County Building Permits
Prince Edward County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Prince Edward County, Virginia. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Virginia Updated March 2026
Permit Authority
County-issued building permits and inspections for unincorporated Prince Edward County. The Town of Farmville has its own permit office. Projects on the Prince Edward County side of Pamplin City also route building permits through this office.
- Department
- Prince Edward County Building Office
- Address
- 111 N. South Street, 3rd Floor, Farmville, VA 23901
- Phone
- 434-392-8838
Application Process
- Confirm whether zoning approval is required before submitting a building permit application. The Planning and Zoning division publishes zoning permit forms by district.
- Gather all supporting approvals and documents. County guidance lists zoning approval, Health Department approval, VDOT approval, a title copy for a singlewide, electronic plans, and a completed building application as possible requirements.
- Submit the building application to the Prince Edward County Building Office in person (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) or by email to building@co.prince-edward.va.us.
- Pay permit and plan review fees. The county building fee schedule became effective March 1, 2026 and includes a 2 percent state levy.
- County reviews the application under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. If compliant, the permit is issued; otherwise, the applicant must correct deficiencies before resubmittal.
- Call 434-392-8838 to request inspections. Work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. on the day of inspection; the county cannot provide appointment windows.
- Obtain a certificate of occupancy where required. The building official is required to issue the certificate within five working days after final inspection approval.
Typical processing time: No general permit turnaround time is published. Certificate of occupancy issuance is stated as within five working days after final approval.
General Requirements
Permits are required for contractors and homeowners performing construction, enlarging, repairing, converting, or demolishing any building within Prince Edward County. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code also requires permits before construction or demolition and for most structural, MEP, occupancy-change, lot-line hazard, and asbestos-disturbance work.
Required Documents
- Completed building application
- Zoning approval (if applicable)
- Health Department approval (if applicable)
- VDOT approval (if applicable)
- Title copy for a singlewide (if applicable)
- Electronic plans
- Final inspection paperwork may include duct leakage test, blower door test, Health Department operations permit, and energy specification certificate
- Permit validity
- Virginia USBC allows permit revocation if work does not commence within six months after issuance or is suspended or abandoned for six months. The county publishes a permit extension and renewal form for extensions beyond that period.
- Building code
- 2021 Virginia Construction Code, 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code, 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and related 2021 DHCD code packages
- Owner-builder
- Virginia law exempts a person who performs or supervises work on no more than one primary residence owned by and for that person's own use during any 24-month period. The owner must still comply with the Virginia USBC.
- Contractor requirements
- Before permit issuance, the applicant must provide proof of Virginia DPOR licensure or certification, or a written statement that licensure is not required. Proof that applicable county taxes or license fees have been paid is also required.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $100 residential new structures; $100 residential remodel/accessory structures/pools; $50 residential trade permits; $100 residential demolition; $150 commercial new structures/additions/structural renovations
- Plan check fee
- Residential plan review $50; commercial plan review $200 per plan; plan review revision after prior review: residential $25, commercial $75
- Permit fee formula
- Residential new structures: $100 + $0.25/sq. ft. Residential remodel/accessory structures/pools: $100 + $0.20/sq. ft. Residential trade permits: $100 + $0.03/sq. ft. Commercial new structures/additions/structural renovations: $150 + $0.35/sq. ft. Commercial non-structural renovations: $150 + $0.20/sq. ft. Commercial reroof non-structural: $150 + $0.15/sq. ft. Commercial trades: $150 + $0.03/sq. ft. Towers (new or collocation): $1,000. Demolition: $100 + $0.03/sq. ft. Solar energy facility: $0.33/sq. ft. Tents: $100. Signs: $50.
- Reinspection fee
- $50 reinspection fee after second failed inspection
- Penalty (no permit)
- $200 for work started without a required permit; $75 for code modification after permit issuance
- Payment note
- A 2 percent state levy applies to permit fees. Credit card payments were operational as of February 23, 2026. Up to an 80 percent refund may be requested in writing within one year if no work or inspection has occurred.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective March 1, 2026).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- Qualifying low-voltage wiring
- One-story detached sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 256 square feet
- Utility prefabricated buildings up to 150 square feet
- Certain small tents
- Fences, unless serving as pool barriers or pedestrian-safety barriers
- Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet
- Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill
- Small shallow pools meeting state criteria
- Certain signs
- Replacement LP-gas containers of the same capacity in the same location
- Flagpoles up to 30 feet
- Certain temporary ramps
- Minor ordinary work approved by the building official
- Enumerated ordinary repairs including many like-kind window and door replacements, fixture replacements, certain appliance swaps, limited reroofing, floor finishes, cabinetry and trim, and paint or wallpaper
Important: Prince Edward County directs applicants to Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2 for the statewide exemption list. Historic-district properties and special flood hazard area properties may still require permits for otherwise exempt work. Confirm with the Prince Edward County Building Office before proceeding.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 434-392-8838 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. on the day of inspection. The county cannot provide appointment windows.
- Inspection hours
- Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence includes: footing, foundation, drain tile/damp proof, sill plate, floor joist, framing, veneer, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fireplace, and final inspection.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 Virginia Construction Code, 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code, 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and related 2021 DHCD code packages
- Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Owner-builder rules: View rules
- Virginia Permit Exemptions (13VAC5-63-80)
- Virginia Permit Validity and Revocation (13VAC5-63-100)
- Community Development Zoning Fee Schedule
- Prince Edward County Zoning Ordinance (Municode)
- Stormwater Management Program
- License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Prince Edward County Building Office before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prince Edward County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Prince Edward County, VA?
- Permits are required for contractors and homeowners performing construction, enlarging, repairing, converting, or demolishing any building within Prince Edward County. The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code also requires permits before construction or demolition and for most structural, MEP, occupancy-change, lot-line hazard, and asbestos-disturbance work.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Prince Edward County, VA?
- The minimum permit fee is $100 residential new structures; $100 residential remodel/accessory structures/pools; $50 residential trade permits; $100 residential demolition; $150 commercial new structures/additions/structural renovations. Fees are calculated as: Residential new structures: $100 + $0.25/sq. ft. Residential remodel/accessory structures/pools: $100 + $0.20/sq. ft. Residential trade permits: $100 + $0.03/sq. ft. Commercial new structures/additions/structural renovations: $150 + $0.35/sq. ft. Commercial non-structural renovations: $150 + $0.20/sq. ft. Commercial reroof non-structural: $150 + $0.15/sq. ft. Commercial trades: $150 + $0.03/sq. ft. Towers (new or collocation): $1,000. Demolition: $100 + $0.03/sq. ft. Solar energy facility: $0.33/sq. ft. Tents: $100. Signs: $50.. Plan check fee: Residential plan review $50; commercial plan review $200 per plan; plan review revision after prior review: residential $25, commercial $75.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Prince Edward County, VA?
- 1. Confirm whether zoning approval is required before submitting a building permit application. The Planning and Zoning division publishes zoning permit forms by district. 2. Gather all supporting approvals and documents. County guidance lists zoning approval, Health Department approval, VDOT approval, a title copy for a singlewide, electronic plans, and a completed building application as possible requirements. 3. Submit the building application to the Prince Edward County Building Office in person (8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) or by email to building@co.prince-edward.va.us. 4. Pay permit and plan review fees. The county building fee schedule became effective March 1, 2026 and includes a 2 percent state levy. 5. County reviews the application under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. If compliant, the permit is issued; otherwise, the applicant must correct deficiencies before resubmittal. 6. Call 434-392-8838 to request inspections. Work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. on the day of inspection; the county cannot provide appointment windows. 7. Obtain a certificate of occupancy where required. The building official is required to issue the certificate within five working days after final inspection approval.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Prince Edward County, VA?
- Typical processing time is No general permit turnaround time is published. Certificate of occupancy issuance is stated as within five working days after final approval..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Prince Edward County, VA?
- The following work is generally exempt: Qualifying low-voltage wiring; One-story detached sheds, playhouses, and similar structures up to 256 square feet; Utility prefabricated buildings up to 150 square feet; Certain small tents; Fences, unless serving as pool barriers or pedestrian-safety barriers; Concrete or masonry walls up to 6 feet; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill; Small shallow pools meeting state criteria; Certain signs; Replacement LP-gas containers of the same capacity in the same location; Flagpoles up to 30 feet; Certain temporary ramps; Minor ordinary work approved by the building official; Enumerated ordinary repairs including many like-kind window and door replacements, fixture replacements, certain appliance swaps, limited reroofing, floor finishes, cabinetry and trim, and paint or wallpaper. Note: Prince Edward County directs applicants to Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2 for the statewide exemption list. Historic-district properties and special flood hazard area properties may still require permits for otherwise exempt work. Confirm with the Prince Edward County Building Office before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Prince Edward County, VA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 434-392-8838. Work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. on the day of inspection. The county cannot provide appointment windows..
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This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.