Mathews County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Covers all properties within Mathews County. Mathews is a Virginia county locality with no incorporated town maintaining a separate building department. Countywide building and trade permits are issued by the Building Official. Planning, Zoning & Wetlands (Suite 103, same address, 804-725-4034) administers zoning permits, RPA permits, site plans, erosion and sediment requirements, and tidal wetlands administration.

Department

Mathews County Building Official / Building Department

Address

50 Brickbat Road, Suite 102, Mathews, VA 23109

Phone

804-725-7171

Email

lgreve@mathewscountyva.gov

Website

https://www.mathewscountyva.gov/166/Building-Official

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the correct review path before filing. Mathews County splits permitting among the Building Department and Planning, Zoning & Wetlands. If a zoning permit is required, obtain it first — the Building Department will require a copy of the zoning permit or a zoning exemption letter.
2. Check overlay and coastal triggers. If the property is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, a Flood Zone Development Permit is required — any and all work in a flood zone must be permitted. If the project affects tidal wetlands or involves shoreline work, a Tidewater Joint Permit Application is required through Planning, Zoning & Wetlands and may go to the Wetlands Board.
3. Prepare the application package. Download the fillable building permit or trade permit application, owner's affidavit (if applicable), and any supplemental forms (floodplain, manufactured-home data sheet, asbestos certification) from the county's Building Applications and Forms page. Include construction documents that fully describe the work. Engineered truss, manufactured floor system, and engineered beam documents must be included where applicable.
4. Submit to the county. The preferred method is to complete the fillable PDF forms and email them to lgreve@mathewscountyva.gov. The county also accepts applications through the iWorQ online portal and in person at the Building Official's office (50 Brickbat Road, Suite 102).
5. County review and issuance. The Building Department reviews the application and construction documents against the Virginia USBC and the Mathews County Floodplain Management Ordinance. Zoning and RPA permits allow up to 30 days for review after a complete application is submitted; site plans and plans of development allow up to 60 days.
6. Post the permit on the work site and call for inspections before work proceeds past each stage. Final approval for occupiable buildings requires VDH well and septic approval or HRSD verification where applicable, plus an elevation certificate or floodproofing certificate for flood-zone projects. A certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspection and completion of all requirements.

Typical processing time: Building permit turnaround is not publicly posted. Zoning and RPA permits: up to 30 days from complete submittal. Site plans and plans of development: up to 60 days. Requested inspections are typically completed within 24 hours (2 working days maximum under USBC). Certificate of occupancy must be issued within 5 working days after request if all requirements are met.

Source: Mathews County Building Official / Building Department

General Requirements

A permit is required before construction or demolition of a building or structure, change of occupancy where required, lot-line movement that increases hazard or reduces safety, and removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials during construction or demolition. Separate permits are required for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. A Flood Zone Development Permit is required for all development in a FEMA special flood hazard area. Zoning permits, RPA permits, site plans, plans of development, and wetlands approvals may also be required depending on project type and location.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit or trade permit application
• Zoning permit or zoning exemption letter (required before building permit issuance)
• Construction documents or scope of work fully describing the work
• Engineered truss, manufactured floor system, or engineered beam documents (where applicable)
• Owner's Affidavit (for owner-builders claiming exemption from contractor licensure)
• Flood Zone Development Permit (for projects in a FEMA special flood hazard area)
• Asbestos certification form (for renovation or demolition work)
• Manufactured-home data sheet and installation certifications (where applicable)
• VDH well and septic approval or HRSD verification (required for final approval of occupiable buildings where applicable)
• Elevation certificate or floodproofing certificate (for flood-zone projects, required at final approval)

Permit validity

Building permit approval is valid for 6 months. A permit may be revoked if work is not commenced within 6 months of issuance or if authorized work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months. Written extension requests must be submitted before expiration; extensions are limited to 6 months and are a one-time occurrence. Site plan approvals are valid for 5 years and expire if not incorporated into a building permit within 5 years. Wetlands Board permits are valid for 24 months.

Building code

Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), 2021 edition (effective January 18, 2024). Mathews County local design criteria include a 115 mph ultimate wind speed and flood-hazard applicability.

Owner-builder

Mathews County publishes an Owner's Affidavit for owners who affirm they are applying for the permit, are not subject to contractor licensure, and accept responsibility for ensuring the work complies with the Virginia USBC. Under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-1101, if anyone other than the named individual performs work exceeding $1,000 in value, or any value when trade work is involved, a contractor license is required.

Contractor requirements

All contractors and subcontractors must be licensed by the State of Virginia DPOR. Permit applications require contractor name and Virginia DPOR license information. DEQ Responsible Land Disturber certification may also be required for projects with land disturbance. Local business licenses through the Mathews County Commissioner of the Revenue are renewed annually.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50.00 (building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical)

Plan check fee

Residential plan review: $50.00. Commercial plan review: $200.00.

Permit fee formula

Residential construction: $0.12 per sq ft. Commercial, industrial, and non-residential construction: $50 plus $0.20 per sq ft. Building renovation or remodeling: $4.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost. Marine services: $6.00 per $1,000 (minimum $50). Swimming pools and spas: $4.00 per $1,000. Electrical solar installations: $6.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost.

Trade permit fee

$50.00 minimum per trade permit

Reinspection fee

$50.00 per reinspection

Penalty (no permit)

Beginning work without a permit: permit fee doubled, or $75 plus the fee due, whichever is higher. Wetlands after-the-fact applications are double the application fee and may also face violation fees up to $10,000. After-the-fact zoning permit fees also apply.

Payment note

Checks payable to Treasurer, County of Mathews. Online and telephone payment available through MSB/Municipal Service Bureau with a convenience fee for card or e-check transactions. Building permit application fee includes a 2.00% state education surcharge.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Low-voltage wiring and equipment in categories described by Virginia USBC Section 108.2(1)
• One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 256 square feet (not Group F-1 or H occupancy)
• Utility prefabricated buildings up to 150 square feet
• Tents or air-supported structures up to 900 square feet with occupant load of 50 or less
• Fences, unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a swimming-pool barrier
• Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill without surcharge beyond ordinary fill
• Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less
• Minor ordinary repairs under USBC Section 108.2, including certain same-size window and door replacements, fixture replacements without system alteration, some receptacle and luminaire replacements in qualifying residential occupancies, cabinetry and trim replacement, and painting or wallpaper

Important: Important Mathews-specific qualifier: the county states that any and all work in a FEMA special flood hazard area must be permitted, so flood-zone location can override otherwise common assumptions about exempt work. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with the Mathews County Building Official before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Mathews County Building Department Inspection Request Form (online)
• Building Official's Office: 804-725-7171 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

A minimum of 24 hours notice is required. Under Virginia USBC Section 113, the county has 2 working days to perform requested inspections and states they are typically completed within 24 hours.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing, slab, foundation, projection, floor-joist, rough-in plumbing/electrical/mechanical, framing, insulation, fire-resistance-rated construction, service and temporary power, gas line, fireplace or chimney throat, marriage wall, manufactured-home piers and tie-downs, and final inspection. Pools require at minimum a bonding inspection, excavation or pre-concrete inspection (depending on type), trench inspection, and final inspection with barrier or cover. Flood-zone projects must have a benchmark set before any inspection, and approved plans must remain on site.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), 2021 edition (effective January 18, 2024). Mathews County local design criteria include a 115 mph ultimate wind speed and flood-hazard applicability.
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Owner-builder rules: View rules
• Building Permit Fees
• Flood Zones
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Local Design Criteria
• Required Inspections
• Tidal Wetlands Information and Permits
• Zoning Permits
• Wetlands Board
• Benchmark Information
• Permit Extension-Expiration Policy
• Certificate of Occupancy Guidelines
• Virginia DHCD — Building Codes
• Virginia USBC Section 108.2 — Exempt Work
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Mathews County Building Permit FAQ

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

A permit is required before construction or demolition of a building or structure, change of occupancy where required, lot-line movement that increases hazard or reduces safety, and removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials during construction or demolition. Separate permits are required for building, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical work. A Flood Zone Development Permit is required for all development in a FEMA special flood hazard area. Zoning permits, RPA permits, site plans, plans of development, and wetlands approvals may also be required depending on project type and location.

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

The minimum permit fee is $50.00 (building, electrical, plumbing, or mechanical). Fees are calculated as: Residential construction: $0.12 per sq ft. Commercial, industrial, and non-residential construction: $50 plus $0.20 per sq ft. Building renovation or remodeling: $4.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost. Marine services: $6.00 per $1,000 (minimum $50). Swimming pools and spas: $4.00 per $1,000. Electrical solar installations: $6.00 per $1,000 of estimated cost.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review: $50.00. Commercial plan review: $200.00..

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

1. Confirm the correct review path before filing. Mathews County splits permitting among the Building Department and Planning, Zoning & Wetlands. If a zoning permit is required, obtain it first — the Building Department will require a copy of the zoning permit or a zoning exemption letter. 2. Check overlay and coastal triggers. If the property is in a FEMA special flood hazard area, a Flood Zone Development Permit is required — any and all work in a flood zone must be permitted. If the project affects tidal wetlands or involves shoreline work, a Tidewater Joint Permit Application is required through Planning, Zoning & Wetlands and may go to the Wetlands Board. 3. Prepare the application package. Download the fillable building permit or trade permit application, owner's affidavit (if applicable), and any supplemental forms (floodplain, manufactured-home data sheet, asbestos certification) from the county's Building Applications and Forms page. Include construction documents that fully describe the work. Engineered truss, manufactured floor system, and engineered beam documents must be included where applicable. 4. Submit to the county. The preferred method is to complete the fillable PDF forms and email them to lgreve@mathewscountyva.gov. The county also accepts applications through the iWorQ online portal and in person at the Building Official's office (50 Brickbat Road, Suite 102). 5. County review and issuance. The Building Department reviews the application and construction documents against the Virginia USBC and the Mathews County Floodplain Management Ordinance. Zoning and RPA permits allow up to 30 days for review after a complete application is submitted; site plans and plans of development allow up to 60 days. 6. Post the permit on the work site and call for inspections before work proceeds past each stage. Final approval for occupiable buildings requires VDH well and septic approval or HRSD verification where applicable, plus an elevation certificate or floodproofing certificate for flood-zone projects. A certificate of occupancy is issued after final inspection and completion of all requirements.

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

Typical processing time is Building permit turnaround is not publicly posted. Zoning and RPA permits: up to 30 days from complete submittal. Site plans and plans of development: up to 60 days. Requested inspections are typically completed within 24 hours (2 working days maximum under USBC). Certificate of occupancy must be issued within 5 working days after request if all requirements are met..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Low-voltage wiring and equipment in categories described by Virginia USBC Section 108.2(1); One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 256 square feet (not Group F-1 or H occupancy); Utility prefabricated buildings up to 150 square feet; Tents or air-supported structures up to 900 square feet with occupant load of 50 or less; Fences, unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a swimming-pool barrier; Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill without surcharge beyond ordinary fill; Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less; Minor ordinary repairs under USBC Section 108.2, including certain same-size window and door replacements, fixture replacements without system alteration, some receptacle and luminaire replacements in qualifying residential occupancies, cabinetry and trim replacement, and painting or wallpaper. Note: Important Mathews-specific qualifier: the county states that any and all work in a FEMA special flood hazard area must be permitted, so flood-zone location can override otherwise common assumptions about exempt work. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements. Confirm with the Mathews County Building Official before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Mathews County Building Department Inspection Request Form, Building Official's Office: 804-725-7171. A minimum of 24 hours notice is required. Under Virginia USBC Section 113, the county has 2 working days to perform requested inspections and states they are typically completed within 24 hours..