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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses not exceeding 256 square feet; Fences of any height (unless required for pedestrian safety or as a pool barrier); Concrete or masonry walls not exceeding six feet above finished grade; Retaining walls supporting less than three feet of unbalanced fill; Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep (qualifying installations only); Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height; Ordinary repairs such as qualifying window and door replacements, fixture replacements, certain non-gas and non-oil appliance replacements, limited roofing and roof-deck replacements, cabinetry and trim work, and paint or wallpaper. Note: No public county-specific exempt-work list was found on the Giles County Building, Planning and Zoning page. The items above reflect Virginia USBC section 108.2 statewide exemptions. The building official may require a permit in floodplain or special conditions even for otherwise exempt work. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, or other requirements. Confirm any claimed exemption directly with Giles County Department of Building, Planning and Zoning before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (540) 921-2527 (Giles County Building, Planning and Zoning).

County Building Permits

Giles County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Giles County, Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Virginia Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Giles County is a Virginia county locality and the primary building permit issuer for unincorporated areas. Glen Lyn, Pembroke, and Rich Creek route to Giles County for building permits, while Pearisburg has its own listed building official. Confirm with the county which jurisdiction applies to your project address.

Department: Giles County Department of Building, Planning and Zoning
Address: 1 Taylor Avenue, Suite 2, Pearisburg, VA 24134
Phone: (540) 921-2527
Email: awelch@gilescounty.org
Website: https://virginiasmtnplayground.com/building-codes/

Online Permit Portal

Open Giles County Building, Planning and Zoning Page

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Confirm the project location and whether it lies in unincorporated Giles County, or in a town with separate local routing. Glen Lyn, Pembroke, and Rich Creek route to Giles County; Pearisburg has its own building official.
Download the applicable Giles County permit and support forms from the county Building, Planning and Zoning page. Forms include the building permit application, owner-builder affidavit, zoning certificate, floodplain permit, manufactured home setup requirements, and single-family plan requirements as applicable.
Assemble the complete application package with all required supporting documents, plans, and forms for your project type.
Submit the completed application package and supporting plans to the Giles County Department of Building, Planning and Zoning at 1 Taylor Avenue, Suite 2, Pearisburg, VA 24134.
Pay the required permit fee per the county fee schedule before the county issues a permit. No permit to begin work will be issued until required fees have been paid.
Schedule required inspections through the county building office as work progresses and obtain final approval before occupancy or project closeout.

Source: Giles County Department of Building, Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

A permit must be obtained before starting new construction or other building operations that require a building permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Owner-builder affidavit (if applicable)
Agreement in lieu of plan for erosion and sediment control (if applicable)
Deck specifications (if applicable)
Single-family dwelling plan requirements (if applicable)
Manufactured home setup requirements (if applicable)
Certificate of zoning application
Conditional use permit application (if applicable)
Floodplain development permit application (if applicable)

Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Virginia's 2021 code cycle, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code and the 2020 National Electrical Code, became effective January 18, 2024.
Owner-builder: Giles County publishes an owner-builder affidavit. The owner signing the affidavit is the responsible party for the work.
Contractor requirements: Giles County links to the Virginia DPOR contractor license lookup, indicating state contractor licensing requirements apply. Virginia USBC section 108.4 requires either proof of licensure or a written statement that the applicant is not subject to contractor licensure.

Fees

Payment note: No permit to begin work will be issued until required fees have been paid.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses not exceeding 256 square feet
Fences of any height (unless required for pedestrian safety or as a pool barrier)
Concrete or masonry walls not exceeding six feet above finished grade
Retaining walls supporting less than three feet of unbalanced fill
Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep (qualifying installations only)
Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height
Ordinary repairs such as qualifying window and door replacements, fixture replacements, certain non-gas and non-oil appliance replacements, limited roofing and roof-deck replacements, cabinetry and trim work, and paint or wallpaper

Important: No public county-specific exempt-work list was found on the Giles County Building, Planning and Zoning page. The items above reflect Virginia USBC section 108.2 statewide exemptions. The building official may require a permit in floodplain or special conditions even for otherwise exempt work. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, or other requirements. Confirm any claimed exemption directly with Giles County Department of Building, Planning and Zoning before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(540) 921-2527 (Giles County Building, Planning and Zoning) (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Giles County does not publish a single public inspection-sequence chart. Under Virginia USBC section 113.3, minimum applicable inspections include: footing excavation and reinforcement, foundation systems, preparatory work before concrete placement, structural members and fasteners before concealment, electrical/mechanical/plumbing before concealment, energy-conservation materials before concealment, and final inspection. Floodplain projects may require lowest-floor elevation documentation before further vertical construction and before final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Virginia's 2021 code cycle, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code and the 2020 National Electrical Code, became effective January 18, 2024.
Verify contractor license: DPOR License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
Virginia DHCD Building Codes
Virginia DHCD Building Officials Directory
Virginia USBC Overview (DHCD)
Virginia Permit Exemptions — USBC Section 108.2
Virginia Contractor Board (DPOR)
Giles County Zoning Ordinance (PDF)
License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Giles County Department of Building, Planning and Zoning before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Giles County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Giles County, VA?: A permit must be obtained before starting new construction or other building operations that require a building permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Giles County, VA?: 1. Confirm the project location and whether it lies in unincorporated Giles County, or in a town with separate local routing. Glen Lyn, Pembroke, and Rich Creek route to Giles County; Pearisburg has its own building official. 2. Download the applicable Giles County permit and support forms from the county Building, Planning and Zoning page. Forms include the building permit application, owner-builder affidavit, zoning certificate, floodplain permit, manufactured home setup requirements, and single-family plan requirements as applicable. 3. Assemble the complete application package with all required supporting documents, plans, and forms for your project type. 4. Submit the completed application package and supporting plans to the Giles County Department of Building, Planning and Zoning at 1 Taylor Avenue, Suite 2, Pearisburg, VA 24134. 5. Pay the required permit fee per the county fee schedule before the county issues a permit. No permit to begin work will be issued until required fees have been paid. 6. Schedule required inspections through the county building office as work progresses and obtain final approval before occupancy or project closeout.
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Giles County, VA?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses not exceeding 256 square feet; Fences of any height (unless required for pedestrian safety or as a pool barrier); Concrete or masonry walls not exceeding six feet above finished grade; Retaining walls supporting less than three feet of unbalanced fill; Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep (qualifying installations only); Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height; Ordinary repairs such as qualifying window and door replacements, fixture replacements, certain non-gas and non-oil appliance replacements, limited roofing and roof-deck replacements, cabinetry and trim work, and paint or wallpaper. Note: No public county-specific exempt-work list was found on the Giles County Building, Planning and Zoning page. The items above reflect Virginia USBC section 108.2 statewide exemptions. The building official may require a permit in floodplain or special conditions even for otherwise exempt work. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, floodplain, or other requirements. Confirm any claimed exemption directly with Giles County Department of Building, Planning and Zoning before proceeding.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Giles County, VA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (540) 921-2527 (Giles County Building, Planning and Zoning).

Need help with your project?

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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