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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Montgomery County
County states the Building Inspections office handles plan review, permit issuance, and inspections for buildings and structures during construction in unincorporated Montgomery County. Residential permit form states permit must be issued before construction begins.
Note: No consolidated county-specific exempt-work list was found on county public permit pages. Applicants should confirm proposed work directly with Montgomery County Building Inspections before assuming a USBC exemption applies.
- Correct permit application
- VDOT property entrance documentation
- One set of construction plans (for residential)
- Project details, owner and contractor information
- Any applicable trade forms
- Building code
- County uses the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Residential permit form lists USBC Code Year 2021.
- Permit validity
- County pages do not publish a county-specific validity rule. Virginia USBC state rules apply.
- Owner-builder
- Residential form allows applicant to be property owner, lessee, agent, or contractor, but no separate county owner-builder affidavit or policy was found in public materials.
- Contractor requirements
- Residential form requires contractor name and license number when a contractor is used. State contractor licensing is regulated by Virginia DPOR.
Application process
Typical processing: No general permit turnaround is posted on the county permit pages.
- 01 Confirm zoning and development compliance with Montgomery County Planning and GIS Services before filing; the residential permit application requires certification that you contacted Planning and GIS.
- 02 Select the correct county application form from the Building Permit Applications and Forms page.
- 03 Prepare required submittals, including VDOT property entrance documentation and one set of construction plans.
- 04 Submit through OpenGov or by email to mcbuildingsinspections@montgomerycountyva.gov with completed forms.
- 05 For commercial work, complete third-party plan review before applying for a non-residential permit.
- 06 Pay permit fees, including any Virginia state levy or technology fee assessed by the county.
- 07 After permit issuance, schedule required inspections online or by phone. County asks for about 36 hours advance notice.
Typical processing time: No general permit turnaround is posted on the county permit pages.
Fee schedule
Montgomery County building permit fees
County adds Virginia state levy of 2 percent of each fee and a technology fee of 2 percent with a $10 minimum. Payment questions: mcbuildingsinspections@montgomerycountyva.gov or 540-382-5750.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Online request form linked from county page (online)
- 540-382-5750 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- County asks for about 36 hours advance notice.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Typical sequence: Sequence appears to be project-specific; not posted as a consolidated county checklist on public pages.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Montgomery County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, VA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Montgomery County, VA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, VA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Montgomery County, VA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Montgomery County, VA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Montgomery County Building Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.