City of Harrisonburg

Building permits are required for new construction, alterations, additions, demolitions, accessory buildings, swimming pools, roofing work (except limited shingle replacement on 1-family, duplex, and townhouse dwellings), solar systems, tents above exemption thresholds, and similar work that improves or upgrades property in the city. Trade permits are required for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical work, usually in addition to the building permit. Sign permits are required prior to displaying signage. Engineered comprehensive site plans and land disturbing permits may also be required based on project scope, grading, stormwater, fire protection, utilities, floodplain, and site-development triggers.

• Exempt Sheds under 257 square feet that do not have more than one floor and are not used for car storage
• Exempt Roofing shingle replacement on single-family homes, duplexes, and townhouses
• Exempt Tents or air-supported structures of 900 square feet or less, including connected areas with common egress or entrance, when occupant load is 50 or fewer
• Exempt Pools under 150 square feet of surface area, under 5,000 gallons, and not capable of holding more than 24 inches of water depth (barrier requirements still apply)
• Exempt Testing of backflow devices (no permit required)

Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Confirm with Community Development before proceeding.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code administered locally. The 2021 Virginia codes became effective January 18, 2024, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code and 2020 NEC references.

Permit validity

Building and demolition permits are void if work has not commenced within or is suspended for 6 months from the issue date. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and backflow permits likewise become void after 6 months of noncommencement or suspension.

Owner-builder

An applicant acting as their own contractor assumes all liability, damages, and responsibilities for the work, code knowledge, plan review corrections, inspection corrections, and obtaining certificates of occupancy. Owner-builders constructing or remodeling their own residence are required to reside in that structure for at least 24 months. Trade permit pages note owners may do the work if they obtain the proper permit, request inspections, and satisfy fees and requirements.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must present a valid Virginia DPOR contractor registration (Class A, B, or C as applicable) and a current Harrisonburg business license. Both the DPOR registration number and business license number are required on building and trade permit applications.

Source: City of Harrisonburg Department of Community Development ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the project type and determine whether zoning, floodplain, engineering, Public Works, Public Utilities, or Fire review is triggered. The city's building permit checklist states permits will not be reviewed until the checklist is completed and any triggered department review is added.
2. 02
   Create a LAMA account and register, or prepare a fillable PDF application for email or in-person filing. Contractors and developers should request a registration code from Community Development so existing credentials and records attach to the account.
3. 03
   Submit the permit application with required plans, site plan, supporting forms, and contractor information through LAMA, by email to permits@harrisonburgva.gov, or in person at Community Development at 409 South Main Street.
4. 04
   A permit technician performs completeness review. Staff will process complete applications and contact the applicant if more information or clarification is needed.
5. 05
   For building permits, the application is forwarded to Planning and Zoning for zoning review and then returned to Building Inspections for final review, approval, and issuance.
6. 06
   Pay fees after approval. LAMA allows online payment and permit download; cash, check, or money order is also accepted in person.
7. 07
   Post the permit placard on site and schedule required inspections through LAMA or by contacting Community Development.

Typical processing time: General building permits: allow at least 7 days. Electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits submitted before 3:00 p.m. are often issued the same day. Backflow permits are normally issued within 2 days. Mechanical permits involving tank installation may take up to 2 weeks. Comprehensive site plan review target is 21 calendar days after acceptance, with an 8-day cursory review and 5-working-day turnaround for minor-revision resubmittals.

Source: City of Harrisonburg Department of Community Development ↗

Cash, check, and money order are accepted in person or by mail at Community Development. Certain permits can be paid online through LAMA. Visa, MasterCard, and Discover are accepted online with a 3.5% convenience fee. The city warns it will never solicit wire transfer or other electronic payment outside the portal.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• LAMA Permit Portal (online)
• Community Development, 409 South Main Street (in-person)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Typical sequence: Inspection sequence varies by project type. For pools: footers/slab, electrical bonding/rough/final, and plumbing slab/service/final. For electrical permits: temporary service, under slab, trench, rough-in, permanent service, and final. For mechanical permits: under slab, trench, rough-in, and final. For plumbing permits: under slab, rough-in, service lines, and final. Final electrical and final plumbing approvals must precede final building inspection scheduling where applicable.

Source: City of Harrisonburg Department of Community Development ↗