Craig County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Craig County Building & Zoning is the permit-issuing authority for all unincorporated Craig County under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The incorporated Town of New Castle lies within Craig County but does not have a separate town building department; building permits for in-town properties are also processed through Craig County. Town zoning review may apply separately for properties inside New Castle town limits.

Department

Craig County Building & Zoning

Address

County Administration Building, 108 Court Street, New Castle, VA 24127

Phone

(540) 864-5010

Email

permits@craigcountyva.gov

Website

https://craigcountyva.gov/departments/building-zoning/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm scope and prerequisites before submitting. Craig County requires sewage disposal approval from the Health Department or Craig County PSA, evidence of setbacks and zoning compliance on the plot plan, a VDOT entrance permit if a new entrance is needed, building plans, and the job-site E-911 address.
2. Prepare the complete county application package. The Craig County permit packet includes the building and zoning permit application, site plan, erosion and sediment agreement in lieu for qualifying single-family residences, plan requirements for one- and two-family dwellings, and owner-builder affidavit materials if applicable.
3. Assemble supporting documents. The site plan must show lot lines, roads, setbacks, existing and proposed structures, septic or sewer and well locations, and power lines. Stormwater and responsible land disturber documentation may be required depending on the area of disturbance.
4. Submit the application package through Cloudpermit online, by email to permits@craigcountyva.gov, or in person at the Craig County Building & Zoning office.
5. County staff reviews the application for building, zoning, floodplain, erosion and sediment, and prerequisite compliance. Additional drawings or engineering may be required depending on project scope.
6. Pay the county-calculated permit and zoning fees upon county notification.
7. Obtain the issued permit, post it on site, schedule required inspections as work progresses, and obtain final approval before occupancy or change of occupancy when applicable.

Source: Craig County Building & Zoning

General Requirements

Under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), a permit is required before construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of a building or structure, and before structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fuel-gas, or fire-protection work. Craig County's permit packet covers new construction, additions, alterations or repairs, demolition, and manufactured homes. Work in a special flood hazard area may require permitting even when otherwise exempt.

Required Documents

• Completed Craig County building and zoning permit application
• Site plan or plot plan showing lot lines, roads, setbacks, structures, utilities, and septic or well locations
• Building plans in paper or PDF with structural and life-safety details
• Health Department sewage disposal permit or approval letter, or Craig County PSA approval, as applicable
• VDOT entrance permit if a new entrance is needed
• Erosion and sediment agreement in lieu for qualifying single-family projects, plus additional erosion or stormwater materials when disturbance thresholds are met
• Responsible land disturber information if disturbance exceeds 10,000 square feet
• Owner-builder affidavit if the owner is proceeding without licensed-contractor status
• Mechanics lien agent information where applicable for one- and two-family residential permits

Permit validity

Under 13VAC5-63-100, a permit may be revoked if work does not commence within 6 months after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months. Written extensions may be granted, up to 1 year per extension. For new detached single-family dwellings, additions to detached single-family dwellings, and residential accessory structures, the building official may require a 3-year completion limit.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective January 18, 2024), incorporating the 2021 I-Codes with Virginia amendments.

Owner-builder

Craig County publishes an Owner-Builder Affidavit citing Code of Virginia Sections 54.1-1111, 54.1-1115, and 54.1-1101. An applicant must either show proper contractor licensure or file a written affidavit that the applicant is not subject to licensure. The state exemption for an owner building or improving no more than one primary residence for the owner's own use during any 24-month period applies, along with certain family-gift and owner-use exemptions listed in the statute.

Contractor requirements

Craig County's application requires the contractor name, Virginia license number, and expiration date. Virginia USBC Section 108.4 requires proof of contractor licensure or a written statement that the applicant is not subject to licensure before permit issuance. State contractor licensing is regulated through DPOR. Unlicensed work when licensure is required can trigger penalties under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-1115.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, or similar structures up to 256 square feet, if not classified as Group F-1 or H occupancy
• Detached utility-service prefab buildings up to 150 square feet
• Tents or air-supported structures up to 900 square feet with an occupant load of 50 or fewer
• Fences, unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a pool barrier
• Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet above finished grade
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill, subject to USBC limits
• Swimming pools up to 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
• Certain signs under USBC Appendix H
• Replacement of aboveground LP-gas containers of the same capacity in the same location by the serving gas supplier
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height
• Ordinary repairs as defined in the Virginia USBC, including like-for-like window and door replacements, fixture replacements without system alterations, certain switch and luminaire replacements, qualifying non-gas and non-oil mechanical appliance replacements in applicable residential occupancies, some roofing or siding replacement, floor finishes, cabinetry or trim, and paint or wallpaper

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, health-department, erosion, stormwater, or VDOT entrance requirements. Craig County may still require additional approvals even for otherwise exempt work. Confirm with Craig County Building & Zoning before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (540) 864-5010 (Craig County Building & Zoning) (phone)
• permits@craigcountyva.gov (email)

Typical inspection sequence: Craig County requires inspection at key construction milestones. Typical sequence includes: erosion controls before land disturbance begins; footing; foundation; framing; and final approval before occupancy. Contact Craig County Building & Zoning for project-specific inspection requirements.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective January 18, 2024), incorporating the 2021 I-Codes with Virginia amendments.
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Craig County Full Permit Packet (PDF)
• Owner-Builder Affidavit (PDF)
• Craig County Code of Ordinances
• Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance
• Stormwater Ordinance
• Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
• Virginia DHCD Building Codes
• Virginia DPOR Board for Contractors
• VDH Onsite Sewage and Water Services
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Craig County Building Permit FAQ

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

Under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), a permit is required before construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, or demolition of a building or structure, and before structural, plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fuel-gas, or fire-protection work. Craig County's permit packet covers new construction, additions, alterations or repairs, demolition, and manufactured homes. Work in a special flood hazard area may require permitting even when otherwise exempt.

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

1. Confirm scope and prerequisites before submitting. Craig County requires sewage disposal approval from the Health Department or Craig County PSA, evidence of setbacks and zoning compliance on the plot plan, a VDOT entrance permit if a new entrance is needed, building plans, and the job-site E-911 address. 2. Prepare the complete county application package. The Craig County permit packet includes the building and zoning permit application, site plan, erosion and sediment agreement in lieu for qualifying single-family residences, plan requirements for one- and two-family dwellings, and owner-builder affidavit materials if applicable. 3. Assemble supporting documents. The site plan must show lot lines, roads, setbacks, existing and proposed structures, septic or sewer and well locations, and power lines. Stormwater and responsible land disturber documentation may be required depending on the area of disturbance. 4. Submit the application package through Cloudpermit online, by email to permits@craigcountyva.gov, or in person at the Craig County Building & Zoning office. 5. County staff reviews the application for building, zoning, floodplain, erosion and sediment, and prerequisite compliance. Additional drawings or engineering may be required depending on project scope. 6. Pay the county-calculated permit and zoning fees upon county notification. 7. Obtain the issued permit, post it on site, schedule required inspections as work progresses, and obtain final approval before occupancy or change of occupancy when applicable.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, or similar structures up to 256 square feet, if not classified as Group F-1 or H occupancy; Detached utility-service prefab buildings up to 150 square feet; Tents or air-supported structures up to 900 square feet with an occupant load of 50 or fewer; Fences, unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a pool barrier; Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet above finished grade; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill, subject to USBC limits; Swimming pools up to 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; Certain signs under USBC Appendix H; Replacement of aboveground LP-gas containers of the same capacity in the same location by the serving gas supplier; Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height; Ordinary repairs as defined in the Virginia USBC, including like-for-like window and door replacements, fixture replacements without system alterations, certain switch and luminaire replacements, qualifying non-gas and non-oil mechanical appliance replacements in applicable residential occupancies, some roofing or siding replacement, floor finishes, cabinetry or trim, and paint or wallpaper. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, health-department, erosion, stormwater, or VDOT entrance requirements. Craig County may still require additional approvals even for otherwise exempt work. Confirm with Craig County Building & Zoning before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (540) 864-5010 (Craig County Building & Zoning), permits@craigcountyva.gov.