Unincorporated Clarke County

Permits are required for work regulated by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including construction or demolition of a building or structure; structural, egress, plumbing, electrical, fire protection, mechanical, and fuel-supply installations or alterations; change of occupancy when a new certificate of occupancy is required; and asbestos disturbance during covered construction or demolition work. Zoning permits are separately required for new residential construction such as houses, additions, decks, porches, garages, sheds, pools, signs, and certain temporary structures.

• Exempt Qualifying low-voltage wiring and equipment described in VCC Section 108.2
• Exempt One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses not exceeding 256 square feet
• Exempt Fences of any height unless used for pedestrian safety under VCC Section 3306 or as a swimming-pool barrier
• Exempt Concrete or masonry walls not exceeding 6 feet above finished grade
• Exempt Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not carrying disallowed surcharge or impounded liquids
• Exempt Small swimming pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
• Exempt Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height
• Exempt Temporary ramps serving certain dwelling units where the rise served is no more than 30 inches
• Exempt Ordinary repairs listed in VCC Section 108.2, including same-opening window and door replacement in covered residential occupancies, replacement of fixtures and certain switches or receptacles without system alteration, certain non-gas or non-oil appliance replacements, qualifying roof-covering replacement, limited roof-deck replacement, floor finishes, cabinetry and trim, and paint or wallpaper

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. The 2021 VCC allows localities to require permits for otherwise exempt items in local historic districts or special flood hazard areas. Clarke County has local historic overlay and environmental review layers that can affect permitting. Confirm with Clarke County Building Department before proceeding.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code — 2021 Virginia code set, effective January 18, 2024

Permit validity

Under the 2021 VCC, an application is abandoned after 6 months if not pursued in good faith. A permit may be revoked if work does not begin within 6 months or is suspended or abandoned for 6 months. The building official may impose a 3-year completion limit for new detached single-family dwellings, additions to detached single-family dwellings, and residential accessory structures.

Owner-builder

If the applicant is acting as their own general contractor, a signed contractor exemption affidavit must be completed.

Contractor requirements

General contractors must submit a copy of their Virginia contractor license and the appropriate County or Town business license. State licensure is regulated by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR). The 2021 VCC also requires proof of licensure or a written exemption statement before permit issuance.

Source: Clarke County Building Department ↗

1. 01
   Determine whether the project requires a building permit, zoning permit, land disturbance permit, Health Department approval, or other prerequisite review. Zoning approval is generally a prerequisite to building permit approval, though zoning and building review may occur at the same time.
2. 02
   Download the correct application package from the County's Applications and Permits page. Publicly posted forms include building, demolition, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, asbestos, erosion-control, soils, and VDOT entrance materials.
3. 03
   Obtain any required zoning approval from Clarke County Planning, or from the Town of Berryville or Town of Boyce if the parcel is inside those towns and the town has a zoning or land-use role for the project.
4. 04
   Submit the permit package to the Building Department by email to permits@clarkecounty.gov or in person at the Government Center.
5. 05
   Wait for plans review and respond to comments if requested. Allow 20 to 30 business days for plans review and permit processing.
6. 06
   Pay the applicable County fees. Permit fees must include the 2 percent Virginia Building Code Academy levy where applicable.
7. 07
   After issuance, post the permit on site and request inspections as work reaches required stages. Provide 3 to 5 business days notice and include the permit number, owner name, job site address, inspection type, desired date, and a daytime phone number.

Typical processing time: 20 to 30 business days for plans review and permit processing.

Source: Clarke County Building Department ↗

No dedicated online payment portal identified. Confirm payment method with the Building Department when submitting to permits@clarkecounty.gov.

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

• Clarke County Building Department: 540-955-5112 (phone)
• permits@clarkecounty.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Provide 3 to 5 business days notice. Include permit number, owner name, job site address, inspection type, desired date, and a daytime phone number.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed noon to 1:00 p.m.)

Typical sequence: Varies by permit type. Project-specific sequences are assigned by the Building Department. Example for ground-mounted solar arrays: footing, ditch electric, final electric, final building. Roof-mounted arrays: final electric and final building. Other projects include scope-specific footing, framing, trade, and final inspections.

Source: Clarke County Building Department ↗