Unincorporated Charlotte County

A building permit is required before constructing, enlarging, setting, altering, renovating, converting, or demolishing a structure; for structural repairs; for electrical, plumbing, HVAC, generator, or mechanical upgrades, installations, or modifications; and to restore power after a disconnect longer than 30 days.

• Exempt Low-voltage work in limited cases as specified by the Virginia USBC
• Exempt One-story detached sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 256 square feet
• Exempt Certain small utility buildings
• Exempt Small tents
• Exempt Fences not used as pool barriers
• Exempt Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet in height
• Exempt Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill
• Exempt Small pools not over 150 square feet and under 24 inches deep
• Exempt Flagpoles up to 30 feet in height
• Exempt Certain temporary ramps
• Exempt Ordinary repairs such as same-size window/door replacement, fixture replacement without system alteration, certain lighting/switch/receptacle replacements, certain non-gas/non-oil appliance replacement, certain roof/siding/decking replacement, floor finishes, cabinetry/trim, and paint/wallpaper

Note: Historic districts and special flood hazard areas can narrow these exemptions. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with Charlotte County Building Inspection before proceeding.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 Virginia Construction Code, effective January 18, 2024)

Permit validity

The permit becomes null and void if work is not started within 6 months of issuance. The Virginia USBC allows revocation if work does not commence within 6 months or is suspended or abandoned for 6 months; written extensions are available. Detached single-family dwelling permits may also be subject to a 3-year completion limit.

Owner-builder

Virginia law exempts a person who performs or supervises construction, removal, repair, or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by that person for their own use during any 24-month period, but the owner must still comply with the Virginia USBC.

Contractor requirements

Before permit issuance, the applicant must provide proof of DPOR licensure/certification or a written statement that licensure is not required. The applicant must also demonstrate that local taxes or license fees required by the county, city, or town have been paid.

Source: Charlotte County Building Inspection / Building Official ↗

1. 01
   Confirm zoning first. The county requires a zoning permit for most new construction, additions, pools, mobile/modular homes, telecom towers, and changes in use. If the property is inside an incorporated town (Charlotte Court House, Drakes Branch, Keysville, or Phenix), contact that town office first to obtain the required town zoning permit.
2. 02
   Gather supporting documents: an approved zoning permit if applicable, septic and/or well permit from the Health Department if a new septic system or well will be installed, building plans, contractor name/phone/license number, estimated job cost, and a plot plan showing lot dimensions, building location, and building dimensions.
3. 03
   Submit the building permit application to the county by email (jhess@charlottecountyva.gov) or in person at the county administration/building office at 250 LeGrande Avenue, Suite A, Charlotte Court House.
4. 04
   Pay applicable fees. The county publishes a building permit fee schedule; a 2 percent state surcharge applies to all building permit fees.
5. 05
   County review is conducted under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and local land-use requirements. If compliant, the permit is issued as soon as practicable; if not, the applicant is notified of the reasons for denial.
6. 06
   Post the permit on site and call for required inspections as work reaches required milestones.
7. 07
   Obtain final inspection approval and certificate of occupancy before occupying the structure.

Source: Charlotte County Building Inspection / Building Official ↗

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (434) 542-5404 (phone)
• jhess@charlottecountyva.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

The county asks for 24-hour notice when possible.

Typical sequence: State minimum inspections include: footing, foundation, preparatory work before concrete placement, framing and structural members before concealment, MEP before concealment, energy conservation before concealment, and final inspection.

Third-party inspections are allowed under county policy if the county cannot perform the required inspection within 2 business days of request, or for unusual or special projects where timeliness is critical. Third-party inspection reports must be submitted within 2 business days.

Source: Charlotte County Building Inspection / Building Official ↗