Charles City County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Countywide. Charles City County has no incorporated towns; all building permit administration is handled at the county level through the Building Official and Building Inspections. Zoning, land disturbance, Chesapeake Bay, floodplain, and related site-plan reviews are handled through Community Development.

Department

Building Official / Building Inspections; Charles City County Department of Community Development

Address

10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030

Phone

804-652-4727

Email

qfrazier@charlescityva.us

Website

https://www.charlescityva.us/400/Building-Official

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm project scope with county staff and select the correct permit packet. The county publishes separate forms for combined Building and Zoning permits, accessory/agricultural structures, single-family dwelling site plan and land disturbance, and Electrical-Mechanical-Plumbing permits. Staff is available for pre-application assistance by appointment.
2. Prepare the application package. Download the applicable form from the county's Applications & Forms page. Combined and accessory packets require a completed application, owner/applicant and contractor information, and supporting plans. The accessory/agricultural packet additionally requires a scaled sketch plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing improvements, wells/septic, utilities, Chesapeake Bay Protection Area notes, floodplain limits if present, a signed Agreement in Lieu of E&S, and an RLD certificate.
3. Assemble the required number of plan sets. The combined Building and Zoning application requires 3 sets of building construction plans and 6 sets of site plans/plats.
4. Include additional agency and environmental materials where applicable. Projects for single-family dwellings or ADUs require Health Department SAP or septic review where applicable, an RLD, and erosion/sediment materials. ADU site plans are circulated among county agencies and VDOT for review.
5. Submit the complete package to the Building Inspections office at 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030.
6. Post any required surety before permit issuance. An erosion and sediment surety must be posted before permit issuance for ADU and SFD projects; it is released after stabilization.
7. Receive staff review comments if revisions are needed. Staff contacts the design professional within 21 days for ADU/site-plan pathway reviews. Respond to comments and resubmit revised documents.
8. Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance. Obtain the issued permit before starting work. Schedule inspections as required during construction.

Typical processing time: 21 days published for the ADU/site-plan review pathway. No general published processing time for all building permit types. Zoning verification letters have a separate 7–10 business day turnaround.

Source: Building Official / Building Inspections; Charles City County Department of Community Development

General Requirements

Permits are required under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for construction or demolition of buildings or structures, structural work, many MEP changes, and changes of occupancy requiring a new certificate. County-specific examples include carports over 256 sq ft, sheds over 256 sq ft, pools deeper than 24 inches that exceed 5,000 gallons and 150 sq ft, tents larger than 900 sq ft with occupant load over 50, and demolition or removal of a building or structure.

Required Documents

• Completed county permit application
• Owner, applicant, and contractor details (including contractor license number and class)
• Contractor classification or owner/agent exemption affidavit
• Building construction plans (3 sets for combined Building/Zoning applications)
• Site plans/plats (6 sets for combined Building/Zoning applications)
• Zoning and setback information
• Flood zone information (if applicable)
• Chesapeake Bay Protection Area designation (if applicable)
• RLD (Responsible Land Disturber) certificate (where land disturbance is involved)
• Agreement in Lieu of E&S or erosion/sediment materials (where required)
• Health Department SAP or septic review documents (for SFD and ADU projects where applicable)
• Mechanics lien agent information (for some project types)

Permit validity

Under Virginia USBC Section 110.6, a permit may be revoked if work does not commence within 6 months of issuance or is suspended/abandoned for 6 months. Section 110.7 allows the building official to require a 3-year completion limit for new detached single-family dwellings, additions to detached single-family dwellings, and residential accessory structures. The county fee schedule includes renewal fees for permits older than 6 months, 1–2 years, and more than 2 years.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63), incorporating the 2021 Virginia Construction Code

Owner-builder

Applicants who are not Virginia licensed contractors must qualify under a statutory exemption and file the county's owner/agent exemption affidavit. Exemptions include work on the owner's primary residence, a gift residence for immediate family, certain work on an existing commercial/industrial facility for the owner's own use, rental residential units owned by the applicant subject to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act, and any other exemption under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-1101.

Contractor requirements

County forms require contractor license number and class. Virginia USBC Section 108.4 requires proof of licensure or certification under Title 54.1 Chapter 11, or a written statement that the person is not subject to licensure. Virginia DPOR regulates contractor and tradesman licensing statewide. Businesses operating locally may also need a county business permit from the Commissioner of the Revenue.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100

Plan check fee

E&S plan review fees: non-residential $450; subdivision $350; residential single lot $100. Residential site plan single lot $50; non-residential site plan $500.

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based. Residential minimum job values by type: dwelling $100/sq ft; addition $80/sq ft; non-structural interior renovation $20/sq ft; structural interior renovation $40/sq ft; attached garage $50/sq ft; detached garage $40/sq ft; porch $25/sq ft; deck $20/sq ft; shed/carport $20/sq ft. Commercial work and pools over the county threshold: $8 per $1,000 of contract price. All building permit fees are subject to an additional 2% Commonwealth of Virginia levy.

Reinspection fee

$100 per subsequent building inspection visit required due to a second failed inspection. Community Development re-inspections: $75.

Penalty (no permit)

Construction started before obtaining a building permit causes the permit charge to be doubled; no refund if the permit is denied.

Payment note

The county publishes a general online payment link to Official Payments. Fees do not include separate planning/zoning fees (zoning permit with building permit $120; zoning permit for accessory structures $50; land disturbance residential single lot $100; agreement in lieu $50; required weekly E&S inspections $50). Stormwater and Chesapeake Bay fees are separate.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures not over 256 sq ft
• Tents or air-supported structures 900 sq ft or less with occupant load of 50 or less
• Fences of any height (unless required for pedestrian safety under Section 3306 or used as a swimming-pool barrier)
• Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids
• Swimming pools not over 150 sq ft and less than 24 inches deep
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height
• Ordinary repairs per Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2, including certain same-size window/door replacements, replacement plumbing fixtures without system alterations, replacement receptacles/switches/luminaires/ceiling fans in covered residential occupancies, certain electric/mechanical appliance replacements, installation or replacement of floor finishes, cabinetry or trim, paint or wallpaper, and certain roofing or siding replacements subject to code conditions

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other land-use requirements. Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2 also allows the building official to require permits for otherwise exempt siding, roofing, and windows in a locally designated historic district, and for exempt items located in a special flood hazard area. Confirm with the Building Official or Community Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 804-652-4727 (phone)
• sbowman@charlescityva.us (email)
• 804-829-5819 (fax)

Scheduling deadline

Submit inspection requests before close of business for the next day's inspection. Provide the permit number, inspection type, and a contact number.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: No single universal sequence is published for all permit types. For ADU and single-family site-plan projects: erosion and sediment controls must be installed before construction begins; weekly county E&S inspections occur during construction; building inspections are conducted as work requires; final inspection leads to Certificate of Occupancy. The CO will not be issued until disturbed areas are stabilized and E&S requirements are met. Building inspections may be placed on hold if E&S controls are not in compliance.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13VAC5-63), incorporating the 2021 Virginia Construction Code
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Community Development Applications & Forms
• Codes & Ordinances
• Wetlands Board & Chesapeake Bay
• Floodplain Ordinance
• Combined Water Protection Ordinance
• GIS Mapping
• Virginia DPOR Tradesmen Program
• Virginia Construction Code (2021)
• Stormwater Fee Schedule
• Commissioner of the Revenue (Business Permits)
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Charles City County Building Permit FAQ

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

Permits are required under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code for construction or demolition of buildings or structures, structural work, many MEP changes, and changes of occupancy requiring a new certificate. County-specific examples include carports over 256 sq ft, sheds over 256 sq ft, pools deeper than 24 inches that exceed 5,000 gallons and 150 sq ft, tents larger than 900 sq ft with occupant load over 50, and demolition or removal of a building or structure.

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

The minimum permit fee is $100. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based. Residential minimum job values by type: dwelling $100/sq ft; addition $80/sq ft; non-structural interior renovation $20/sq ft; structural interior renovation $40/sq ft; attached garage $50/sq ft; detached garage $40/sq ft; porch $25/sq ft; deck $20/sq ft; shed/carport $20/sq ft. Commercial work and pools over the county threshold: $8 per $1,000 of contract price. All building permit fees are subject to an additional 2% Commonwealth of Virginia levy.. Plan check fee: E&S plan review fees: non-residential $450; subdivision $350; residential single lot $100. Residential site plan single lot $50; non-residential site plan $500..

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

1. Confirm project scope with county staff and select the correct permit packet. The county publishes separate forms for combined Building and Zoning permits, accessory/agricultural structures, single-family dwelling site plan and land disturbance, and Electrical-Mechanical-Plumbing permits. Staff is available for pre-application assistance by appointment. 2. Prepare the application package. Download the applicable form from the county's Applications & Forms page. Combined and accessory packets require a completed application, owner/applicant and contractor information, and supporting plans. The accessory/agricultural packet additionally requires a scaled sketch plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing improvements, wells/septic, utilities, Chesapeake Bay Protection Area notes, floodplain limits if present, a signed Agreement in Lieu of E&S, and an RLD certificate. 3. Assemble the required number of plan sets. The combined Building and Zoning application requires 3 sets of building construction plans and 6 sets of site plans/plats. 4. Include additional agency and environmental materials where applicable. Projects for single-family dwellings or ADUs require Health Department SAP or septic review where applicable, an RLD, and erosion/sediment materials. ADU site plans are circulated among county agencies and VDOT for review. 5. Submit the complete package to the Building Inspections office at 10900 Courthouse Road, Charles City, VA 23030. 6. Post any required surety before permit issuance. An erosion and sediment surety must be posted before permit issuance for ADU and SFD projects; it is released after stabilization. 7. Receive staff review comments if revisions are needed. Staff contacts the design professional within 21 days for ADU/site-plan pathway reviews. Respond to comments and resubmit revised documents. 8. Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance. Obtain the issued permit before starting work. Schedule inspections as required during construction.

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

Typical processing time is 21 days published for the ADU/site-plan review pathway. No general published processing time for all building permit types. Zoning verification letters have a separate 7–10 business day turnaround..

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures not over 256 sq ft; Tents or air-supported structures 900 sq ft or less with occupant load of 50 or less; Fences of any height (unless required for pedestrian safety under Section 3306 or used as a swimming-pool barrier); Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting surcharge or impounding certain liquids; Swimming pools not over 150 sq ft and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height; Ordinary repairs per Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2, including certain same-size window/door replacements, replacement plumbing fixtures without system alterations, replacement receptacles/switches/luminaires/ceiling fans in covered residential occupancies, certain electric/mechanical appliance replacements, installation or replacement of floor finishes, cabinetry or trim, paint or wallpaper, and certain roofing or siding replacements subject to code conditions. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other land-use requirements. Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2 also allows the building official to require permits for otherwise exempt siding, roofing, and windows in a locally designated historic district, and for exempt items located in a special flood hazard area. Confirm with the Building Official or Community Development before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 804-652-4727, sbowman@charlescityva.us, 804-829-5819. Submit inspection requests before close of business for the next day's inspection. Provide the permit number, inspection type, and a contact number..