Unincorporated Mathews County

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.

• Exempt Low-voltage wiring and equipment in categories described by Virginia USBC Section 108.2(1)
• Exempt One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 256 square feet (not Group F-1 or H occupancy)
• Exempt Utility prefabricated buildings up to 150 square feet
• Exempt Tents or air-supported structures up to 900 square feet with occupant load of 50 or less
• Exempt Fences, unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a swimming-pool barrier
• Exempt Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high
• Exempt Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill without surcharge beyond ordinary fill
• Exempt Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
• Exempt Flagpoles 30 feet or less
• Exempt 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.

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.

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.

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.

Source: Mathews County Building Official / Building Department ↗

1. 01
   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. 02
   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. 03
   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. 04
   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. 05
   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. 06
   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 ↗

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

• 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 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.

Source: Mathews County Building Official / Building Department ↗