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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for New Castle
Building permit triggers follow the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code because Craig County is the verified building-permit issuing authority for New Castle. 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. Town zoning approval may be an added prerequisite for in-town parcels.
Note: No separate Town of New Castle building permit exempt-work list was found. Building permit exemptions follow the Virginia USBC and Craig County's exemption framework. Even for exempt work, town zoning, floodplain, or other local requirements may still apply for in-town properties. Confirm with Craig County Building & Zoning and the Town of New Castle Zoning Administrator before proceeding.
- 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; 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
- Any town zoning approval or planning commission determination required for in-town projects
- Building code
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC, effective January 18, 2024), incorporating the 2021 I-Codes with Virginia amendments, administered through Craig County Building & Zoning.
- Permit validity
- Building permits are county-issued. 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, and residential accessory structures, the building official may require a 3-year completion limit.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder rules for building permits follow the Craig County process. The county's Owner-Builder Affidavit cites Code of Virginia Sections 54.1-1111, 54.1-1115, and 54.1-1101. The state exemption for an owner building no more than one primary residence for the owner's own use during any 24-month period applies.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor licensing requirements follow Craig County and Virginia DPOR rules. 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 exemption statement before permit issuance.
Application process
Application → plan check → issuance → inspection → final
- 01 Confirm that the property is inside the incorporated Town of New Castle and contact the town's Zoning Administrator to determine whether town zoning review or planning commission approval is required before filing the building permit.
- 02 Complete any required town zoning review in parallel with preparing the building permit application package.
- 03 Prepare the Craig County building permit application package, which is the same package used for unincorporated county properties: building and zoning permit application, site plan, building plans, sewage disposal approval, VDOT entrance permit if applicable, and erosion or stormwater materials as required.
- 04 Submit the application to Craig County Building & Zoning through Cloudpermit online, by email to permits@craigcountyva.gov, or in person at the Craig County office.
- 05 County staff reviews the application for building, zoning, floodplain, and erosion and sediment compliance. Additional drawings or engineering may be required.
- 06 Pay the county-calculated permit and zoning fees upon county notification.
- 07 Obtain the county-issued permit, post it on site, schedule required county inspections as work progresses, and obtain final approval before occupancy when applicable.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- (540) 864-5010 (Craig County Building & Zoning) (phone)
- permits@craigcountyva.gov (email)
Typical sequence: Building inspections for New Castle properties are conducted by Craig County Building & Zoning. Typical sequence includes: erosion controls before land disturbance; footing; foundation; framing; and final approval before occupancy. Contact Craig County Building & Zoning for project-specific inspection requirements.
Frequently asked
Common questions about New Castle permits
01 Do I need a building permit in New Castle, VA? ▸
02 How do I apply for a building permit in New Castle, VA? ▸
03 How do I schedule a building inspection in New Castle, VA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Craig County Building & Zoning (building permits); Town of New Castle Planning Commission and Zoning Administrator (town zoning) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.