Botetourt County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Botetourt County administers building permits under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for the unincorporated county. Incorporated towns within Botetourt County may have separate land-use roles; contact the county building department to confirm jurisdiction for your property address.

Department

Application Process

1. Confirm your property address falls within unincorporated Botetourt County and is subject to county building permit administration.
2. Contact the Botetourt County building department to identify the correct permit type and obtain the required application forms and checklists.
3. Prepare the application package including required plans, site plan, contractor information, and any trade-specific forms.
4. Submit the application and supporting documents to the building department. Submit in person if online submission is not available.
5. Pay the assessed permit fees upon application review and approval.
6. Receive the issued permit, post it on site, and schedule required inspections as work progresses.

General Requirements

Botetourt County enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Permits are generally required before construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, or change of occupancy involving structural work, building systems, or regulated trade work including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas systems.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan or plot plan
• Construction drawings (as required by project scope)
• Contractor license information
• Trade permit applications (as applicable)

Permit validity

Under the Virginia Construction Code, an application is considered abandoned six months after filing unless pursued in good faith or issued. After issuance, a permit may be revoked if work does not begin within six months or if work is suspended or abandoned for six months; extensions may be granted on written request.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective January 18, 2024), referencing the 2021 IBC, IRC, IECC, IMC, IPC, IFC, and 2020 NEC.

Contractor requirements

Virginia law (Va. Code § 54.1-1111) requires proof of Virginia contractor licensure or a written exemption statement before a building permit may be issued. Contractors must hold a valid Virginia DPOR contractor license for the applicable class and specialty.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Work exempted by the Virginia Construction Code (13VAC5-63), including certain small detached accessory structures up to 256 square feet, qualifying fences, qualifying retaining walls, certain small or shallow swimming pools, certain signs, flagpoles 30 feet or less, qualifying utility buildings, certain temporary ramps, and qualifying low-voltage electrical work.
• Minor work that the building official determines does not adversely affect public health or safety.
• Ordinary repairs as defined in the Virginia USBC, such as like-for-like fixture replacements and certain finish work, roofing, door, window, flooring, and similar replacements where code exemption criteria are met.

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land-disturbance, floodplain, or other local requirements. Confirm with Botetourt County before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Contact Botetourt County building department (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Varies by project type. Typical Virginia USBC sequence includes footing/foundation, slab, rough-in trade inspections (electrical, mechanical, plumbing), framing, insulation, and final inspections. Contact the building department for project-specific inspection requirements.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective January 18, 2024), referencing the 2021 IBC, IRC, IECC, IMC, IPC, IFC, and 2020 NEC.
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
• Virginia DPOR Contractor Licensing
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Botetourt County Building Permit FAQ

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

Botetourt County enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Permits are generally required before construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, or change of occupancy involving structural work, building systems, or regulated trade work including electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas systems.

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

1. Confirm your property address falls within unincorporated Botetourt County and is subject to county building permit administration. 2. Contact the Botetourt County building department to identify the correct permit type and obtain the required application forms and checklists. 3. Prepare the application package including required plans, site plan, contractor information, and any trade-specific forms. 4. Submit the application and supporting documents to the building department. Submit in person if online submission is not available. 5. Pay the assessed permit fees upon application review and approval. 6. Receive the issued permit, post it on site, and schedule required inspections as work progresses.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Work exempted by the Virginia Construction Code (13VAC5-63), including certain small detached accessory structures up to 256 square feet, qualifying fences, qualifying retaining walls, certain small or shallow swimming pools, certain signs, flagpoles 30 feet or less, qualifying utility buildings, certain temporary ramps, and qualifying low-voltage electrical work.; Minor work that the building official determines does not adversely affect public health or safety.; Ordinary repairs as defined in the Virginia USBC, such as like-for-like fixture replacements and certain finish work, roofing, door, window, flooring, and similar replacements where code exemption criteria are met.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land-disturbance, floodplain, or other local requirements. Confirm with Botetourt County before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Contact Botetourt County building department.