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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Smyth County
Permits are required for new construction, modifications, and other building-related activities under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The county application covers manufactured homes, modular homes, additions and remodels, new site-built homes, and trade subpermits. Virginia USBC Section 108.1 additionally requires permits before most structural, demolition, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, fire-protection, change-of-occupancy, and certain asbestos-related work.
One-story detached sheds, playhouses, or similar structures up to 256 square feet (Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2)
Fences, unless used for pedestrian safety or as a pool barrier
Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill, subject to code conditions
Small pools not over 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
Flagpoles 30 feet or less
Ordinary repairs such as certain same-size residential window and door replacements, fixture replacement without piping changes, certain wiring-device replacements, limited roofing or siding replacement, cabinetry, trim, paint, and floor finishes
- Exempt One-story detached sheds, playhouses, or similar structures up to 256 square feet (Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2)
- Exempt Fences, unless used for pedestrian safety or as a pool barrier
- Exempt Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill, subject to code conditions
- Exempt Small pools not over 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Flagpoles 30 feet or less
- Exempt Ordinary repairs such as certain same-size residential window and door replacements, fixture replacement without piping changes, certain wiring-device replacements, limited roofing or siding replacement, cabinetry, trim, paint, and floor finishes
Note: No Smyth County-specific exempt-work list was published on the county site; these exemptions follow Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2. Virginia code allows the building official to require permits for otherwise exempt items in a special flood hazard area or designated historic district. Confirm with the Smyth County Building and Zoning Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed county building and zoning permit application
- Building plans (when required by scope)
- Zoning permit copy
- Erosion and sediment control plan (if 10,000 sq ft or more will be disturbed)
- Septic approval documentation (if not on public sewer)
- Source-of-water documentation
- VDOT entrance permit (if applicable)
- Flood elevation certificate (if project is in a floodplain)
- Asbestos report (if applicable)
- Contractor information for main permit and each trade
- Separate electrical-service application (when applicable)
- Building code
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (2021 USBC), effective January 18, 2024
- Permit validity
- The county application states in all caps that it expires in one year. If no inspection is requested within six months, the owner may apply for a six-month extension. After twelve months of inactivity, the owner must pay the minimum permit fee to renew. Permits inactive for more than thirty-six months are not eligible for renewal.
- Owner-builder
- No Smyth County-specific owner affidavit was found on the county's public pages. Virginia USBC still requires either proof of licensure or a written statement that the applicant is not subject to licensure before permit issuance.
- Contractor requirements
- Virginia USBC Section 108.4 applies statewide. The county collects contractor information on both the main permit application and each trade subpermit. Virginia contractor licensing is administered by DPOR.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: The county states it needs two weeks to review required plans. Projects not requiring plans may be processed more quickly.
- 01 Contact the Smyth County Building and Zoning office to determine whether the project requires both a zoning review and a building permit. The county's combined application form expressly states that issuance of the application does not guarantee permit issuance and is used to determine compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and local ordinances.
- 02 Gather all required supporting materials: building plans, erosion-control plan if 10,000 sq ft or more will be disturbed, septic approval if not on public sewer, a zoning permit copy, VDOT entrance permit if needed, flood elevation certificate if in a floodplain, and asbestos report if applicable.
- 03 Submit the county Building and Zoning Permit application and any separate electrical-service application if required for the project.
- 04 Allow up to two weeks for plan review. The county states it needs two weeks to review required plans unless the applicant uses an approved certified plan reviewer.
- 05 Pay permit fees and the Virginia state levy once the project is approved. Online payment is available through Paymentus after fee determination.
- 06 Post and use the permit on site, call for required inspections at least two business days in advance, and obtain final approval before occupancy or service release.
Typical processing time: The county states it needs two weeks to review required plans. Projects not requiring plans may be processed more quickly.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Smyth County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50.00
02
Plan check fee
No separate general plan-check fee identified. Erosion and sediment control plan reviews are covered by the erosion fee.
03
Permit fee formula
Most building categories are charged at $0.20 per square foot of the entire structure, with many categories also adding $50 per trade. Flat fees include: demolition $50, electrical $50, plumbing $50, HVAC $50, roof $50, sign $50, chimney $50, foundation $50, water/sewer line installation $50, swimming pool $100, tank installation $100, tank removal $50, communication tower $250, certificate-of-occupancy request $50.
04
Trade permit fee
$50 per trade (flat fee for most trade subpermits)
05
Reinspection fee
A $50 reinspection charge has not been consistently enforced per the fee schedule; staff indicated willingness to implement it with Board approval.
Permit fees are rounded to the nearest whole dollar before applying the 2% Virginia state levy. Online payment is available through Paymentus after fee determination. Permit fees for Hurricane Helene-related projects were waived through November 1, 2025.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (276) 706-8317 — call at least two business days before the requested date (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call at least two business days before the requested inspection date.
- Inspection hours
- The county's stated goal is to respond to inspection requests within two business days.
Typical sequence: The county does not publish a local inspection sequence. Virginia USBC minimum progression applies: footing and foundation, preparatory work before concrete placement, framing and structural work before concealment, MEP rough-in before concealment, energy-conservation items before concealment, and final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Smyth County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Smyth County, VA? ▸
Permits are required for new construction, modifications, and other building-related activities under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The county application covers manufactured homes, modular homes, additions and remodels, new site-built homes, and trade subpermits. Virginia USBC Section 108.1 additionally requires permits before most structural, demolition, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fuel-gas, fire-protection, change-of-occupancy, and certain asbestos-related work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Smyth County, VA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Smyth County, VA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50.00. Fees are calculated as: Most building categories are charged at $0.20 per square foot of the entire structure, with many categories also adding $50 per trade. Flat fees include: demolition $50, electrical $50, plumbing $50, HVAC $50, roof $50, sign $50, chimney $50, foundation $50, water/sewer line installation $50, swimming pool $100, tank installation $100, tank removal $50, communication tower $250, certificate-of-occupancy request $50.. Plan check fee: No separate general plan-check fee identified. Erosion and sediment control plan reviews are covered by the erosion fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Smyth County, VA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Smyth County, VA, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Smyth County Building and Zoning office to determine whether the project requires both a zoning review and a building permit. The county's combined application form expressly states that issuance of the application does not guarantee permit issuance and is used to determine compliance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and local ordinances. 2. Gather all required supporting materials: building plans, erosion-control plan if 10,000 sq ft or more will be disturbed, septic approval if not on public sewer, a zoning permit copy, VDOT entrance permit if needed, flood elevation certificate if in a floodplain, and asbestos report if applicable. 3. Submit the county Building and Zoning Permit application and any separate electrical-service application if required for the project. 4. Allow up to two weeks for plan review. The county states it needs two weeks to review required plans unless the applicant uses an approved certified plan reviewer. 5. Pay permit fees and the Virginia state levy once the project is approved. Online payment is available through Paymentus after fee determination. 6. Post and use the permit on site, call for required inspections at least two business days in advance, and obtain final approval before occupancy or service release.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Smyth County, VA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Smyth County, VA typically run The county states it needs two weeks to review required plans. Projects not requiring plans may be processed more quickly.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Smyth County, VA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Smyth County, VA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached sheds, playhouses, or similar structures up to 256 square feet (Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2); Fences, unless used for pedestrian safety or as a pool barrier; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill, subject to code conditions; Small pools not over 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less; Ordinary repairs such as certain same-size residential window and door replacements, fixture replacement without piping changes, certain wiring-device replacements, limited roofing or siding replacement, cabinetry, trim, paint, and floor finishes. Note: No Smyth County-specific exempt-work list was published on the county site; these exemptions follow Virginia Construction Code Section 108.2. Virginia code allows the building official to require permits for otherwise exempt items in a special flood hazard area or designated historic district. Confirm with the Smyth County Building and Zoning Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Smyth County, VA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Smyth County, VA via: (276) 706-8317 — call at least two business days before the requested date. Call at least two business days before the requested inspection date..
last verified April 2026
source Smyth County Building and Zoning Department ↗
entry id permits/virginia/smyth/smyth-county
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Smyth County Building and Zoning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.