Tazewell County, VA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

County-issued building permits apply in unincorporated Tazewell County and in the towns of Tazewell, Richlands, Pocahontas, and Cedar Bluff. The Town of Bluefield is excluded — properties within Bluefield's corporate limits must permit through the Bluefield town office.

Department

Tazewell County Building Inspections / Department of Building Safety

Address

173 Main Street, Tazewell, VA 24651

Phone

(276) 385-1215

Email

deithra.hart@tazewellcounty.org

Website

https://tazewellcountyva.org/departments/buildinginspections/

Application Process

1. Choose the correct county application form: new construction or miscellaneous building permit application, available on the county's Applications and Forms page.
2. Obtain the county tax parcel number for the project property.
3. If the project is located within the towns of Richlands, Cedar Bluff, Pocahontas, or Tazewell, obtain any required town permit or zoning permit from that town before proceeding with the county building permit.
4. If the project uses a private well or septic system, secure Health Department approval before submitting.
5. If soil disturbance will be 10,000 square feet or more, coordinate with Tazewell County Engineering for erosion and sediment control.
6. Submit the completed application along with plans, blueprints, or detailed drawings in person, by mail, or by email to Building Inspections.
7. Provide valid Virginia contractor and tradesman license numbers, or submit the owner-builder exemption written statement if applicable.
8. After permit issuance, call Building Inspections at (276) 385-1215 to schedule required inspections, providing at least 24 hours advance notice.

Typical processing time: Plan review takes 3 to 10 business days after a complete submission; more extensive projects may take longer.

Source: Tazewell County Building Inspections / Department of Building Safety

General Requirements

Permits are required for new houses, additions, decks, garages, porches, detached accessory structures 257 square feet or larger, structural work, pools over county thresholds, retaining walls over the threshold, new electrical service or wiring, plumbing changes, most HVAC changes, gas work, and demolition. Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and demolition permits may apply to the same project.

Required Documents

• Correct county application form (new construction or miscellaneous)
• County tax parcel number
• Town permit or zoning permit number if the project is in Richlands, Cedar Bluff, Pocahontas, or Tazewell
• Plans, blueprints, or detailed drawings
• Health Department approval if project uses a private well or septic system
• Virginia contractor and tradesman license numbers
• Owner-builder written statement (if claiming exemption under Code of Virginia Section 54.1-1111)

Permit validity

No county-specific permit expiration rule was found in the reviewed public materials. Contact Building Inspections to confirm current validity requirements.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

The county posts an owner-builder written statement form tied to Code of Virginia Section 54.1-1111. The exemption applies to an owner who personally performs or supervises work on no more than one primary residence owned for their own use during any 24-month period.

Contractor requirements

Valid Virginia contractor, subcontractor, and tradesman license numbers are required at application unless the applicant qualifies for a statutory exemption. Verify licenses through the Virginia DPOR license lookup.

Fees

Payment note

No online payment portal located. The county states that all required local taxes or license fees must be paid before permit issuance. Contact Building Inspections at (276) 385-1215 for current fee information.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Ordinary repairs and improvements: painting, drywall or siding repair, shingle reroofing, floor coverings, cabinetry work, and gutter replacement
• Driveways and sidewalks
• Storage sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures 256 square feet or less
• Fences 6 feet or less in height that are not part of a pool enclosure
• Recreational equipment such as swings and jungle gyms
• Insulation
• Wiring or equipment operating at less than 50 volts
• Security alarm systems
• Replacement electric water heaters
• Replacement switches, receptacles, and similar electrical fixtures
• Plumbing fixture replacements such as sinks, toilets, and faucets
• Landscaping retaining walls
• Replacement electric cooktops, ranges, and dryers

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land-use, or other county requirements. Confirm edge cases with Tazewell County Building Inspections before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (276) 385-1215 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

The county requests 24 hours advance notice. Calls made between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM may be added to the same day's schedule if space is available; calls after 9:30 AM are scheduled for the next business day.

Inspection hours

Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: No single public inspection sequence checklist was located. Required inspections depend on permit type and inspector direction. Contact Building Inspections after permit issuance for the applicable sequence.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (Virginia Construction Code), effective January 18, 2024
• Verify contractor license: Virginia DPOR License Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Tazewell County GIS Map
• Tazewell County Engineering Department
• Virginia DHCD — Building Codes
• License lookup guide: Virginia Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Virginia Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Virginia hub: Virginia Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Tazewell County Building Permit FAQ

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

Permits are required for new houses, additions, decks, garages, porches, detached accessory structures 257 square feet or larger, structural work, pools over county thresholds, retaining walls over the threshold, new electrical service or wiring, plumbing changes, most HVAC changes, gas work, and demolition. Separate electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, and demolition permits may apply to the same project.

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

1. Choose the correct county application form: new construction or miscellaneous building permit application, available on the county's Applications and Forms page. 2. Obtain the county tax parcel number for the project property. 3. If the project is located within the towns of Richlands, Cedar Bluff, Pocahontas, or Tazewell, obtain any required town permit or zoning permit from that town before proceeding with the county building permit. 4. If the project uses a private well or septic system, secure Health Department approval before submitting. 5. If soil disturbance will be 10,000 square feet or more, coordinate with Tazewell County Engineering for erosion and sediment control. 6. Submit the completed application along with plans, blueprints, or detailed drawings in person, by mail, or by email to Building Inspections. 7. Provide valid Virginia contractor and tradesman license numbers, or submit the owner-builder exemption written statement if applicable. 8. After permit issuance, call Building Inspections at (276) 385-1215 to schedule required inspections, providing at least 24 hours advance notice.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Tazewell County, VA?

Typical processing time is Plan review takes 3 to 10 business days after a complete submission; more extensive projects may take longer..

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

The following work is generally exempt: Ordinary repairs and improvements: painting, drywall or siding repair, shingle reroofing, floor coverings, cabinetry work, and gutter replacement; Driveways and sidewalks; Storage sheds, playhouses, and similar detached structures 256 square feet or less; Fences 6 feet or less in height that are not part of a pool enclosure; Recreational equipment such as swings and jungle gyms; Insulation; Wiring or equipment operating at less than 50 volts; Security alarm systems; Replacement electric water heaters; Replacement switches, receptacles, and similar electrical fixtures; Plumbing fixture replacements such as sinks, toilets, and faucets; Landscaping retaining walls; Replacement electric cooktops, ranges, and dryers. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, land-use, or other county requirements. Confirm edge cases with Tazewell County Building Inspections before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (276) 385-1215. The county requests 24 hours advance notice. Calls made between 8:00 AM and 9:30 AM may be added to the same day's schedule if space is available; calls after 9:30 AM are scheduled for the next business day..