Town of Bedford, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Properties inside the Town of Bedford limits only. Properties outside the Town limits are served by Bedford County Building Inspections. Land disturbance permits are issued by Bedford County. Well or septic permits are handled by the Bedford County Health Department when public utilities are unavailable.

Department

Office of Building Inspections, Town of Bedford

Address

215 East Main Street, Bedford, VA 24523

Phone

540-587-6024

Email

building@bedfordva.gov

Website

https://www.bedfordva.gov/1331/Town-Building-Permits-and-Inspections

Application Process

1. Verify that the property is inside the Town of Bedford limits. The Town building page prominently directs properties outside the Town to Bedford County Building Inspections.
2. Determine whether separate Town zoning review is required. One-story detached sheds and similar structures up to 256 square feet and certain small pools may still require a zoning permit even when a building permit is not required.
3. Prepare the building permit package. The Town building page provides the permit application, permit fee schedule, required inspections sheet, asbestos regulations, code modification request, third-party inspection policy, special inspections statement, blower door form, HVAC certification, residential energy certificate, and framing or slab cutsheets.
4. Submit the completed forms by email to building@bedfordva.gov or deliver them in person to the office at 215 East Main Street, Bedford.
5. Town staff review the application for code compliance and collect applicable fees under the Town's adopted fee ordinance. The fee schedule includes separate residential, commercial, trade, and administrative charges plus a 2 percent Virginia levy.
6. After approval, receive the issued permit and post it on site. Inspections must be requested before concealing work or proceeding further with construction.
7. Schedule required inspections by calling 540-587-6024 before 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the desired inspection date.

Typical processing time: No general Town permit turnaround time was publicly posted on the building pages reviewed.

Source: Office of Building Inspections, Town of Bedford

General Requirements

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires an application and permit before construction, alteration, renovation, repair, change of use, demolition, or relocation of any structure, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and safety features.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Permit fee schedule (reference)
• Required inspections sheet
• Asbestos regulations acknowledgment
• Code modification request (if applicable)
• Third-party inspection policy (if applicable)
• Statement of special inspections (if applicable)
• Blower door form
• HVAC certification form
• Residential energy certificate
• One-story and slab cutsheets (as applicable)
• Zoning permit application (for projects also requiring zoning review)

Permit validity

The Town permit application states it expires 6 months after the date of submittal. Virginia Construction Code inactivity rules continue to apply after issuance.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2021 editions

Owner-builder

The Town permit application allows the signer to certify as owner, designer, contractor, or authorized agent and requires certification of compliance with Virginia contractor licensing requirements and applicable exemptions. No separate Town owner-builder handout was identified on the public pages reviewed.

Contractor requirements

The Town permit application requires certification of compliance with Virginia contractor license requirements and exemptions under Code of Virginia section 54.1-1100. State licensure verification requirements under section 54.1-1111 apply before permit issuance. Verify contractor licenses through the Virginia DPOR.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential: $35. Commercial: $75.

Plan check fee

Residential plan review: $25 (may be waived by the building official). Commercial plan review: $50 initial and for each subsequent review (building official may waive or require third-party review at applicant's expense).

Permit fee formula

Mixed square-footage and flat-fee schedule. Residential new construction: $0.18 per sq ft (finished) and $0.14 per sq ft (unfinished). Residential additions use the same rates. Residential alterations, renovations, relocation, repairs, and industrialized units use the unfinished-area rate. Commercial new construction: $0.20 per sq ft. Commercial alterations, renovations, relocation, repairs, and industrialized construction: $0.15 per sq ft. Flat fees apply to manufactured homes, demolition, pools, signs, towers, tents, tanks, appeals, administration, and trade work.

Trade permit fee

Flat fees per the Town fee schedule; see fee schedule URL for current amounts.

Reinspection fee

$25 for wrong address or directions, incomplete work, or locked premises.

Payment note

The Town building page directs users to its online payments page at bedfordva.gov/1293/Make-a-Payment. No separate published note on transaction or card processing fees was found on the building pages reviewed.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Low-voltage wiring, unless part of an alarm system
• One-story detached sheds, playhouses, and similar structures that do not exceed 256 square feet (note: these still require a Town zoning permit)
• Fences of any height unless constructed of concrete or masonry over 6 feet high or serving as a swimming pool barrier
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill
• Swimming pools that are less than 150 square feet, 24 inches deep, and 5,000 gallons (note: may still require a Town zoning permit)
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height
• Replacement of residential mechanical appliances unless fuel-fired
• Residential roofing, siding, or window and door replacement
• Minor repairs, flooring, cabinets, and trim

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Several exempt structures still require a Town zoning permit. Confirm with the Office of Building Inspections and the Planning and Community Development office before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call 540-587-6024 by 5:00 p.m. the day prior (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Call by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to schedule the inspection.

Typical inspection sequence: The Town's required inspections sheet lists the following sequence: road entrance, temporary electrical service, footings and piers, foundation reinforcement, drain tile and waterproofing, swimming pool bonding, underslab plumbing, slab, fireplace hearth and throat, exterior moisture barrier, rough-in structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing/gas, insulation, permanent power, above-ceiling trade inspections (commercial), suppression hood duct and final test (commercial), sprinkler system flush/flow/hydro (commercial), alarm system (commercial), final inspection. For manufactured or modular homes: footings, under-home, permanent power, marriage wall, porch footings, final, and skirting.

The Town posts a third-party inspection policy on its building page, indicating that outside inspection involvement is separately regulated.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, 2021 editions
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Zoning Permit Application
• Town Municipal Code
• Land Use Fees
• Bedford County Land Disturbance Permits
• Virginia Construction Code Permit and Exemption Provisions
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Town of Bedford Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Town of Bedford, VA?

The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires an application and permit before construction, alteration, renovation, repair, change of use, demolition, or relocation of any structure, including structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and safety features.

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

The minimum permit fee is Residential: $35. Commercial: $75.. Fees are calculated as: Mixed square-footage and flat-fee schedule. Residential new construction: $0.18 per sq ft (finished) and $0.14 per sq ft (unfinished). Residential additions use the same rates. Residential alterations, renovations, relocation, repairs, and industrialized units use the unfinished-area rate. Commercial new construction: $0.20 per sq ft. Commercial alterations, renovations, relocation, repairs, and industrialized construction: $0.15 per sq ft. Flat fees apply to manufactured homes, demolition, pools, signs, towers, tents, tanks, appeals, administration, and trade work.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review: $25 (may be waived by the building official). Commercial plan review: $50 initial and for each subsequent review (building official may waive or require third-party review at applicant's expense)..

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

1. Verify that the property is inside the Town of Bedford limits. The Town building page prominently directs properties outside the Town to Bedford County Building Inspections. 2. Determine whether separate Town zoning review is required. One-story detached sheds and similar structures up to 256 square feet and certain small pools may still require a zoning permit even when a building permit is not required. 3. Prepare the building permit package. The Town building page provides the permit application, permit fee schedule, required inspections sheet, asbestos regulations, code modification request, third-party inspection policy, special inspections statement, blower door form, HVAC certification, residential energy certificate, and framing or slab cutsheets. 4. Submit the completed forms by email to building@bedfordva.gov or deliver them in person to the office at 215 East Main Street, Bedford. 5. Town staff review the application for code compliance and collect applicable fees under the Town's adopted fee ordinance. The fee schedule includes separate residential, commercial, trade, and administrative charges plus a 2 percent Virginia levy. 6. After approval, receive the issued permit and post it on site. Inspections must be requested before concealing work or proceeding further with construction. 7. Schedule required inspections by calling 540-587-6024 before 5:00 p.m. the day prior to the desired inspection date.

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

Typical processing time is No general Town permit turnaround time was publicly posted on the building pages reviewed..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Low-voltage wiring, unless part of an alarm system; One-story detached sheds, playhouses, and similar structures that do not exceed 256 square feet (note: these still require a Town zoning permit); Fences of any height unless constructed of concrete or masonry over 6 feet high or serving as a swimming pool barrier; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill; Swimming pools that are less than 150 square feet, 24 inches deep, and 5,000 gallons (note: may still require a Town zoning permit); Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height; Replacement of residential mechanical appliances unless fuel-fired; Residential roofing, siding, or window and door replacement; Minor repairs, flooring, cabinets, and trim. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Several exempt structures still require a Town zoning permit. Confirm with the Office of Building Inspections and the Planning and Community Development office before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 540-587-6024 by 5:00 p.m. the day prior. Call by 5:00 p.m. the day prior to schedule the inspection..

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