Caroline County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Caroline County is the building permit issuer for unincorporated Caroline County and, under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, also issues building permits for construction inside the incorporated towns of Bowling Green and Port Royal when town zoning approvals are also required.

Department

Caroline County Planning and Community Development

Address

233 W Broaddus Avenue, Bowling Green, VA 22427

Phone

804-633-4303

Email

bhughes@co.caroline.va.us

Website

https://www.co.caroline.va.us/266/Planning-and-Community-Development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm project scope and download the applicable county packet or the general building, erosion, and zoning permit application from the Planning and Community Development page.
2. Assemble the required packet. For a single-family dwelling, the county requires the permit application, septic and well permit, two copies of building plans, two copies of a scaled site plan, the land disturbing and zoning plan checklist, utility permit if applicable, Chesapeake Bay or RPA documents if applicable, proof of ownership if tax records differ, and proof that delinquent county real estate taxes are paid.
3. Submit the completed application to Planning and Community Development. The county states incomplete applications will not be accepted and the permit process does not begin until a completed application is received.
4. Staff reviews zoning, environmental, Chesapeake Bay, floodplain, and building-code items, then calculates permit and review fees under the county fee schedule.
5. Pay the required deposit and permit fees. The county accepts credit and debit card payment by phone, check by mail, or check by drop box.
6. Pick up the issued permit during normal business hours and post it on site as required.
7. Call the county to schedule inspections. Inspectors are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical processing time: Residential permits within 21 days; commercial permits within 45 days, provided the application is complete and plan review does not require resubmittals.

Source: Caroline County Planning and Community Development

General Requirements

The county building department enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for all construction and trade work requiring a permit. A building permit issued by the Caroline County Building Official is required before construction begins.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Two copies of building plans
• Two copies of a scaled site plan
• Septic and well permit (where applicable)
• Utility permit (where applicable)
• Land-disturbing and zoning plan checklist
• Chesapeake Bay or WQIA materials if encroaching in an RPA buffer
• Contractor affidavit
• Subcontractor roster
• Deed if ownership differs from tax records
• Proof that delinquent county real estate taxes have been paid

Permit validity

Permits expire if work is not commenced within 6 months after issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months. The Building Official may grant written extensions up to 1 year per extension. A permit may be reinstated one time within 6 months for a $75.00 fee.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 Virginia Construction Code)

Owner-builder

An owner acting as contractor must sign an owner affidavit affirming they are not subject to contractor licensure, will meet code standards, and will either occupy the house for at least 24 months, convey it to an immediate family member who will do so, or state another basis. If not signed in the office, the signature must be notarized.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a current Virginia state contractor or tradesman license under Virginia Code section 54.1-1100 and a Caroline County business license. Both the contractor affidavit and subcontractor roster must be submitted with the permit application.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100.00 for residential new construction and residential accessory structures

Plan check fee

Residential single-family, modular, and manufactured home plan review deposit: $200.00 (credited to permit cost). Commercial under 5,000 sq ft: $500.00 deposit. Commercial 5,000 sq ft or larger: $750.00 deposit. Fast-track review: $200.00 plus $0.04 per square foot.

Permit fee formula

Square-foot and flat-fee based, plus a 2% state levy on all fees. Residential new construction: $0.15 per square foot of major dwelling floor area. Accessory structures: $0.12 per square foot. Commercial new construction: $0.17 per square foot plus plan review fees.

Reinspection fee

$100.00 per failed reinspection; no certificate of occupancy inspection will be scheduled until all reinspection fees are paid in full.

Penalty (no permit)

Post-construction permit fee is twice the permit fee or $250.00, whichever is greater. Stop work order or notice of violation: $200.00.

Payment note

Credit or debit card payments accepted by phone; checks accepted by mail or drop box at Planning and Community Development.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Storage sheds 256 square feet or less do not require a building permit, except in campgrounds. A permit-exemption affidavit is available but cannot be used in a Resource Protection Area, floodplain, or campground.
• Handicap ramps 30 inches or less off the ground do not require a permit; the county provides an accessible ramp packet.
• Replacement roof or siding: a permit is not required but is available upon request.
• Agricultural structures on 5 acres or more without electrical or plumbing follow a zoning-only pathway rather than a building permit pathway.

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Caroline County Planning and Community Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 804-633-4303 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (inspectors); office hours 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday

Typical inspection sequence: Standard county permit packets indicate staged inspections tied to footing, foundation, rough-in, and final approval depending on project type. Subcontractor information is required before rough-in inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 Virginia Construction Code)
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Flood Map
• Single-Family Dwelling Packet
• Virtual County Services
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Caroline County Building Permit FAQ

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

The county building department enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for all construction and trade work requiring a permit. A building permit issued by the Caroline County Building Official is required before construction begins.

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

The minimum permit fee is $100.00 for residential new construction and residential accessory structures. Fees are calculated as: Square-foot and flat-fee based, plus a 2% state levy on all fees. Residential new construction: $0.15 per square foot of major dwelling floor area. Accessory structures: $0.12 per square foot. Commercial new construction: $0.17 per square foot plus plan review fees.. Plan check fee: Residential single-family, modular, and manufactured home plan review deposit: $200.00 (credited to permit cost). Commercial under 5,000 sq ft: $500.00 deposit. Commercial 5,000 sq ft or larger: $750.00 deposit. Fast-track review: $200.00 plus $0.04 per square foot..

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

1. Confirm project scope and download the applicable county packet or the general building, erosion, and zoning permit application from the Planning and Community Development page. 2. Assemble the required packet. For a single-family dwelling, the county requires the permit application, septic and well permit, two copies of building plans, two copies of a scaled site plan, the land disturbing and zoning plan checklist, utility permit if applicable, Chesapeake Bay or RPA documents if applicable, proof of ownership if tax records differ, and proof that delinquent county real estate taxes are paid. 3. Submit the completed application to Planning and Community Development. The county states incomplete applications will not be accepted and the permit process does not begin until a completed application is received. 4. Staff reviews zoning, environmental, Chesapeake Bay, floodplain, and building-code items, then calculates permit and review fees under the county fee schedule. 5. Pay the required deposit and permit fees. The county accepts credit and debit card payment by phone, check by mail, or check by drop box. 6. Pick up the issued permit during normal business hours and post it on site as required. 7. Call the county to schedule inspections. Inspectors are available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

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

Typical processing time is Residential permits within 21 days; commercial permits within 45 days, provided the application is complete and plan review does not require resubmittals..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Storage sheds 256 square feet or less do not require a building permit, except in campgrounds. A permit-exemption affidavit is available but cannot be used in a Resource Protection Area, floodplain, or campground.; Handicap ramps 30 inches or less off the ground do not require a permit; the county provides an accessible ramp packet.; Replacement roof or siding: a permit is not required but is available upon request.; Agricultural structures on 5 acres or more without electrical or plumbing follow a zoning-only pathway rather than a building permit pathway.. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Caroline County Planning and Community Development before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 804-633-4303.