Floyd County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Floyd County Building Inspections issues building permits and performs inspections for unincorporated Floyd County. The incorporated Town of Floyd requires a separate town zoning permit in addition to county building review.

Department

Floyd County Building Inspections

Address

202 E Main St., Floyd, VA 24091

Phone

(540) 745-9359

Email

mbolt@floydcova.gov

Website

https://www.floydcova.gov/building-inspections

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the site is in unincorporated Floyd County or inside the incorporated Town of Floyd. In-town projects require a separate Town of Floyd zoning permit in addition to county building review.
2. Assemble the county permit package: proposed building plans, approved Floyd County Health Department well and septic documentation where applicable, a signed land-disturbance form, and compliance with local setback requirements. Manufactured-home permits also require a copy of title or the manufactured-home information section of the permit form.
3. Submit plans and the completed permit application to Floyd County Building Inspections. The building official must approve plans and the permit application before a permit can be issued.
4. Obtain any required outside approvals, including Health Department, VDOT, floodplain documentation, erosion and sediment approval, Public Service Authority review where applicable, and Army Corps review for ponds, creek crossings, or wetlands impacts.
5. Pay permit fees under the county rates sheet, including the 2 percent Virginia state surcharge on permits.
6. Receive permit issuance after approval. The building office states normal processing time is 24 to 48 hours. Permits are not issued after 4:00 p.m.

Typical processing time: 24 to 48 hours after application and plans are approved.

Source: Floyd County Building Inspections

General Requirements

Floyd County enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Permits are published for building, deck, demolition, electrical, plumbing and mechanical, farm, garage and carport, generator, inflatable, and sign work. Erosion and sediment approval is required before grading when 10,000 square feet or more of land will be disturbed.

Required Documents

• Proposed building plans
• Approved Floyd County Health Department well and septic documentation where applicable
• Signed land-disturbance form or erosion and sediment agreement
• Site and parcel information, including tax map number and address
• Contractor information and license number for trade work, or owner information if owner-builder
• Manufactured-home title or completed manufactured-home information section if applicable

Permit validity

Work must begin within 6 months after permit issuance or the permit becomes invalid. If proposed work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months, the permit becomes null and void. No refunds are given on invalid permits and a new permit must be reissued.

Building code

2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, incorporating the 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 National Electrical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code.

Owner-builder

No county-specific owner-builder handout was found. County forms require applicant and owner information. Virginia owner-builder rules under state law still apply.

Contractor requirements

County permit forms require contractor business name, contractor name, license number, and expiration date for trade permits. The county links to DPOR for contractor licensing verification.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$150 residential; $200 commercial retail/business

Plan check fee

Commercial plan review: $100. Erosion and sediment control plan review: $500.

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction and additions: $0.30 per sq. ft. Alterations, renovations, remodels: $0.20 per sq. ft., $100 minimum. Porches and decks: $0.20 per sq. ft., $100 minimum. Retaining walls, certain sheds, and residential picnic shelters: $0.10 per sq. ft., $50 minimum. Pools: $0.30 per sq. ft., $100 minimum. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, demolition, and similar permits are charged by flat schedule items. All permits subject to 2 percent Virginia state surcharge.

Trade permit fee

Flat fees by permit type; plumbing permits start at $50 plus fixture charges; mechanical residential permits start at $30 per heat pump.

Reinspection fee

$25 when work is not completed for inspection or accessible upon inspector arrival.

Payment note

No online payment portal was identified. Permit issuance is handled through the building office.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Non-livable detached structures under 256 square feet
• Pools 150 square feet or smaller, 5,000 gallons or less, or 24 inches deep or less
• Construction or alteration valued at less than $500
• Repair, plastering, and painting of interior or exterior walls
• Replacing siding or shingles (unless the building is commercial or the roof pitch is changing)
• Covered porches and decks smaller than 5 feet by 5 feet

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning or other local requirements. Confirm with Floyd County Building Inspections before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (540) 745-9359 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24 hours advance notice required for all inspections. No same-day inspections are made.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: County references footing inspection before E911 address issuance, framing inspection for residential truss specifications, rough inspection for gas-appliance installation, and final inspection. Intermediate inspections depend on permit type and scope.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, incorporating the 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 National Electrical Code, 2021 International Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, and 2021 International Energy Conservation Code.
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR Contractor License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Floyd County Code of Ordinances
• Address Request
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Floyd County Building Permit FAQ

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

Floyd County enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Permits are published for building, deck, demolition, electrical, plumbing and mechanical, farm, garage and carport, generator, inflatable, and sign work. Erosion and sediment approval is required before grading when 10,000 square feet or more of land will be disturbed.

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

The minimum permit fee is $150 residential; $200 commercial retail/business. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction and additions: $0.30 per sq. ft. Alterations, renovations, remodels: $0.20 per sq. ft., $100 minimum. Porches and decks: $0.20 per sq. ft., $100 minimum. Retaining walls, certain sheds, and residential picnic shelters: $0.10 per sq. ft., $50 minimum. Pools: $0.30 per sq. ft., $100 minimum. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, sign, demolition, and similar permits are charged by flat schedule items. All permits subject to 2 percent Virginia state surcharge.. Plan check fee: Commercial plan review: $100. Erosion and sediment control plan review: $500..

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

1. Confirm whether the site is in unincorporated Floyd County or inside the incorporated Town of Floyd. In-town projects require a separate Town of Floyd zoning permit in addition to county building review. 2. Assemble the county permit package: proposed building plans, approved Floyd County Health Department well and septic documentation where applicable, a signed land-disturbance form, and compliance with local setback requirements. Manufactured-home permits also require a copy of title or the manufactured-home information section of the permit form. 3. Submit plans and the completed permit application to Floyd County Building Inspections. The building official must approve plans and the permit application before a permit can be issued. 4. Obtain any required outside approvals, including Health Department, VDOT, floodplain documentation, erosion and sediment approval, Public Service Authority review where applicable, and Army Corps review for ponds, creek crossings, or wetlands impacts. 5. Pay permit fees under the county rates sheet, including the 2 percent Virginia state surcharge on permits. 6. Receive permit issuance after approval. The building office states normal processing time is 24 to 48 hours. Permits are not issued after 4:00 p.m.

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

Typical processing time is 24 to 48 hours after application and plans are approved..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Non-livable detached structures under 256 square feet; Pools 150 square feet or smaller, 5,000 gallons or less, or 24 inches deep or less; Construction or alteration valued at less than $500; Repair, plastering, and painting of interior or exterior walls; Replacing siding or shingles (unless the building is commercial or the roof pitch is changing); Covered porches and decks smaller than 5 feet by 5 feet. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning or other local requirements. Confirm with Floyd County Building Inspections before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (540) 745-9359. 24 hours advance notice required for all inspections. No same-day inspections are made..