King George County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

King George County is a Virginia county locality, not an independent city. The Department of Community Development serves as the countywide building-permit and inspection office. No incorporated town with a separate building-permit issuer was identified within King George County.

Department

King George County Department of Community Development

Address

10459 Courthouse Drive, Suite 104, King George, VA 22485

Phone

540-775-7111

Email

comdevelopment@co.kinggeorge.state.va.us

Website

https://www.kinggeorgecountyva.gov/1060/Building-Inspection

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine whether the project is residential, commercial, trade-only, demolition, accessory structure, or land-disturbing work and download the applicable county application and checklists from the Community Development permits pages.
2. Assemble the required submission package. All applications require contractor and tradesman licenses, legible building plans, and a site plan, with project-specific variations. Residential new single-family projects additionally require owner-builder affidavit if applicable, county business license proof for the general contractor, land-disturbance forms, stormwater pollution prevention materials, and VDH permit or Service Authority deposit receipt where applicable.
3. For commercial structures, obtain site plan approval before the building permit is issued. Article 7 of the county zoning ordinance requires Planning Commission approval of the site plan before permit issuance, covering zoning, stormwater, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area overlay, wetlands, erosion and sediment control, VDOT entrance approval, and water and sewage disposal approval.
4. Submit the completed application package to the Department of Community Development by email, in-person at the counter, or by other coordination with staff. Commercial submissions may require architect- or engineer-prepared plans and trade-specific supporting documents.
5. Respond to any review comments and pay required fees. Permit turnaround is typically 7 to 10 business days unless the plan reviewer needs additional information.
6. Once issued, post the permit so it is visible from the public right of way and keep county-approved plans on site throughout construction.
7. Request required inspections at least one day in advance by 3:00 p.m. by calling 540-775-7111. Same-day inspections are not scheduled.
8. Complete all required inspections and satisfy any outside signoffs needed for occupancy or completion, including Health Department, VDOT, Service Authority, zoning, erosion and sediment control, or SWPPP closeout where applicable.

Typical processing time: 7 to 10 business days unless the plan reviewer needs additional information.

Source: King George County Department of Community Development

General Requirements

Under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, a permit is required before construction or demolition of a building or structure, most structural alterations, changes affecting egress, most plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, and fire protection work, changes of occupancy when a new certificate is required, and asbestos removal or disturbance during construction or demolition. King George County routes all regulated construction through the county building-permit process.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Legible building plans
• Site plan
• Contractor and tradesman licenses
• King George County business license slip or receipt for general contractor
• Owner-builder affidavit (if applicable)
• Land-disturbance forms (if applicable)
• Stormwater pollution prevention materials (if applicable)
• VDH permit or Service Authority deposit receipt (if applicable)
• Site plan approval from Planning Commission (commercial projects)

Permit validity

Permits are void if construction is not started within 6 months of issuance. Under the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, permits also become invalid if approved work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months, subject to extensions by the building official.

Building code

2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (effective January 18, 2024), including the 2021 Virginia Residential Code, and the 2020 National Electrical Code

Owner-builder

The county residential packet references an owner-builder affidavit and includes the Virginia owner statement required by Section 54.1-1111. An owner acting without a licensed contractor must affirm they are not subject to licensure and will be solely responsible for the permitted construction. If work is performed by another person or firm, that person or firm must comply with state and local contractor licensing laws.

Contractor requirements

Building permits will not be issued without unexpired general contractor license information and county business license proof for the general contractor. Tradesman affidavits and unexpired trade licenses or tradesman cards are required where applicable. Commercial permits require a Class A contractor and copies of contractor and trade credentials plus a King George County business license. Virginia state contractor licensing is governed by DPOR.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Residential single-family dwelling $200.00; residential additions $150.00; miscellaneous residential building $150.00; commercial new construction $300.00; commercial shell $200.00

Plan check fee

Residential single-family plan review $100 plus $50 for each additional review letter; residential additions $100 plan review; commercial construction $100 plan review. Planning and zoning site plan review handled separately under the planning fee schedule.

Permit fee formula

Primarily square-foot, device-count, amp-based, acreage-based, or flat-fee schedules plus zoning, grading, plan review, and state levy add-ons. Examples: residential single-family $0.35 per square foot ($200 minimum); residential additions $0.25 per square foot ($150 minimum); commercial new construction $0.25 per square foot ($300 minimum); commercial electrical $0.75 per amp of service with stated minimums; site plans $3,000 plus $50 per acre.

Reinspection fee

$75.00 residential (charged on the third trip); $100.00 commercial

Penalty (no permit)

After-the-fact permit doubles permit cost (residential and commercial). Residential notice of violation $75.00 plus permit fees. Commercial stop work order $75.00; commercial notice of violation $150.00.

Payment note

Cash, check, and credit card accepted. Credit card payments incur an additional 3 percent fee. Paid permits are placed in the pickup bin outside the office; unpaid permits are paid at the counter.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, or similar structures not exceeding 256 square feet (sheds over 256 square feet require a building and zoning permit)
• Fences, unless required as a swimming-pool barrier or for pedestrian safety under construction provisions
• Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not carrying surcharge beyond ordinary fill
• Small pools not over 150 square feet in surface area and less than 24 inches deep
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less
• Certain low-voltage wiring and similar minor listed installations under the Virginia Construction Code
• Ordinary repairs under the Virginia Construction Code, including certain like-for-like door and window replacements, fixture replacements without system alterations, certain non-gas non-oil appliance replacements in residential occupancies, limited roof and siding replacement, finish flooring, certain interior finish replacement, cabinetry or trim replacement, and paint or wallpaper

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. The building official may require permits for otherwise exempt items in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Commercial projects may also require Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, wetlands, stormwater, and erosion review. Confirm with the King George County Department of Community Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 540-775-7111 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Request inspections at least one day in advance by 3:00 p.m. Same-day inspections are not scheduled. Call between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. on the inspection day to receive a 2-hour inspection window. Cancellations must be made by 8:30 a.m.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Time windows

Call between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. on the inspection day to receive a 2-hour window.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: erosion and sediment controls, footing/pier, foundation, retaining wall, waterproofing and drain tile, plumbing groundworks, waterline, sewer (where applicable), slab, rough-in all trades, veneer or wall bracing, insulation, drywall for brace walls, shower pan and walls, LP gas tank and line, underground electric, temporary electric, fireplace-related inspections, final building, final erosion and sediment control, and bond release. Commercial projects require separate inspection requests for plumbing, electrical, mechanical, gas, sprinkler, and building elements at each stage.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (effective January 18, 2024), including the 2021 Virginia Residential Code, and the 2020 National Electrical Code
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and Zoning
• Building Permit FAQs
• Required Residential Inspections
• Commercial Building Permits
• Planning and Zoning Fee Schedule (PDF)
• Virginia DHCD — Building Codes and Regulations
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

King George County Building Permit FAQ

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

Under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, a permit is required before construction or demolition of a building or structure, most structural alterations, changes affecting egress, most plumbing, electrical, mechanical, fuel gas, and fire protection work, changes of occupancy when a new certificate is required, and asbestos removal or disturbance during construction or demolition. King George County routes all regulated construction through the county building-permit process.

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

The minimum permit fee is Residential single-family dwelling $200.00; residential additions $150.00; miscellaneous residential building $150.00; commercial new construction $300.00; commercial shell $200.00. Fees are calculated as: Primarily square-foot, device-count, amp-based, acreage-based, or flat-fee schedules plus zoning, grading, plan review, and state levy add-ons. Examples: residential single-family $0.35 per square foot ($200 minimum); residential additions $0.25 per square foot ($150 minimum); commercial new construction $0.25 per square foot ($300 minimum); commercial electrical $0.75 per amp of service with stated minimums; site plans $3,000 plus $50 per acre.. Plan check fee: Residential single-family plan review $100 plus $50 for each additional review letter; residential additions $100 plan review; commercial construction $100 plan review. Planning and zoning site plan review handled separately under the planning fee schedule..

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

1. Determine whether the project is residential, commercial, trade-only, demolition, accessory structure, or land-disturbing work and download the applicable county application and checklists from the Community Development permits pages. 2. Assemble the required submission package. All applications require contractor and tradesman licenses, legible building plans, and a site plan, with project-specific variations. Residential new single-family projects additionally require owner-builder affidavit if applicable, county business license proof for the general contractor, land-disturbance forms, stormwater pollution prevention materials, and VDH permit or Service Authority deposit receipt where applicable. 3. For commercial structures, obtain site plan approval before the building permit is issued. Article 7 of the county zoning ordinance requires Planning Commission approval of the site plan before permit issuance, covering zoning, stormwater, Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area overlay, wetlands, erosion and sediment control, VDOT entrance approval, and water and sewage disposal approval. 4. Submit the completed application package to the Department of Community Development by email, in-person at the counter, or by other coordination with staff. Commercial submissions may require architect- or engineer-prepared plans and trade-specific supporting documents. 5. Respond to any review comments and pay required fees. Permit turnaround is typically 7 to 10 business days unless the plan reviewer needs additional information. 6. Once issued, post the permit so it is visible from the public right of way and keep county-approved plans on site throughout construction. 7. Request required inspections at least one day in advance by 3:00 p.m. by calling 540-775-7111. Same-day inspections are not scheduled. 8. Complete all required inspections and satisfy any outside signoffs needed for occupancy or completion, including Health Department, VDOT, Service Authority, zoning, erosion and sediment control, or SWPPP closeout where applicable.

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

Typical processing time is 7 to 10 business days unless the plan reviewer needs additional information..

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool or storage sheds, playhouses, or similar structures not exceeding 256 square feet (sheds over 256 square feet require a building and zoning permit); Fences, unless required as a swimming-pool barrier or for pedestrian safety under construction provisions; Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not carrying surcharge beyond ordinary fill; Small pools not over 150 square feet in surface area and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less; Certain low-voltage wiring and similar minor listed installations under the Virginia Construction Code; Ordinary repairs under the Virginia Construction Code, including certain like-for-like door and window replacements, fixture replacements without system alterations, certain non-gas non-oil appliance replacements in residential occupancies, limited roof and siding replacement, finish flooring, certain interior finish replacement, cabinetry or trim replacement, and paint or wallpaper. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. The building official may require permits for otherwise exempt items in a Special Flood Hazard Area. Commercial projects may also require Chesapeake Bay Preservation Area, wetlands, stormwater, and erosion review. Confirm with the King George County Department of Community Development before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 540-775-7111. Request inspections at least one day in advance by 3:00 p.m. Same-day inspections are not scheduled. Call between 8:00 and 8:30 a.m. on the inspection day to receive a 2-hour inspection window. Cancellations must be made by 8:30 a.m..