Pittsylvania County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Pittsylvania County Building Inspections enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and issues building permits for construction and renovation projects throughout Pittsylvania County. The incorporated towns of Chatham, Gretna, and Hurt maintain their own zoning and land-use administration but do not issue separate building permits; building permits for construction in those towns still route through Pittsylvania County. The independent City of Danville is legally separate from Pittsylvania County and is not covered by this office.

Department

Pittsylvania County Community Development - Building Inspections

Address

53 Main Street, Chatham, VA 24531

Phone

434-432-7755

Email

permits@pittgov.org

Website

https://www.pittsylvaniacountyva.gov/237/Building-Inspections

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the work requires a permit using the county's 'Do I Need a Permit' page and, if needed, coordinate zoning review first. Setbacks and zoning requirements can still apply even when building-permit exemptions exist.
2. Assemble the permit package. For new residential construction, prepare one digital PDF copy of plans to email to Community Development, one paper copy of sealed plans, a completed building permit application, and an erosion and sediment control permit. For additions, alterations, and demolitions, include plans and the completed building permit application.
3. Submit the application by email to permits@pittgov.org, by fax to 434-432-7919, or in person at 53 Main Street, Chatham, VA 24531.
4. County staff reviews licensing, code compliance, zoning, and supporting documents, then calculates fees under the FY2026 fee schedule.
5. Pay the calculated fees and receive the issued permit before starting work.
6. Request inspections as the project progresses, following the county's published inspection sequence from footings through final.
7. Complete all required finals and obtain a certificate of occupancy where required.

Source: Pittsylvania County Community Development - Building Inspections

General Requirements

Permits are required for new residential and commercial structures, additions, many interior alterations, porches and decks, new and replacement gas appliances and lines, new and replacement HVAC equipment, new plumbing fixtures, new electrical appliances, sheds and playhouses over 256 sq ft, swimming pools, retaining walls over 3 ft, roof sheathing replacement over 256 sq ft, new exterior stairs or stoops, demolition, sump pumps, tents over 900 sq ft, fire suppression work, signs, EV charging equipment, changes of occupancy, driveways over 10,000 sq ft, and other work listed under Section 108.1 of the Virginia Construction Code or Residential Code.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Construction plans (digital PDF emailed and one sealed paper copy for new residential construction)
• Parcel and owner information
• Contractor name and Virginia DPOR license information
• Mechanics lien agent data if applicable
• Erosion and sediment control permit for new residential construction
• Health Department permit information where applicable
• Trade details as required by the application

Permit validity

An application is deemed abandoned six months after filing unless actively pursued or issued. An issued permit may be revoked if work does not commence within six months of issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for six months. Inspections are required at six-month intervals. The county may impose a three-year completion limit for new detached single-family dwellings, additions, and residential accessory structures.

Building code

2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), effective January 18, 2024; grace period ended January 18, 2025

Owner-builder

The county application includes a property-owner affidavit. Owners using the owner-builder exemption accept responsibility for ensuring any hired contractors are properly licensed.

Contractor requirements

Work valued over $1,000 requires a Virginia contractor license through DPOR. Pittsylvania County does not impose a local business license or bonding requirement beyond state DPOR licensing.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$45 residential structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; $25 zoning permit

Plan check fee

Residential plan review: $30 for an addition of 150 sq ft or more; $50 for a new single-family dwelling. Commercial plan review: 0.254% of valuation for projects up to $500,000; $1,270 plus 0.0845% of valuation over $500,000.

Permit fee formula

Residential new construction (structural): living area $0.15/sq ft, garage/carport $0.025/sq ft, porch/deck/patio $0.025/sq ft, unfinished basement $0.025/sq ft ($45 minimum). Additions: living area $0.15/sq ft, garage/carport $0.10/sq ft, porch/deck/patio $0.10/sq ft ($45 minimum). Repairs and remodeling: $45 minimum for $5,000 or less in valuation, then $5 per $1,000 or fraction over $5,000. Residential private pool: $75. Demolition: $55. Plumbing: $45 base plus $1.50 per fixture. Electrical and mechanical follow separate schedules in the FY2026 fee sheet. All permits also carry a $5 blight eradication fee.

Trade permit fee

$45 minimum for electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits; see FY2026 fee schedule for per-unit rates

Reinspection fee

$50 first reinspection; $75 second; $100 third

Penalty (no permit)

$100 for working without a permit

Payment note

The county accepts cash or check. No online permit-payment portal is currently available; payment is made in person or as directed by staff.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective FY2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences, except those used as a pool barrier or required for pedestrian safety
• Residential window or door replacements
• Residential reroofs
• Residential roof sheathing replacements of 256 sq ft or less
• Residential residing (siding replacement)
• Low-voltage wiring systems meeting the county's listed exemption criteria
• Gutters
• Kitchen cabinets
• Playground equipment
• On-grade patios
• Driveways of 10,000 sq ft or less
• Flagpoles 30 ft or less in height
• Temporary ramps serving residential dwellings no more than 30 inches high
• Replacement of above-ground LP-gas containers in the same location and same capacity by the serving gas supplier
• Agricultural buildings may be exempt under Virginia law, but Pittsylvania County still requires an affidavit for structures claimed as agricultural-only

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Zoning setbacks and other land-use rules can still apply. Confirm with Pittsylvania County Community Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Building Inspections: 434-432-7755 (phone)
• permits@pittgov.org (email)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footings, foundation, temporary electric after footings and foundation, plumbing groundwork, electrical groundwork, slab, framing, electrical rough-in, mechanical rough-in, plumbing rough-in, insulation, water line, sewer line, above-ceiling inspections as applicable, then building final after electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and other trade finals are approved.

The county publishes a third-party inspection policy for approved third-party inspectors when permitted under the USBC.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), effective January 18, 2024; grace period ended January 18, 2025
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Do I Need a Permit?
• Residential Structures
• Contractor License Information
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Third-Party Inspection Policy (PDF)
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Pittsylvania County Building Permit FAQ

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

Permits are required for new residential and commercial structures, additions, many interior alterations, porches and decks, new and replacement gas appliances and lines, new and replacement HVAC equipment, new plumbing fixtures, new electrical appliances, sheds and playhouses over 256 sq ft, swimming pools, retaining walls over 3 ft, roof sheathing replacement over 256 sq ft, new exterior stairs or stoops, demolition, sump pumps, tents over 900 sq ft, fire suppression work, signs, EV charging equipment, changes of occupancy, driveways over 10,000 sq ft, and other work listed under Section 108.1 of the Virginia Construction Code or Residential Code.

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

The minimum permit fee is $45 residential structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical; $25 zoning permit. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction (structural): living area $0.15/sq ft, garage/carport $0.025/sq ft, porch/deck/patio $0.025/sq ft, unfinished basement $0.025/sq ft ($45 minimum). Additions: living area $0.15/sq ft, garage/carport $0.10/sq ft, porch/deck/patio $0.10/sq ft ($45 minimum). Repairs and remodeling: $45 minimum for $5,000 or less in valuation, then $5 per $1,000 or fraction over $5,000. Residential private pool: $75. Demolition: $55. Plumbing: $45 base plus $1.50 per fixture. Electrical and mechanical follow separate schedules in the FY2026 fee sheet. All permits also carry a $5 blight eradication fee.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review: $30 for an addition of 150 sq ft or more; $50 for a new single-family dwelling. Commercial plan review: 0.254% of valuation for projects up to $500,000; $1,270 plus 0.0845% of valuation over $500,000..

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

1. Confirm whether the work requires a permit using the county's 'Do I Need a Permit' page and, if needed, coordinate zoning review first. Setbacks and zoning requirements can still apply even when building-permit exemptions exist. 2. Assemble the permit package. For new residential construction, prepare one digital PDF copy of plans to email to Community Development, one paper copy of sealed plans, a completed building permit application, and an erosion and sediment control permit. For additions, alterations, and demolitions, include plans and the completed building permit application. 3. Submit the application by email to permits@pittgov.org, by fax to 434-432-7919, or in person at 53 Main Street, Chatham, VA 24531. 4. County staff reviews licensing, code compliance, zoning, and supporting documents, then calculates fees under the FY2026 fee schedule. 5. Pay the calculated fees and receive the issued permit before starting work. 6. Request inspections as the project progresses, following the county's published inspection sequence from footings through final. 7. Complete all required finals and obtain a certificate of occupancy where required.

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

The following work is generally exempt: Fences, except those used as a pool barrier or required for pedestrian safety; Residential window or door replacements; Residential reroofs; Residential roof sheathing replacements of 256 sq ft or less; Residential residing (siding replacement); Low-voltage wiring systems meeting the county's listed exemption criteria; Gutters; Kitchen cabinets; Playground equipment; On-grade patios; Driveways of 10,000 sq ft or less; Flagpoles 30 ft or less in height; Temporary ramps serving residential dwellings no more than 30 inches high; Replacement of above-ground LP-gas containers in the same location and same capacity by the serving gas supplier; Agricultural buildings may be exempt under Virginia law, but Pittsylvania County still requires an affidavit for structures claimed as agricultural-only. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. Zoning setbacks and other land-use rules can still apply. Confirm with Pittsylvania County Community Development before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: Building Inspections: 434-432-7755, permits@pittgov.org.