How much does a building permit cost in Martinsville, VA?

The minimum permit fee is $50 for building-only and commercial building permits (plus square-foot charges over thresholds); $60 for decks and demolition; $70 for electrical fixture work. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Flat fees for many residential, demolition, and trade permits; per-square-foot adders for certain residential building-only and commercial permits..

How do I apply for a building permit in Martinsville, VA?

1. Download the city permit application and identify the permit scope. The form covers building, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas fitting, fire protection, land disturbance, and sign permits. 2. Complete the application with applicant and owner information, property address and tax map number, zoning information, proposed use, cost, dimensions, square footage, description of work, and contractor list by trade. Owners applying directly must complete the owner affidavit on page two, which references Virginia Code Section 54.1-1111. 3. Assemble required attachments. Some projects require sealed drawings and site plans. Demolition permits require asbestos sign-off. Land disturbance and zoning forms are published separately by Community Development. 4. Submit the package through the online CivicPlus Form Center, or by mail, fax, email, or in-person delivery to the Community Development office. 5. The city reviews zoning and code compliance. Community Development handles zoning and subdivisions; Inspections enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. 6. Pay permit fees under the city's adopted fee schedule. Confirm payment steps with the permit technician. 7. Complete required inspections as work progresses. A final inspection closes the permit. A certificate of occupancy is required before occupancy or change of occupancy where applicable.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Martinsville, VA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: 276-403-5173.

City Building Permits

Martinsville, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Virginia Henry County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Martinsville is an independent city in Virginia, separate from Henry County for permit-administration purposes. The city issues and administers its own building permits, inspections, zoning, and planning. Henry County Building Inspection has no jurisdiction within Martinsville city limits.

Department: City of Martinsville Community Development and Inspections
Address: 55 W Church Street, Room 217, Martinsville, VA 24112
Phone: 276-403-5173
Email: kbridges@ci.martinsville.va.us
Website: https://www.martinsville-va.gov/378/Inspections

Online Permit Portal

Open CivicPlus Permit Application Form

Platform: CivicPlus Form Center • Account required: No • Submission: Online or in-person

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download the city permit application and identify the permit scope. The form covers building, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas fitting, fire protection, land disturbance, and sign permits.
Complete the application with applicant and owner information, property address and tax map number, zoning information, proposed use, cost, dimensions, square footage, description of work, and contractor list by trade. Owners applying directly must complete the owner affidavit on page two, which references Virginia Code Section 54.1-1111.
Assemble required attachments. Some projects require sealed drawings and site plans. Demolition permits require asbestos sign-off. Land disturbance and zoning forms are published separately by Community Development.
Submit the package through the online CivicPlus Form Center, or by mail, fax, email, or in-person delivery to the Community Development office.
The city reviews zoning and code compliance. Community Development handles zoning and subdivisions; Inspections enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Pay permit fees under the city's adopted fee schedule. Confirm payment steps with the permit technician.
Complete required inspections as work progresses. A final inspection closes the permit. A certificate of occupancy is required before occupancy or change of occupancy where applicable.

Source: City of Martinsville Community Development and Inspections

General Requirements

Building permits are required for constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing structures, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and fire protection systems. Additional permit types include land disturbance or erosion and sediment control permits (for disturbance over 10,000 square feet), sign permits, demolition permits, mural and public art permits, and special event approvals.

Required Documents

City permit application
Owner and applicant information
Property information (address and tax map number)
Zoning information
Proposed use, cost, dimensions, and square footage
Description of work
Contractor list by trade
Owner affidavit (if owner is applying, referencing Virginia Code Section 54.1-1111)
Sealed drawings and site plans (where required by project scope)
Demolition asbestos sign-off (for demolition permits)
Separate zoning, land disturbance, or sign materials (as required by Community Development)

Permit validity: The 2021 Virginia Construction Code applies: an application is deemed abandoned six months after filing unless pursued in good faith or a permit is issued. An issued permit may be revoked if work does not commence within six months after issuance or is suspended or abandoned for six months. Extensions may be available. A three-year completion limit applies to new detached single-family dwellings, additions, and residential accessory structures if required by the building official.
Building code: 2021 Virginia Construction Code (effective January 18, 2024), enforced as the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in its most current edition
Owner-builder: The city permit application includes an owner affidavit that references Virginia Code Section 54.1-1111, stating the owner is not subject to contractor licensure when applying as owner.
Contractor requirements: The city verifies that contractors have the proper licensing and insurance to obtain permits. Contractor licensing is administered by the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $50 for building-only and commercial building permits (plus square-foot charges over thresholds); $60 for decks and demolition; $70 for electrical fixture work
Permit fee formula: Mixed. Flat fees for many residential, demolition, and trade permits; per-square-foot adders for certain residential building-only and commercial permits.
Reinspection fee: $80 per reinspection
Penalty (no permit): $200 for working without a permit
Payment note: The city's public permit pages do not clearly describe payment channels, card fees, or online payment timing. Confirm payment instructions with the permit technician.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY 2025-26).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Martinsville Community Development and Inspections to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

276-403-5173 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are performed under the Virginia Construction Code as work progresses. A final inspection is required to close the permit.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 Virginia Construction Code (effective January 18, 2024), enforced as the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in its most current edition
Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
Zoning information: View zoning info
FY 2025-26 Adopted Fee Table
Zoning Review Application
Enterprise Zone
Virginia DPOR — Contractor Licensing
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 City of Martinsville Community Development and Inspections before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Martinsville Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Martinsville, VA?: Building permits are required for constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing structures, including electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and fire protection systems. Additional permit types include land disturbance or erosion and sediment control permits (for disturbance over 10,000 square feet), sign permits, demolition permits, mural and public art permits, and special event approvals.
How much does a building permit cost in Martinsville, VA?: The minimum permit fee is $50 for building-only and commercial building permits (plus square-foot charges over thresholds); $60 for decks and demolition; $70 for electrical fixture work. Fees are calculated as: Mixed. Flat fees for many residential, demolition, and trade permits; per-square-foot adders for certain residential building-only and commercial permits..
How do I apply for a building permit in Martinsville, VA?: 1. Download the city permit application and identify the permit scope. The form covers building, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, gas fitting, fire protection, land disturbance, and sign permits. 2. Complete the application with applicant and owner information, property address and tax map number, zoning information, proposed use, cost, dimensions, square footage, description of work, and contractor list by trade. Owners applying directly must complete the owner affidavit on page two, which references Virginia Code Section 54.1-1111. 3. Assemble required attachments. Some projects require sealed drawings and site plans. Demolition permits require asbestos sign-off. Land disturbance and zoning forms are published separately by Community Development. 4. Submit the package through the online CivicPlus Form Center, or by mail, fax, email, or in-person delivery to the Community Development office. 5. The city reviews zoning and code compliance. Community Development handles zoning and subdivisions; Inspections enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. 6. Pay permit fees under the city's adopted fee schedule. Confirm payment steps with the permit technician. 7. Complete required inspections as work progresses. A final inspection closes the permit. A certificate of occupancy is required before occupancy or change of occupancy where applicable.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Martinsville, VA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: 276-403-5173.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Martinsville can be complicated.

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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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