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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Surry County
Surry County issues permits and conducts inspections for new construction and other building operations under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. Permit types include residential, general, commercial, demolition, manufactured home, industrialized building, and trades permits. A zoning permit or waiver from Planning and Community Development is a stated prerequisite on county building permit packets.
Note: No county-specific exempt work list was found in the public Surry County building materials reviewed. Contact Surry County Building Inspections at 757-294-5211 or inspections@surrycountyva.gov to confirm whether your project requires a permit under the Virginia USBC before starting work.
- Completed county permit application for the applicable project type
- Zoning permit or waiver from Surry County Planning and Community Development
- Private sewage disposal system permit (where applicable)
- Water tap fee receipt (where applicable)
- Sewer tap fee receipt (where applicable)
- Footing and foundation plan with details
- First floor plan and second floor plan
- Deck framing plan and details (if applicable)
- Two sets of complete construction documents and plans
- Building code
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The Building Inspections page references the 2018 USBC edition; a Hampton Roads Special Inspections Policy labeled 2021 USBC Edition is also posted. Confirm the operative USBC edition for your specific project with the Building Official before applying.
- Permit validity
- The county fee schedule lists fees for amendments, renewals, extensions, reinstatement, and ownership or contractor changes. No general expiration period was publicly posted; confirm the operative validity period with Building Inspections at the time of application.
- Owner-builder
- The county tradesman packet includes an affidavit of licensure exemption under Virginia Code 54.1-1111. The Virginia Board for Contractors strongly advises that contractors, not owners or residents, obtain building permits. Permit holders remain responsible for code violations regardless of who pulled the permit.
- Contractor requirements
- County permit forms request the Virginia state contractor license number, specialty, class, and expiration date. An affidavit process applies only where the applicant claims exemption from Virginia licensure requirements. Verify current contractor licensing with the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR).
Application process
Typical processing: No standard turnaround estimate is posted for ordinary building permits. Requested inspections are generally scheduled the next business day; allow up to two business days. A fast-track plan-of-development review program (seven working days for qualifying projects) is available through Planning and Community Development.
- 01 Confirm zoning first. Residential and general permit packets require a zoning permit or waiver from Surry County Planning and Community Development before the building permit can be issued.
- 02 Select the correct county form package for your project type: residential, general, commercial, manufactured home or industrialized building, demolition, or tradesman permit.
- 03 Assemble required documents. Depending on project type, packets call for the sewage disposal permit, water or sewer tap receipts, footing and foundation plans, floor plans, deck framing details if applicable, and two sets of complete construction documents.
- 04 Submit the completed application and all required documents to Building Inspections at 45 School Street. No separate online filing portal is available.
- 05 County staff reviews for completeness and code compliance. Incomplete submittals may trigger a $50 re-review fee before further processing.
- 06 Pay permit fees before issuance. No permit may be issued until all prescribed fees are paid.
- 07 After permit issuance, schedule required inspections by calling 877-224-7978 or emailing inspections@surrycountyva.gov with your name, phone number, permit address, and inspection type.
- 08 Pass all required inspections. The county issues a certificate of occupancy after a successful final inspection.
Typical processing time: No standard turnaround estimate is posted for ordinary building permits. Requested inspections are generally scheduled the next business day; allow up to two business days. A fast-track plan-of-development review program (seven working days for qualifying projects) is available through Planning and Community Development.
Fee schedule
Surry County building permit fees
Fees must be paid before permit issuance. Planning and Community Development fees are directed to the Treasurer of Surry County.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- 877-224-7978 (inspections hotline) (phone)
- inspections@surrycountyva.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests must be made by telephone before 5:00 p.m. for next-business-day scheduling. Allow up to two business days for completion of each requested inspection.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing, projection, foundation and boxing and floor joist, framing and rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, chimney and fireplace, insulation, final inspection before occupancy.
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Surry County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Surry County, VA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Surry County, VA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Surry County, VA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Surry County, VA? ▸
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Surry County, VA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Surry County Building Inspections before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.