City of Martinsville

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.

Note: No Martinsville-specific public exempt-work list was found on the city's permit, Community Development, or Inspections pages. Contact Community Development and Inspections at 276-403-5173 to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Building code

2021 Virginia Construction Code (effective January 18, 2024), enforced as the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in its most current edition

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.

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).

Source: City of Martinsville Community Development and Inspections ↗

1. 01
   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. 02
   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. 03
   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. 04
   Submit the package through the online CivicPlus Form Center, or by mail, fax, email, or in-person delivery to the Community Development office.
5. 05
   The city reviews zoning and code compliance. Community Development handles zoning and subdivisions; Inspections enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
6. 06
   Pay permit fees under the city's adopted fee schedule. Confirm payment steps with the permit technician.
7. 07
   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 ↗

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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective FY 2025-26) before budgeting.

• 276-403-5173 (phone)

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

Source: City of Martinsville Community Development and Inspections ↗