Halifax County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Halifax County Building Code Enforcement is the county-administered building permit and inspection office. The county's building permit form covers Halifax County unincorporated areas, the Town of Halifax (zoning permit included), and the Town of South Boston. Halifax County Planning and Zoning separately administers county zoning permits and zoning review.

Department

Halifax County Building Code Enforcement; Halifax County Planning and Zoning

Address

1050 Mary Bethune Street, Halifax, VA 24558

Phone

434-476-3300

Email

avc@co.halifax.va.us

Website

https://www.halifaxcountyva.gov/174/Building-Code-Enforcement

Application Process

1. Contact Halifax County Planning and Zoning to determine the plans, specifications, and zoning permit required for the project before filing a building permit application.
2. Assemble the permit package. The county building permit form requires owner and project information, parcel and zoning data, construction category, utility information, square footage, contractor Virginia license number, business license number, trade costs, construction cost, and VDOT driveway permit information if applicable. Include the Health Department permit number if the project involves a private well or septic system.
3. Download and complete the county building permit application or trade permit form. The trade permit covers electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, fire protection, temporary pole, service work, and generator or gas appliance work.
4. Submit the completed form to Halifax County Building Code Enforcement by email to avc@co.halifax.va.us or lfy@co.halifax.va.us, or in person at the office.
5. Allow a minimum of 10 business days for permit processing. Call extension 3304 to confirm fee totals. A 2 percent BOH fee is added to all fees.
6. Pay fees as invoiced to obtain the issued permit.
7. Call for inspections as work reaches each required stage. The permit holder must notify the building official when work is ready for each required inspection.
8. Complete the final inspection and secure a certificate of occupancy before occupancy where required.

Typical processing time: Minimum 10 business days for building permits.

Source: Halifax County Building Code Enforcement; Halifax County Planning and Zoning

General Requirements

A building permit is required under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code before construction, demolition, structural work, MEP work, fuel-gas work, fire-protection work, or occupancy changes requiring a new certificate of occupancy. Halifax County also requires zoning permits for structures including farm structures, open carports, prefabricated buildings, additions, and swimming pools.

Required Documents

• Completed county building permit application or trade permit form
• Parcel and zoning details
• Plot or site information as required
• Contractor name, Virginia DPOR license number, and business license number
• VDOT driveway permit (if applicable)
• Health Department permit number for private well or septic (if applicable)
• Mechanics lien agent information (if designated)
• Owner affidavit notarized if applicant is not a licensed contractor and owner does not present in person

Permit validity

Halifax County charges a $35 fee to reactivate a permit expired less than 90 days. Permits expired more than 90 days may require a new permit and new fees. Under the Virginia USBC, an application is deemed abandoned six months after filing unless pursued in good faith or extended.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The county references the 2021 code package (effective January 18, 2024). Confirm the active edition with the county before filing.

Owner-builder

Both the building permit and trade permit forms include an owner affidavit for applicants who are not licensed contractors. The affidavit cites Code of Virginia Section 54.1-111 and must be notarized if the owner does not present in person.

Contractor requirements

The Virginia USBC requires proof of DPOR licensure or a written statement that licensure is not required before permit issuance, and proof that required county taxes or license fees have been paid. County permit forms ask for Virginia contractor license numbers, business license numbers, and BPOL numbers.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$100 residential new construction or additions; $175 commercial new construction or additions; $50 county zoning permit

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction, additions, and remodeling: $0.15 per square foot ($100 minimum). Garages, carports, and porches: $0.12 per square foot ($50 minimum). Basements (finished or unfinished): $0.12 per square foot ($75 minimum). Singlewide, doublewide, and triplewide units and mobile unit moves: $0.14 per square foot ($75 minimum). Residential accessory buildings over 256 sq ft: $0.12 per square foot ($50 minimum). Residential trade permits (plumbing, HVAC, fuel gas, electrical, temporary service pole, service reconnect, generator): $45 each. Residential above-ground pools: $75; in-ground pools: $125. Residential demolition up to 1,200 sq ft: $50; over 1,200 sq ft: $100. Waterproofing or drain tile to existing structure: $40 flat. Residential tents over 900 sq ft: $35. Commercial new construction or additions: $0.15 per square foot ($175 minimum). Commercial repairs, remodeling, or relocation $5,000 or less: $125; over $5,000: $5 per $1,000 plus minimum. Commercial trade permits $5,000 or less: $100; over $5,000: $5 per $1,000 plus minimum. Commercial demolition up to 1,500 sq ft: $150; over 1,500 sq ft: $200. Commercial pools: $350. Cell towers (new): $3,500; colocation on existing towers: $500.

Trade permit fee

$45 per residential trade permit; commercial trade permits $100 for projects $5,000 or less

Reinspection fee

$35 residential and commercial

Penalty (no permit)

Double fee with listed minimums for starting work without a permit. Moving in without certificate of occupancy: $75 residential, $100 commercial.

Payment note

Call 434-476-3300 extension 3304 to confirm fee totals. A 2 percent BOH fee is added to all fees.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 256 square feet (Virginia USBC exemption; still requires a zoning permit)
• Small utility prefabricated buildings up to 150 square feet (USBC exemption)
• Tents 900 square feet or less with occupant load 50 or fewer
• Fences unless used as pool barriers
• Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill
• Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less
• Certain temporary ramps
• Ordinary repairs such as same-size window and door replacement, replacement plumbing fixtures without system alteration, certain switches and receptacles, non-gas and non-oil appliance replacement, certain roof covering or siding replacement, floor finishes, cabinetry or trim, and paint or wallpaper
• Farm buildings or structures exempt under USBC Section 102.3 (farm structure affidavit required; no county inspections or certificate of occupancy, but a zoning permit is still required)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Halifax County requires a zoning permit for many structures that are exempt from building permit requirements. Historic district and special flood hazard area rules can further narrow USBC exemptions. Confirm with Halifax County Building Code Enforcement before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 434-476-3300 (phone)
• avc@co.halifax.va.us (email)
• lfy@co.halifax.va.us (email)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Permit applications not processed after 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Virginia USBC minimum required inspections: footing excavation and reinforcement, foundation systems, preparatory work before concrete placement, structural members and fasteners before concealment, electrical/mechanical/plumbing before concealment, energy conservation before concealment, and final inspection. Third-party inspection reports may be accepted when the building official cannot perform the required inspection within two working days.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The county references the 2021 code package (effective January 18, 2024). Confirm the active edition with the county before filing.
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County Forms
• County Code of Ordinances
• Farm Structure Exemption Affidavit
• Virginia Health Department — Halifax
• Virginia USBC Permit and Inspection Rules
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Halifax County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code before construction, demolition, structural work, MEP work, fuel-gas work, fire-protection work, or occupancy changes requiring a new certificate of occupancy. Halifax County also requires zoning permits for structures including farm structures, open carports, prefabricated buildings, additions, and swimming pools.

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

The minimum permit fee is $100 residential new construction or additions; $175 commercial new construction or additions; $50 county zoning permit. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction, additions, and remodeling: $0.15 per square foot ($100 minimum). Garages, carports, and porches: $0.12 per square foot ($50 minimum). Basements (finished or unfinished): $0.12 per square foot ($75 minimum). Singlewide, doublewide, and triplewide units and mobile unit moves: $0.14 per square foot ($75 minimum). Residential accessory buildings over 256 sq ft: $0.12 per square foot ($50 minimum). Residential trade permits (plumbing, HVAC, fuel gas, electrical, temporary service pole, service reconnect, generator): $45 each. Residential above-ground pools: $75; in-ground pools: $125. Residential demolition up to 1,200 sq ft: $50; over 1,200 sq ft: $100. Waterproofing or drain tile to existing structure: $40 flat. Residential tents over 900 sq ft: $35. Commercial new construction or additions: $0.15 per square foot ($175 minimum). Commercial repairs, remodeling, or relocation $5,000 or less: $125; over $5,000: $5 per $1,000 plus minimum. Commercial trade permits $5,000 or less: $100; over $5,000: $5 per $1,000 plus minimum. Commercial demolition up to 1,500 sq ft: $150; over 1,500 sq ft: $200. Commercial pools: $350. Cell towers (new): $3,500; colocation on existing towers: $500..

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

1. Contact Halifax County Planning and Zoning to determine the plans, specifications, and zoning permit required for the project before filing a building permit application. 2. Assemble the permit package. The county building permit form requires owner and project information, parcel and zoning data, construction category, utility information, square footage, contractor Virginia license number, business license number, trade costs, construction cost, and VDOT driveway permit information if applicable. Include the Health Department permit number if the project involves a private well or septic system. 3. Download and complete the county building permit application or trade permit form. The trade permit covers electrical, mechanical, plumbing, fuel gas, fire protection, temporary pole, service work, and generator or gas appliance work. 4. Submit the completed form to Halifax County Building Code Enforcement by email to avc@co.halifax.va.us or lfy@co.halifax.va.us, or in person at the office. 5. Allow a minimum of 10 business days for permit processing. Call extension 3304 to confirm fee totals. A 2 percent BOH fee is added to all fees. 6. Pay fees as invoiced to obtain the issued permit. 7. Call for inspections as work reaches each required stage. The permit holder must notify the building official when work is ready for each required inspection. 8. Complete the final inspection and secure a certificate of occupancy before occupancy where required.

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

Typical processing time is Minimum 10 business days for building permits..

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 256 square feet (Virginia USBC exemption; still requires a zoning permit); Small utility prefabricated buildings up to 150 square feet (USBC exemption); Tents 900 square feet or less with occupant load 50 or fewer; Fences unless used as pool barriers; Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill; Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less; Certain temporary ramps; Ordinary repairs such as same-size window and door replacement, replacement plumbing fixtures without system alteration, certain switches and receptacles, non-gas and non-oil appliance replacement, certain roof covering or siding replacement, floor finishes, cabinetry or trim, and paint or wallpaper; Farm buildings or structures exempt under USBC Section 102.3 (farm structure affidavit required; no county inspections or certificate of occupancy, but a zoning permit is still required). Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Halifax County requires a zoning permit for many structures that are exempt from building permit requirements. Historic district and special flood hazard area rules can further narrow USBC exemptions. Confirm with Halifax County Building Code Enforcement before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 434-476-3300, avc@co.halifax.va.us, lfy@co.halifax.va.us.