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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Bowling Green
A town zoning permit is required before the use or change of use of land, buildings, or structures, and before construction for work requiring zoning review. A zoning permit is also required before a business license is issued. All construction also requires a separate building permit from the Caroline County Building Official.
Note: No separate Bowling Green exempt-work list has been published. Because the town section is a zoning pathway layered on top of Caroline County building permits, confirm both town zoning and county building-permit exemptions with each respective authority before proceeding.
- Completed town zoning permit application
- Two copies of a plot plan or sign plan
- Town water and sewer connection application (where applicable)
- Caroline County building permit (required for any construction)
- Building code
- Building permits and code enforcement are handled by Caroline County under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The town routes all building-code administration to the Caroline County Building Official.
- Owner-builder
- No separate town owner-builder rule applies to zoning permits. Caroline County owner-builder rules apply to the county building permit required for any construction.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must register with the Town prior to commencing work. Caroline County state-license and local business-license requirements also apply to any building permit work.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Download the town zoning permit application from the Zoning Applications page.
- 02 Complete the zoning permit application and submit two copies of a plot plan, or sign plan if applicable.
- 03 Submit the zoning permit application to Town Hall in person during office hours (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).
- 04 If the project involves construction, separately apply to Caroline County Planning and Community Development for the building permit — the town zoning permit does not authorize construction to begin.
- 05 Obtain water and sewer connection approvals and any outside-agency permits such as VDOT, as applicable.
- 06 Pay the town zoning fee and inspection deposit.
- 07 After completing the work, notify the Zoning Administrator within 10 days for inspection and issuance of the certificate of zoning compliance.
- 08 Do not occupy or use the land or building under the changed use until the certificate of zoning compliance is issued.
Source: Town of Bowling Green Administration; Community Development and Zoning ↗
Fee schedule
Bowling Green building permit fees
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Notify the Zoning Administrator within 10 days of completion (in-person)
- Caroline County building inspections: 804-633-4303 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Notify the Zoning Administrator within 10 days of project completion to schedule the certificate of zoning compliance inspection.
- Inspection hours
- Town Hall office hours: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Town zoning permit first, then Caroline County building permit if construction is involved, then town post-completion inspection for certificate of zoning compliance.
Source: Town of Bowling Green Administration; Community Development and Zoning ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Bowling Green permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Bowling Green, VA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Bowling Green, VA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Bowling Green, VA? ▸
04 How do I schedule a building inspection in Bowling Green, VA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Bowling Green Administration; Community Development and Zoning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.