval from the local water or sewer operator. A VDOT entrance permit must be attached if a new entrance onto a state highway is needed. Commercial work requires licensed design professional plans.
4. Submit the application package to Bath County Building, Planning and Zoning by email to bathpermits@bathcountyva.gov, by mail, or in person Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Original signed and notarized documents are required for mailed or emailed applications; the office offers free notary service for hand-delivered applications.
5. Bath County reviews the application for completeness and compliance with building, zoning, erosion and sediment, floodplain, and other applicable requirements. If more information is needed, the applicant must supplement the filing.
6. Pay the required permit fees to the Bath County Treasurer. Fees must be paid by check made payable to Bath County Treasurer and presented at the code official's office.
7. After approval and fee payment, Bath County issues the permit. The permit must be posted on site. The applicant or permit holder is responsible for requesting required inspections through the county.

Typical processing time: Applicants will be notified within 5 working days whether the application has been approved, requires further information, or is denied.

Source: Bath County Building, Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, renovation, alteration, or demolition in Bath County, with listed exceptions. Bath County administers building permits and inspections under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Bath County's flood protection ordinance applies additional review in special flood hazard areas identified on FEMA mapping, and the county can require permits even for work otherwise exempt under the USBC if located in a flood hazard area.

Required Documents

• Completed Bath County Building and Zoning Application (includes building permit, zoning permit, contractor/owner affidavit, and solid waste affidavit)
• Plot plan, plat, survey, or sketch with setbacks for zoning review
• Residential construction plans as required by project size (more detailed submittals required for larger homes)
• Licensed design professional plans for commercial projects
• Septic and well construction permits from VDH, if applicable
• Public water and wastewater connection application from the service provider, if applicable
• VDOT entrance permit, if a new state-highway entrance is needed
• Mechanics lien agent information or 'None Designated' for one-family and two-family residential permits
• Contractor license information (Virginia state contractor license number, class, and expiration date), or owner affidavit if the owner is the applicant and not subject to contractor licensure
• Notarized owner or contractor signature block and notarized solid waste affidavit
• Erosion and sediment documents when land disturbance thresholds or site conditions trigger them

Permit validity

Under 13VAC5-63-100, the building official may revoke a permit if work does not commence within 6 months after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after issuance. One or more written extensions of time are allowed, not to exceed 1 year per extension. For new detached single-family dwellings, additions to detached single-family dwellings, and residential accessory structures, the building official may require a 3-year time limit to complete construction, subject to extensions for substantive progress. An application is deemed abandoned 6 months after filing unless pursued in good faith or a permit has been issued.

Building code

2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), effective January 18, 2024

Owner-builder

Bath County's permit form includes an owner affidavit for property owners listing themselves as general contractor. The owner certifies familiarity with Code of Virginia Section 54.1-1111, affirms they are not subject to contractor or subcontractor licensure, and accepts responsibility for work quality, code compliance, zoning compliance, erosion and sediment control compliance, and requesting inspections. The application must be notarized.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be licensed for the type of work being performed or the application will be denied. The county requires the contractor's Virginia state contractor license number, class, and expiration date. Contractors should also verify any local business license obligations with the Bath County Commissioner of the Revenue in addition to DPOR licensing.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25.00

Plan check fee

Site plan review fee: additional $25.00 when a site plan is required for land-use compliance review. No separate percentage-based plan review fee was identified.

Permit fee formula

Permit Fee = Cost Estimate x Permit Fee Multiplier. Multiplier is 0.003 (0.3%) for construction projects under $200,000 and 0.004 (0.4%) for construction projects of $200,000 and larger. New construction and additions are based on the higher of the applicant's job cost estimate or the code official's estimate. Renovations, remodeling, repairs, residential accessory buildings, and separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and insulation installations are based on actual job cost using the permit fee multiplier. Manufactured homes: singlewide $150.00; doublewide $200.00 (fee does not include decks). Demolition of a structure over 150 sq ft: $25.00.

Reinspection fee

$25.00 reinspection fee when a requested inspection cannot be performed because the building is not open at the designated time. Pre-permit inspection fee for work started before obtaining a permit: $75.00 in addition to regular permit fees.

Penalty (no permit)

$75.00 pre-permit inspection fee for work started before obtaining a permit, in addition to regular permit fees.

Payment note

Payment must be by check made payable to Bath County Treasurer, presented at the code official's office. No online permit payment capability was identified.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached storage sheds or playhouses under 200 square feet
• Fences and privacy walls no taller than 6 feet
• Retaining walls supporting no more than 2 feet of unbalanced fill
• Small swimming pools no greater than 150 square feet, no more than 5,000 gallons, and no more than 24 inches deep
• Replacement of existing LP gas tanks with the same size in the same place by a gas supplier
• Replacement of windows and doors of the same size and similar operation
• Replacement of plumbing fixtures without changes in drain, waste, vent, or water supply
• Replacement of switches, receptacles, luminaires, and paddle fans
• Replacement of mechanical appliances not fueled by gas or oil
• Replacement of siding or roofing and up to 100 square feet of roof decking
• Replacement of floor covering
• Replacement of interior wall covering
• Installation of cabinets
• Paint or wallpaper
• Other minor and ordinary repair work deemed not to affect public health or safety
• Farm buildings and farm structures that meet USBC exemption conditions (including floodplain and mudslide-related limitations)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, health-department, or other approvals. Bath County may still require zoning or floodplain review even for permit-exempt work. The current statewide USBC exemptions (13VAC5-63-80) are broader in some categories than the county's residential brochure. Confirm with Bath County Building, Planning and Zoning before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (540) 839-7236 (phone)
• bathpermits@bathcountyva.gov (email)
• aseabolt@bathcountyva.gov (Building Official) (email)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Common inspections for residential construction include: foundation, backfill, temporary electric, framing, rough-in electric, electric service, rough-in plumbing, rough-in mechanical, underground, insulation, and final. Sewer to a VDH-approved septic system or public system and water supply from a VDH-approved well or public system are required before final occupancy. These are minimum inspections for most homes; additional inspections may be required.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), effective January 18, 2024
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Bath County Building Code and Fee Ordinance
• Bath County Local Code Table of Contents
• Bath County Flood Protection Ordinance
• Virginia USBC Permit Application and Exemption Section
• Virginia USBC Permit Validity and Abandonment Section
• Bath County Business License Page
• Bath County Commissioner of the Revenue
• Bath County Contact Directory
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Bath County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Bath County, VA?

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, renovation, alteration, or demolition in Bath County, with listed exceptions. Bath County administers building permits and inspections under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Bath County's flood protection ordinance applies additional review in special flood hazard areas identified on FEMA mapping, and the county can require permits even for work otherwise exempt under the USBC if located in a flood hazard area.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Bath County, VA?

The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Permit Fee = Cost Estimate x Permit Fee Multiplier. Multiplier is 0.003 (0.3%) for construction projects under $200,000 and 0.004 (0.4%) for construction projects of $200,000 and larger. New construction and additions are based on the higher of the applicant's job cost estimate or the code official's estimate. Renovations, remodeling, repairs, residential accessory buildings, and separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and insulation installations are based on actual job cost using the permit fee multiplier. Manufactured homes: singlewide $150.00; doublewide $200.00 (fee does not include decks). Demolition of a structure over 150 sq ft: $25.00.. Plan check fee: Site plan review fee: additional $25.00 when a site plan is required for land-use compliance review. No separate percentage-based plan review fee was identified..

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Bath County, VA?

1. Confirm whether the project needs only a building permit or also zoning approval, floodplain review, Health Department approval (VDH for septic and wells), utility connection approval from the Bath County Service Authority, VDOT entrance approval for new state-highway entrances, or erosion and sediment approvals. All new construction and additions require zoning approval. 2. Download the Bath County Building and Zoning Application. The current form combines the building permit, zoning permit, contractor and owner affidavit, and solid waste affidavit components. 3. Assemble required attachments. Residential work requires at minimum basic plans and, for new structures or bedroom additions, approved septic and well permits from VDH or approval from the local water or sewer operator. A VDOT entrance permit must be attached if a new entrance onto a state highway is needed. Commercial work requires licensed design professional plans. 4. Submit the application package to Bath County Building, Planning and Zoning by email to bathpermits@bathcountyva.gov, by mail, or in person Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Original signed and notarized documents are required for mailed or emailed applications; the office offers free notary service for hand-delivered applications. 5. Bath County reviews the application for completeness and compliance with building, zoning, erosion and sediment, floodplain, and other applicable requirements. If more information is needed, the applicant must supplement the filing. 6. Pay the required permit fees to the Bath County Treasurer. Fees must be paid by check made payable to Bath County Treasurer and presented at the code official's office. 7. After approval and fee payment, Bath County issues the permit. The permit must be posted on site. The applicant or permit holder is responsible for requesting required inspections through the county.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Bath County, VA?

Typical processing time is Applicants will be notified within 5 working days whether the application has been approved, requires further information, or is denied..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Bath County, VA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached storage sheds or playhouses under 200 square feet; Fences and privacy walls no taller than 6 feet; Retaining walls supporting no more than 2 feet of unbalanced fill; Small swimming pools no greater than 150 square feet, no more than 5,000 gallons, and no more than 24 inches deep; Replacement of existing LP gas tanks with the same size in the same place by a gas supplier; Replacement of windows and doors of the same size and similar operation; Replacement of plumbing fixtures without changes in drain, waste, vent, or water supply; Replacement of switches, receptacles, luminaires, and paddle fans; Replacement of mechanical appliances not fueled by gas or oil; Replacement of siding or roofing and up to 100 square feet of roof decking; Replacement of floor covering; Replacement of interior wall covering; Installation of cabinets; Paint or wallpaper; Other minor and ordinary repair work deemed not to affect public health or safety; Farm buildings and farm structures that meet USBC exemption conditions (including floodplain and mudslide-related limitations). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, health-department, or other approvals. Bath County may still require zoning or floodplain review even for permit-exempt work. The current statewide USBC exemptions (13VAC5-63-80) are broader in some categories than the county's residential brochure. Confirm with Bath County Building, Planning and Zoning before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Bath County, VA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (540) 839-7236, bathpermits@bathcountyva.gov, aseabolt@bathcountyva.gov (Building Official).