Sussex County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

Sussex County Building Inspections issues building permits and conducts inspections countywide. Per the DHCD June 2024 building-official directory, the incorporated towns of Jarratt, Stony Creek, Wakefield, and Waverly are served by Sussex County Building Inspections for building-permit purposes. Sussex County Planning and Zoning separately administers zoning permits, land disturbance, floodplain management, site plans, and subdivisions.

Department

Building Inspections

Address

20135 Princeton Road, Sussex, VA 23884

Phone

(434) 246-4390

Email

mwhitney@sussexcountyva.gov

Website

https://sussexcountyva.gov/department/building-inspections/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm whether the project requires county zoning approval, a zoning waiver, floodplain review, land-disturbance approval, subdivision review, or site-plan review before the building permit is filed. For projects inside the incorporated towns of Jarratt, Stony Creek, Wakefield, or Waverly, town-level zoning clearance may also be required first.
2. Download the correct Sussex County permit form. Sussex publishes separate forms for general, residential, commercial, tradesman, demolition, manufactured-home, permit-extension, and certificate-of-occupancy requests.
3. Assemble the full permit package. Required supporting items include the completed permit application, zoning permit or waiver, private sewage permit if applicable, water and sewer tap receipts if applicable, footing and foundation plan and details, floor plans, deck framing details if applicable, and two complete sets of construction documents.
4. Submit the application to Sussex County Building Inspections by mail or in person at 20135 Princeton Road, Sussex, VA 23884. Virginia's Construction Code allows mail submissions unless the applicant selects another method.
5. Respond to any completeness or correction comments. An incomplete application triggers a $50.00 re-review fee before processing and permit issuance.
6. Pay all required permit fees and the state levy before permit issuance. Sussex County states no permit shall be issued until prescribed fees are paid.
7. After issuance, post the permit on-site and call for required inspections at each stage. Final inspection for a dwelling requires an approved water sample and sewage operations permit from the Health Department before the final can be scheduled.

Source: Building Inspections

General Requirements

Under the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, a permit is required before construction or demolition of a building or structure; structural alterations; work affecting fire-rated assemblies or means of egress; water, sewer, vent, electrical, fire-protection, mechanical, or fuel-supply systems; regulated equipment; and certain changes of occupancy. A zoning permit or waiver from Sussex County Planning and Zoning (or the applicable town zoning administrator for work inside an incorporated town) is a prerequisite before the building permit is issued.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application with applicant and owner information
• Virginia contractor license number or statutory affidavit of licensure exemption (per Virginia Code Section 54.1-1111)
• Project description with cost or square footage
• Zoning permit or waiver
• Private sewage permit (if applicable)
• Water and sewer tap receipts (if applicable)
• Footing and foundation plan and details
• Floor plans
• Deck framing details (if applicable)
• Two complete sets of construction documents and plans
• Additional land-disturbance, floodplain, or site-plan materials as required by project scope

Permit validity

A permit application is considered abandoned if not pursued within 6 months after filing. An issued permit may be revoked if work does not commence within 6 months after issuance or if work is suspended or abandoned for 6 months; written extensions may be granted via the county's permit-extension application. Approved site plans become void if no building permit is obtained within 12 months, with a possible 6-month extension.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Sussex County forms include an affidavit of licensure exemption for owner-builders and other exempt applicants. The affidavit states the exempt applicant is responsible for all construction under the permit and acknowledges that any hired firms must still comply with state and local contractor-licensing laws. Sussex County's FAQ advises that the contractor should normally obtain the permit rather than the owner.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must provide a valid Virginia state license number or file the statutory affidavit of licensure exemption. Proof that any applicable county, city, or town taxes or license fees have been paid is also required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$75.00

Plan check fee

Residential new construction: $50.00; commercial new construction: $250.00

Permit fee formula

Mixed schedule. New residential construction: base fee plus square-foot rates (unfinished area at a lower rate). Commercial and industrial: generally 1% of contract amount. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire suppression, pools, signs, tents, demolition, retaining walls, and other project types are separately scheduled.

Reinspection fee

$100.00 per reinspection; $100.00 code investigation fee; $50.00 incomplete-application re-review fee

Payment note

All applicable permit fees carry a 2% state levy. Written cancellations or abandoned permits may be eligible for a refund with a 30% deduction. Planning and Zoning fees (rezonings, special uses, site plans, plats, floodplain, erosion control) are scheduled separately.

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 detached structures up to 256 square feet
• Tents or air-supported structures of 900 square feet or less with occupant load of 50 or less
• Fences of any height unless required as pool barriers or for pedestrian safety
• Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet above finished grade
• Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting surcharge beyond ordinary unbalanced fill
• Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep
• Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height
• Certain ordinary repairs, including like-for-like window and door replacements in qualifying residential occupancies, replacement of plumbing fixtures and well pumps without system alteration, certain switch and receptacle replacements, certain appliance replacements, paint or wallpaper, cabinetry or trim, and specified residential roofing and siding work

Important: Exemptions are based on Section 108.2 of the 2021 Virginia Construction Code. Sussex County may require permits for otherwise exempt items in a special flood hazard area. A zoning permit or waiver from Sussex County Planning and Zoning (or the applicable town zoning administrator) may still be required even where building-permit work is exempt. Confirm with Building Inspections and Planning and Zoning before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (434) 246-4390 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Sussex County published inspection stages: footing; projection; foundation/boxing/floor-joist; framing/electrical/plumbing/mechanical rough-in; chimney and fireplace (if applicable); insulation; and final inspection before occupancy. Do not cover foundations or piers before inspection. Final inspection for a dwelling requires an approved water sample and a sewage operations permit from the Health Department.

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
• Building Inspections FAQs
• Inspection Requests
• Building Codes
• Planning and Zoning FAQs
• Basic Zoning Requirements
• Floodplain Management
• Erosion and Sediment Control
• Planning and Zoning Fee Schedule
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Sussex County Building Permit FAQ

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

Under the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, a permit is required before construction or demolition of a building or structure; structural alterations; work affecting fire-rated assemblies or means of egress; water, sewer, vent, electrical, fire-protection, mechanical, or fuel-supply systems; regulated equipment; and certain changes of occupancy. A zoning permit or waiver from Sussex County Planning and Zoning (or the applicable town zoning administrator for work inside an incorporated town) is a prerequisite before the building permit is issued.

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

The minimum permit fee is $75.00. Fees are calculated as: Mixed schedule. New residential construction: base fee plus square-foot rates (unfinished area at a lower rate). Commercial and industrial: generally 1% of contract amount. Electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fire suppression, pools, signs, tents, demolition, retaining walls, and other project types are separately scheduled.. Plan check fee: Residential new construction: $50.00; commercial new construction: $250.00.

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

1. Confirm whether the project requires county zoning approval, a zoning waiver, floodplain review, land-disturbance approval, subdivision review, or site-plan review before the building permit is filed. For projects inside the incorporated towns of Jarratt, Stony Creek, Wakefield, or Waverly, town-level zoning clearance may also be required first. 2. Download the correct Sussex County permit form. Sussex publishes separate forms for general, residential, commercial, tradesman, demolition, manufactured-home, permit-extension, and certificate-of-occupancy requests. 3. Assemble the full permit package. Required supporting items include the completed permit application, zoning permit or waiver, private sewage permit if applicable, water and sewer tap receipts if applicable, footing and foundation plan and details, floor plans, deck framing details if applicable, and two complete sets of construction documents. 4. Submit the application to Sussex County Building Inspections by mail or in person at 20135 Princeton Road, Sussex, VA 23884. Virginia's Construction Code allows mail submissions unless the applicant selects another method. 5. Respond to any completeness or correction comments. An incomplete application triggers a $50.00 re-review fee before processing and permit issuance. 6. Pay all required permit fees and the state levy before permit issuance. Sussex County states no permit shall be issued until prescribed fees are paid. 7. After issuance, post the permit on-site and call for required inspections at each stage. Final inspection for a dwelling requires an approved water sample and sewage operations permit from the Health Department before the final can be scheduled.

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures up to 256 square feet; Tents or air-supported structures of 900 square feet or less with occupant load of 50 or less; Fences of any height unless required as pool barriers or for pedestrian safety; Concrete or masonry walls not over 6 feet above finished grade; Retaining walls supporting less than 3 feet of unbalanced fill and not supporting surcharge beyond ordinary unbalanced fill; Small pools not greater than 150 square feet and less than 24 inches deep; Flagpoles 30 feet or less in height; Certain ordinary repairs, including like-for-like window and door replacements in qualifying residential occupancies, replacement of plumbing fixtures and well pumps without system alteration, certain switch and receptacle replacements, certain appliance replacements, paint or wallpaper, cabinetry or trim, and specified residential roofing and siding work. Note: Exemptions are based on Section 108.2 of the 2021 Virginia Construction Code. Sussex County may require permits for otherwise exempt items in a special flood hazard area. A zoning permit or waiver from Sussex County Planning and Zoning (or the applicable town zoning administrator) may still be required even where building-permit work is exempt. Confirm with Building Inspections and Planning and Zoning before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (434) 246-4390.