Nelson County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Nelson County Building Inspections is the permit-issuing authority for building permits, trade permits, inspections, and certificates of occupancy throughout all of Nelson County, including unincorporated areas such as Lovingston and Nellysford. No incorporated town in Nelson County has a separate municipal building-permit role. Nelson County Planning and Zoning is a parallel authority for zoning approvals, floodplain and setback checks, site plans, subdivisions, rezonings, and special use permits.

Department

Nelson County Building Inspections Department

Address

80 Front Street, Lovingston, VA 22949

Phone

434-263-7080

Email

jmarrs@nelsoncounty.org , lashby@nelsoncounty.org

Website

https://www.nelsoncounty-va.gov/departments-offices/building-inspections/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the scope with Nelson County Building Inspections and determine whether the project also needs Nelson County Planning and Zoning review for setbacks, floodplain compliance, site-plan review, subdivision approval, rezoning, special use permit, variance, or zoning approval.
2. Download or pick up the General Permit Application, Building Permit Application Checklist, Residential Plan Checklist, and — when applicable — the single-family land-disturbing permit paperwork from Building Inspections.
3. Prepare building plans and obtain a property plat or GIS-based sketch showing the proposed structure, distances to property lines and rights of way, and the location and use of other structures on the parcel.
4. Complete the Asbestos and Demolition Certification Form if the project involves renovation, demolition, or reroofing of any structure built before January 1, 1985.
5. Complete land-disturbance paperwork. All projects require some form of land-disturbance permit; an Agreement in Lieu of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan is commonly used for new homes. Provide the name and certification number of the Responsible Land Disturber at application.
6. Obtain a well and septic permit from the Health Department, or a water and sewer connection application from the Nelson County Service Authority, when applicable.
7. Complete the General Permit Application listing all contractors and subcontractors. Each contractor must hold the correct Virginia DPOR license and a current Nelson County business license. If the owner is acting as contractor, the owner affidavit must also be signed.
8. Submit the complete application package either through the iWorQ portal or in person at the Building Inspections office. All permitting fees are due at the time of plan submission.
9. Building Inspections reviews the submittal for code compliance. Staff may request clarifications or additional information. Once approved, the permit is signed and issued; the county can mail plans back or hold them for pickup.
10. Install erosion and sediment controls before construction starts. Post the permit card in a visible location and request inspections through the office or portal as work progresses.
11. Before final approval, confirm Health Department or Service Authority paperwork is complete. The county issues the certificate of occupancy only after all inspections pass, erosion and sediment requirements are fulfilled, utility paperwork is complete, and Planning and Zoning has signed off.

Typical processing time: No standard public review turnaround is posted for ordinary building permits. Inspections are conducted within 2 working days of the request under normal conditions. Planning Commission public-hearing items go to the 4th Wednesday of the following month; Board of Zoning Appeals matters go to the 1st Tuesday of the following month.

Source: Nelson County Building Inspections Department

General Requirements

Nelson County follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. A permit is required before construction or demolition of a building or structure; structural alterations; regulated electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire-protection, or fuel-supply work; changes of occupancy requiring a new certificate of occupancy; lot-line moves that reduce safety; and disturbance of asbestos-containing materials during construction or demolition. Planning and Zoning signoff is also required for setback and flood-map compliance before final occupancy.

Required Documents

• General Permit Application (listing all contractors and subcontractors)
• Building plans and specifications
• Property plat or GIS sketch showing setbacks and location of all structures
• Asbestos and Demolition Certification Form (for structures built before January 1, 1985)
• Well and septic permit or water and sewer connection application (when applicable)
• Land-disturbing permit or Agreement in Lieu of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan
• Responsible Land Disturber name and certification number
• Owner affidavit (if owner is acting as contractor)
• Any applicable Planning and Zoning form (zoning approval, site plan, special use permit, rezoning, temporary event permit, or BZA application)

Permit validity

Nelson County does not publish a separate local expiration rule. Under the Virginia Construction Code, an application is deemed abandoned 6 months after filing if not pursued in good faith, and a permit may be revoked if work does not commence within 6 months of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months, subject to extensions authorized by the building official.

Building code

2021 Virginia Construction Code (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code), effective January 18, 2024

Owner-builder

If a homeowner applies in their own name, they are acting as their own contractor and must sign the county owner affidavit. The permit holder remains responsible for code compliance and correcting all deficiencies.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold the proper Virginia DPOR license classification and specialty where applicable. Nelson County verifies current status and proper classification of listed contractors. Each company must also hold a current Nelson County business license.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$25.00

Plan check fee

No separate standalone building plan-review fee published. For erosion and sediment plans, a $500.00 review fee applies in addition to the $450.00 land-disturbing permit fee ($950.00 total).

Permit fee formula

$25.00 minimum for projects valued up to $5,000; then $5.00 per $1,000 of value over that threshold. A state-required 2% levy fee is added to all permit fees.

Reinspection fee

$25.00 if an inspection is requested and the work is not ready

Payment note

All permitting fees are due at the time of plan submission. Planning and Zoning accepts checks payable to County of Nelson and also takes cash, check, or credit card in person, with card payment by phone at 434-263-7090.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar structures not exceeding 256 square feet (not Group F-1 or H occupancies)
• Tents or air-supported structures covering 900 square feet or less with an occupant load of 50 or fewer persons
• Fences of any height unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a swimming-pool barrier
• Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high above finished grade
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting a surcharge beyond ordinary unbalanced fill
• Small swimming pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height
• Ordinary repairs including certain same-size window and door replacements, fixture replacements without system alteration, finish and cabinetry changes, paint or wallpaper, replacement of residential roof covering or siding in qualifying wind zones, and similar minor ordinary work

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements or other county review. The Virginia Construction Code allows the building official to reimpose permit requirements for otherwise exempt items in designated historic districts or special flood hazard areas. Nelson County also separately checks flood maps through Planning and Zoning. Confirm with Nelson County Building Inspections before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 434-263-7080 (phone)
• iWorQ permit portal (permit number and access code required) (online)

Inspection hours

Contact Building Inspections at 434-263-7080 for office hours. Inspections are conducted within 2 working days of the request under normal conditions.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection points include: footing, projection, damproofing or waterproofing, foundation, setback, slab, veneer, sub-trade rough-ins (mechanical, electrical, plumbing, gas), framing, insulation, waterline or sewer line, trenches for electric and gas, gas tank, and building and trade finals. Additional inspections may include temporary service and early service depending on project scope. No work may be concealed until the relevant inspection has been performed and passed.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Virginia Construction Code (Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code), effective January 18, 2024
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Planning and Zoning Forms and Documents
• Planning and Zoning Fee Schedule
• Nelson County GIS
• Virginia Flood Risk Information System
• Virginia DPOR — Board for Contractors
• Virginia Construction Code Permit Triggers and Exemptions (Section 108.2)
• Nelson County 2042 Comprehensive Plan
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Nelson County Building Permit FAQ

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

Nelson County follows the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. A permit is required before construction or demolition of a building or structure; structural alterations; regulated electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire-protection, or fuel-supply work; changes of occupancy requiring a new certificate of occupancy; lot-line moves that reduce safety; and disturbance of asbestos-containing materials during construction or demolition. Planning and Zoning signoff is also required for setback and flood-map compliance before final occupancy.

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

The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: $25.00 minimum for projects valued up to $5,000; then $5.00 per $1,000 of value over that threshold. A state-required 2% levy fee is added to all permit fees.. Plan check fee: No separate standalone building plan-review fee published. For erosion and sediment plans, a $500.00 review fee applies in addition to the $450.00 land-disturbing permit fee ($950.00 total)..

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

1. Confirm the scope with Nelson County Building Inspections and determine whether the project also needs Nelson County Planning and Zoning review for setbacks, floodplain compliance, site-plan review, subdivision approval, rezoning, special use permit, variance, or zoning approval. 2. Download or pick up the General Permit Application, Building Permit Application Checklist, Residential Plan Checklist, and — when applicable — the single-family land-disturbing permit paperwork from Building Inspections. 3. Prepare building plans and obtain a property plat or GIS-based sketch showing the proposed structure, distances to property lines and rights of way, and the location and use of other structures on the parcel. 4. Complete the Asbestos and Demolition Certification Form if the project involves renovation, demolition, or reroofing of any structure built before January 1, 1985. 5. Complete land-disturbance paperwork. All projects require some form of land-disturbance permit; an Agreement in Lieu of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan is commonly used for new homes. Provide the name and certification number of the Responsible Land Disturber at application. 6. Obtain a well and septic permit from the Health Department, or a water and sewer connection application from the Nelson County Service Authority, when applicable. 7. Complete the General Permit Application listing all contractors and subcontractors. Each contractor must hold the correct Virginia DPOR license and a current Nelson County business license. If the owner is acting as contractor, the owner affidavit must also be signed. 8. Submit the complete application package either through the iWorQ portal or in person at the Building Inspections office. All permitting fees are due at the time of plan submission. 9. Building Inspections reviews the submittal for code compliance. Staff may request clarifications or additional information. Once approved, the permit is signed and issued; the county can mail plans back or hold them for pickup. 10. Install erosion and sediment controls before construction starts. Post the permit card in a visible location and request inspections through the office or portal as work progresses. 11. Before final approval, confirm Health Department or Service Authority paperwork is complete. The county issues the certificate of occupancy only after all inspections pass, erosion and sediment requirements are fulfilled, utility paperwork is complete, and Planning and Zoning has signed off.

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

Typical processing time is No standard public review turnaround is posted for ordinary building permits. Inspections are conducted within 2 working days of the request under normal conditions. Planning Commission public-hearing items go to the 4th Wednesday of the following month; Board of Zoning Appeals matters go to the 1st Tuesday of the following month..

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar structures not exceeding 256 square feet (not Group F-1 or H occupancies); Tents or air-supported structures covering 900 square feet or less with an occupant load of 50 or fewer persons; Fences of any height unless required for pedestrian safety or used as a swimming-pool barrier; Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet high above finished grade; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting a surcharge beyond ordinary unbalanced fill; Small swimming pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height; Ordinary repairs including certain same-size window and door replacements, fixture replacements without system alteration, finish and cabinetry changes, paint or wallpaper, replacement of residential roof covering or siding in qualifying wind zones, and similar minor ordinary work. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning requirements or other county review. The Virginia Construction Code allows the building official to reimpose permit requirements for otherwise exempt items in designated historic districts or special flood hazard areas. Nelson County also separately checks flood maps through Planning and Zoning. Confirm with Nelson County Building Inspections before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: 434-263-7080, iWorQ permit portal (permit number and access code required).