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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Goochland County
A permit is required in Goochland County when constructing, altering, demolishing, or moving a building or structure; installing or altering code-regulated mechanical, electrical, or plumbing equipment; changing occupancy; moving lot lines where fire-separation conditions could be affected; disturbing asbestos; and for additions, accessory structures over 256 square feet, swimming pools, and most electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.
One-story detached tool sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures not more than 256 square feet (except certain occupancies)
Utility-prefabricated buildings not over 150 square feet
Tents or air-supported structures not more than 900 square feet with occupant load 50 or less
Fences, unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a swimming-pool barrier
Concrete or masonry walls not more than 6 feet high
Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting surcharge
Swimming pools not over 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
Flagpoles 30 feet or less
Temporary ramps meeting Virginia Construction Code criteria
Certain low-voltage wiring and equipment under Virginia Construction Code conditions
Ordinary repairs under the Virginia Construction Code, such as qualifying same-size window and door replacements, certain finish work, cabinetry, trim, painting, and certain replacement plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work that does not alter system capacity or layout
- Exempt One-story detached tool sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures not more than 256 square feet (except certain occupancies)
- Exempt Utility-prefabricated buildings not over 150 square feet
- Exempt Tents or air-supported structures not more than 900 square feet with occupant load 50 or less
- Exempt Fences, unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a swimming-pool barrier
- Exempt Concrete or masonry walls not more than 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting surcharge
- Exempt Swimming pools not over 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Flagpoles 30 feet or less
- Exempt Temporary ramps meeting Virginia Construction Code criteria
- Exempt Certain low-voltage wiring and equipment under Virginia Construction Code conditions
- Exempt Ordinary repairs under the Virginia Construction Code, such as qualifying same-size window and door replacements, certain finish work, cabinetry, trim, painting, and certain replacement plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work that does not alter system capacity or layout
Note: Exempt from a building permit does not mean exempt from zoning or other requirements. Goochland zoning requires a separate zoning compliance application for some small structures, including residential accessory structures 256 square feet or less, even where no building permit is required. Overlay districts, floodplain rules, and other land-use controls may still apply. Confirm with Goochland County Building Inspection and Community Development before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application with owner, applicant, contractor, and scope information
- Contractor license details or owner statement (if owner is applicant, signed affirmation under Virginia Code Section 54.1-1111)
- Two copies of construction drawings
- Two copies of survey or plat (for new construction or footprint expansion)
- Site plan with setbacks, lot lines, roads, easements, existing structures, and well/septic locations
- Shrink-swell soil report (for new construction)
- Flood-zone and environmental impact disclosures
- Lien-agent information where applicable
- RLD, erosion, stormwater, floodplain, or Certificate of Approval materials when triggered
- Well and septic application where applicable
- Building code
- 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), effective January 18, 2024 for permits submitted after January 17, 2024
- Permit validity
- A permit expires if work has not begun within 6 months after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months after issuance.
- Owner-builder
- If the owner is the applicant, the owner must affirm on the application that the owner is not subject to licensure as a contractor or subcontractor under Virginia Code Section 54.1-1111.
- Contractor requirements
- Engineers, architects, contractors, and subcontractors must be licensed to practice in Virginia (DPOR). County staff verifies DPOR licensing and local business-license status before intake. Out-of-county contractors with work value in Goochland exceeding $25,000 are subject to Goochland County business-license tax and must obtain a county business license before permit issuance.
Source: Goochland County Department of Building Inspection ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Goochland publishes a typical turnaround of 4 weeks for new single-family dwelling permit review. Certificate of Approval review has a published 10 working-day staff review window after a complete application is filed. No universal SLA was published for all permit categories.
- 01 Confirm the property is in Goochland County and identify all approval tracks that apply. Building Inspection issues the permit, but Planning and Zoning review, flood-zone review, and environmental review are built into the intake path. If the site is in an overlay district, a Certificate of Approval may be required before permit issuance.
- 02 Determine whether the project also triggers zoning, land disturbance, stormwater, floodplain, or utility approvals. For single-family projects disturbing more than 10,000 square feet, an RLD and erosion paperwork are required. Floodplain development requires a separate county environmental permit.
- 03 Prepare the permit application package. Include owner, applicant, contractor, and scope information; two copies of construction drawings; two copies of the survey or plat for new construction or footprint expansion; site plan with setbacks, lot lines, roads, easements, existing structures, and well/septic locations; and a shrink-swell soil report for new construction.
- 04 Submit through the EnerGov Citizen Self Service portal or at the permit counter in person (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Since January 1, 2026, Plans of Development, Land Disturbance Permits, and Stormwater Management Permits must be submitted through the EP&L portal with one paper plan set. Licensed-contractor residential building applications must be filed electronically through EnerGov as of March 1, 2026.
- 05 County reviewers complete zoning, building, and any applicable environmental or Health Department review. The new-single-family process lists Planning and Zoning, Health Department (where private well or septic applies), Building Inspection, and Environmental review if stormwater approval is required.
- 06 Respond to any corrections and pay permit and related fees. Contractor credentials and Goochland County business license are verified before intake when project value exceeds $25,000.
- 07 Receive permit issuance after all approvals and payment. Post the permit and site plan on site before beginning work.
Typical processing time: Goochland publishes a typical turnaround of 4 weeks for new single-family dwelling permit review. Certificate of Approval review has a published 10 working-day staff review window after a complete application is filed. No universal SLA was published for all permit categories.
Source: Goochland County Department of Building Inspection ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Goochland County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30 for residential building permits; $50 zoning fee for residential single-family dwellings; $25 zoning fee for other structures; $100 RLD fee for land disturbance over 10,000 sq ft; stormwater fees from $200 depending on project type
02
Plan check fee
No separate general building plan-check fee was identified on public building-permit fee materials. Separate planning, zoning, stormwater, subdivision, and COA review fees apply where those approvals are triggered.
03
Permit fee formula
Residential building permit fees: $30 plus $4.50 per $1,000 above $4,000 of job value, plus 2% state levy. Commercial permit fees are valuation-based using the county's commercial construction value table by occupancy type and square footage. Planning, zoning, and COA fees are flat by application type. Stormwater fees are flat by disturbed acreage tier.
04
Reinspection fee
$100 reinspection fee when work is not ready; additional reinspection fees may be charged after the second failed inspection for the same deficiency. No further inspections may be scheduled until reinspection fees are paid.
Community Development payments must be made through the county's EnerGov system. The Citizen Self Portal sends invoices and receipts by email. The county's fraud alert states permit payments should be made only through EnerGov.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- EnerGov Citizen Self Service portal (online)
- bi-emails@goochlandva.us (email)
- (804) 556-5815 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests must be made by 3:00 p.m. the prior business day for next-business-day inspections. Work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. on the inspection day. Applicants may call after 9:00 a.m. on the inspection day for an AM or PM window; specific appointment times are not guaranteed.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Time windows
- AM and PM windows available; call after 9:00 a.m. on the day of inspection to inquire. Specific times are not guaranteed.
Typical sequence: Typical residential sequence: erosion control inspection first (where RLD applies), then footing and setbacks, projection/stem wall/foundation items as applicable, pre-slab and groundwork inspections, framing with all rough-ins scheduled together, insulation with intermediate erosion review (if RLD applies), exterior utility inspections, Health Department final (if well or septic applies), blower door and duct leakage submittals before final, stormwater final before final building inspection (if stormwater permit required), then final inspections and Certificate of Occupancy issuance.
Source: Goochland County Department of Building Inspection ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Goochland County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Goochland County, VA? ▸
A permit is required in Goochland County when constructing, altering, demolishing, or moving a building or structure; installing or altering code-regulated mechanical, electrical, or plumbing equipment; changing occupancy; moving lot lines where fire-separation conditions could be affected; disturbing asbestos; and for additions, accessory structures over 256 square feet, swimming pools, and most electrical, mechanical, and plumbing work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Goochland County, VA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Goochland County, VA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $30 for residential building permits; $50 zoning fee for residential single-family dwellings; $25 zoning fee for other structures; $100 RLD fee for land disturbance over 10,000 sq ft; stormwater fees from $200 depending on project type. Fees are calculated as: Residential building permit fees: $30 plus $4.50 per $1,000 above $4,000 of job value, plus 2% state levy. Commercial permit fees are valuation-based using the county's commercial construction value table by occupancy type and square footage. Planning, zoning, and COA fees are flat by application type. Stormwater fees are flat by disturbed acreage tier.. Plan check fee: No separate general building plan-check fee was identified on public building-permit fee materials. Separate planning, zoning, stormwater, subdivision, and COA review fees apply where those approvals are triggered..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Goochland County, VA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Goochland County, VA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the property is in Goochland County and identify all approval tracks that apply. Building Inspection issues the permit, but Planning and Zoning review, flood-zone review, and environmental review are built into the intake path. If the site is in an overlay district, a Certificate of Approval may be required before permit issuance. 2. Determine whether the project also triggers zoning, land disturbance, stormwater, floodplain, or utility approvals. For single-family projects disturbing more than 10,000 square feet, an RLD and erosion paperwork are required. Floodplain development requires a separate county environmental permit. 3. Prepare the permit application package. Include owner, applicant, contractor, and scope information; two copies of construction drawings; two copies of the survey or plat for new construction or footprint expansion; site plan with setbacks, lot lines, roads, easements, existing structures, and well/septic locations; and a shrink-swell soil report for new construction. 4. Submit through the EnerGov Citizen Self Service portal or at the permit counter in person (Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). Since January 1, 2026, Plans of Development, Land Disturbance Permits, and Stormwater Management Permits must be submitted through the EP&L portal with one paper plan set. Licensed-contractor residential building applications must be filed electronically through EnerGov as of March 1, 2026. 5. County reviewers complete zoning, building, and any applicable environmental or Health Department review. The new-single-family process lists Planning and Zoning, Health Department (where private well or septic applies), Building Inspection, and Environmental review if stormwater approval is required. 6. Respond to any corrections and pay permit and related fees. Contractor credentials and Goochland County business license are verified before intake when project value exceeds $25,000. 7. Receive permit issuance after all approvals and payment. Post the permit and site plan on site before beginning work.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Goochland County, VA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Goochland County, VA typically run Goochland publishes a typical turnaround of 4 weeks for new single-family dwelling permit review. Certificate of Approval review has a published 10 working-day staff review window after a complete application is filed. No universal SLA was published for all permit categories.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Goochland County, VA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Goochland County, VA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures not more than 256 square feet (except certain occupancies); Utility-prefabricated buildings not over 150 square feet; Tents or air-supported structures not more than 900 square feet with occupant load 50 or less; Fences, unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a swimming-pool barrier; Concrete or masonry walls not more than 6 feet high; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting surcharge; Swimming pools not over 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less; Temporary ramps meeting Virginia Construction Code criteria; Certain low-voltage wiring and equipment under Virginia Construction Code conditions; Ordinary repairs under the Virginia Construction Code, such as qualifying same-size window and door replacements, certain finish work, cabinetry, trim, painting, and certain replacement plumbing, mechanical, and electrical work that does not alter system capacity or layout. Note: Exempt from a building permit does not mean exempt from zoning or other requirements. Goochland zoning requires a separate zoning compliance application for some small structures, including residential accessory structures 256 square feet or less, even where no building permit is required. Overlay districts, floodplain rules, and other land-use controls may still apply. Confirm with Goochland County Building Inspection and Community Development before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Goochland County, VA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Goochland County, VA via: EnerGov Citizen Self Service portal, bi-emails@goochlandva.us, (804) 556-5815. Requests must be made by 3:00 p.m. the prior business day for next-business-day inspections. Work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. on the inspection day. Applicants may call after 9:00 a.m. on the inspection day for an AM or PM window; specific appointment times are not guaranteed..
last verified April 2026
source Goochland County Department of Building Inspection ↗
entry id permits/virginia/goochland/goochland-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Goochland County Department of Building Inspection before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.