Town of Altavista, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers the incorporated Town of Altavista in Campbell County. The town's public permit system covers zoning, sign, site-plan, subdivision, and related land-use permits. Building permit administration follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code framework.

Department

Town of Altavista Office of Community Development

Address

Town Hall, 510 7th Street, Altavista, VA 24517

Phone

(434) 369-5001

Email

jwgillespie@altavistava.gov

Website

https://www.altavistava.gov/government/town_departments/planning___zoning/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine the permit path. Zoning, rezoning, home occupation, mobile restaurant, plat review, signage, site plan review, special use permit, subdivision, and burn permit for lot clearing use the Land Use Application workflow in CloudPermit. Event licenses and certain seasonal licenses use the Licensing Application workflow.
2. Create a CloudPermit account using an email address if you are a first-time user.
3. Prepare the required application materials. For zoning permits, prepare a drawing or sketch showing parcel size and shape, proposed building or alteration, proposed use, location relative to property lines and rights-of-way, and any other information the administrator requires. For site plans, plans must be prepared and sealed by an appropriate Virginia-licensed design professional.
4. Submit the application through CloudPermit, or obtain in-person assistance from town staff at Town Hall if needed.
5. Pay the applicable permit or hearing fee from the town fee schedule.
6. If a special use permit, variance, rezoning, or other hearing-based request is required, the application proceeds to the administrator, then the Planning Commission, and then Town Council or the Board of Zoning Appeals as applicable. The Planning Commission must act within 90 days on zoning permit or special use permit matters requiring review, and within 60 days on complete site-plan matters, unless extended by written notice for 30 days.
7. Receive permit approval from the zoning administrator once the proposal is confirmed to conform to the zoning chapter and building ordinance.

Typical processing time: Planning Commission review: up to 90 days for zoning permit or special use permit matters requiring commission review; up to 60 days for complete site-plan matters, each with a possible 30-day written extension. No general over-the-counter issuance estimate was published on the town site.

Source: Town of Altavista Office of Community Development

General Requirements

A zoning permit is required for any use of a building, structure, or premises other than an existing single-family dwelling. A zoning permit is also required for buildings or structures exempt from a building permit under the Virginia USBC, except certain exempt yard features. Site plans are required for all new development except single-family and duplex dwellings, for conversion of single-family or duplex dwellings to other uses or higher-intensity residential use, for additions or modifications creating 2,500 square feet or more of added impervious area, and for condominium conversions. Sign permits are required for signs unless specifically exempt.

Required Documents

• For zoning permits: drawing or sketch showing parcel dimensions, proposed building or alteration, proposed use, and location relative to lot lines and rights-of-way, plus any other information the administrator requires
• For site plans: plans prepared and sealed by a Virginia-licensed engineer, architect, landscape architect, or land surveyor
• For special use permits: plans and information required by the administrator

Permit validity

Zoning permits are issued for six months from approval and expire if the applicant cannot demonstrate the permit is being exercised for its intended purpose, or if authorized work is suspended or discontinued for two years. Sign temporary permits may be extended once for six months but cannot be valid for more than 12 months total.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (town zoning code cross-references the VUSBC and the town's building ordinance)

Contractor requirements

Virginia state contractor licensure through DPOR applies where required. The town does not publish a separate local contractor licensing page.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25 (Zoning Permit)

Plan check fee

Site Plan $250; Third Party Review Fees at actual cost; Administrative Fee $75.

Permit fee formula

Mostly flat local fees for land-use permits. Zoning Permit $25; Sign Permit $50; Site Plan $250; Special Use Permit Request Application $300 plus advertising; Variance Request Application $300 plus advertising; Appeal to Board of Zoning Appeals $300 plus advertising; Rezoning Request Application $500 plus advertising; Comprehensive Plan Amendment $1,000 plus advertising; Zoning Text Amendment $500 plus advertising; Resurvey or line adjustment review $25; Single Lot Subdivision Plat Examination Fee $35; Other Subdivision Plat Examination Fee $100 plus $5 per lot; Traffic Impact Analysis or Study $500 or actual cost if higher; After the Fact Permit $100; Third Party Review Fees at actual cost plus a $75 administrative fee.

Penalty (no permit)

After the Fact Permit fee: $100.

Payment note

Hearing-based applications also require advertising-cost reimbursement where listed.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences, walls, poles, posts, and other customary yard ornaments and accessories that are exempt from building-permit application and otherwise allowed by the zoning chapter
• Existing single-family dwellings are excluded from the broad zoning-permit requirement for use of a building, structure, or premises

Important: No single public exempt-work list for Altavista zoning permits was found. Contact the Town of Altavista Office of Community Development to confirm whether your project requires a permit before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (434) 369-5001 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: The town permit page does not publish a general building inspection scheduling process. Town code confirms a final inspection is required after installation of approved signs.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (town zoning code cross-references the VUSBC and the town's building ordinance)
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Forms and Applications
• FY2026 Master List of Fees
• Key Contacts
• Altavista Zoning Code (Chapter 86)
• Altavista Code of Ordinances (Municode)
• 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 Altavista Building Permit FAQ

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

A zoning permit is required for any use of a building, structure, or premises other than an existing single-family dwelling. A zoning permit is also required for buildings or structures exempt from a building permit under the Virginia USBC, except certain exempt yard features. Site plans are required for all new development except single-family and duplex dwellings, for conversion of single-family or duplex dwellings to other uses or higher-intensity residential use, for additions or modifications creating 2,500 square feet or more of added impervious area, and for condominium conversions. Sign permits are required for signs unless specifically exempt.

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

The minimum permit fee is $25 (Zoning Permit). Fees are calculated as: Mostly flat local fees for land-use permits. Zoning Permit $25; Sign Permit $50; Site Plan $250; Special Use Permit Request Application $300 plus advertising; Variance Request Application $300 plus advertising; Appeal to Board of Zoning Appeals $300 plus advertising; Rezoning Request Application $500 plus advertising; Comprehensive Plan Amendment $1,000 plus advertising; Zoning Text Amendment $500 plus advertising; Resurvey or line adjustment review $25; Single Lot Subdivision Plat Examination Fee $35; Other Subdivision Plat Examination Fee $100 plus $5 per lot; Traffic Impact Analysis or Study $500 or actual cost if higher; After the Fact Permit $100; Third Party Review Fees at actual cost plus a $75 administrative fee.. Plan check fee: Site Plan $250; Third Party Review Fees at actual cost; Administrative Fee $75..

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

1. Determine the permit path. Zoning, rezoning, home occupation, mobile restaurant, plat review, signage, site plan review, special use permit, subdivision, and burn permit for lot clearing use the Land Use Application workflow in CloudPermit. Event licenses and certain seasonal licenses use the Licensing Application workflow. 2. Create a CloudPermit account using an email address if you are a first-time user. 3. Prepare the required application materials. For zoning permits, prepare a drawing or sketch showing parcel size and shape, proposed building or alteration, proposed use, location relative to property lines and rights-of-way, and any other information the administrator requires. For site plans, plans must be prepared and sealed by an appropriate Virginia-licensed design professional. 4. Submit the application through CloudPermit, or obtain in-person assistance from town staff at Town Hall if needed. 5. Pay the applicable permit or hearing fee from the town fee schedule. 6. If a special use permit, variance, rezoning, or other hearing-based request is required, the application proceeds to the administrator, then the Planning Commission, and then Town Council or the Board of Zoning Appeals as applicable. The Planning Commission must act within 90 days on zoning permit or special use permit matters requiring review, and within 60 days on complete site-plan matters, unless extended by written notice for 30 days. 7. Receive permit approval from the zoning administrator once the proposal is confirmed to conform to the zoning chapter and building ordinance.

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

Typical processing time is Planning Commission review: up to 90 days for zoning permit or special use permit matters requiring commission review; up to 60 days for complete site-plan matters, each with a possible 30-day written extension. No general over-the-counter issuance estimate was published on the town site..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Fences, walls, poles, posts, and other customary yard ornaments and accessories that are exempt from building-permit application and otherwise allowed by the zoning chapter; Existing single-family dwellings are excluded from the broad zoning-permit requirement for use of a building, structure, or premises. Note: No single public exempt-work list for Altavista zoning permits was found. Contact the Town of Altavista Office of Community Development to confirm whether your project requires a permit before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (434) 369-5001.

Other cities in Campbell County