Building Inspections

Mission

The mission of the Building Inspections Department is to protect the health, safety, and welfare of the general public by assuring that all buildings, structures and related equipment are constructed, installed, and maintained in compliance with the standards contained within the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) and the Gloucester County Code.


Services

Our knowledgeable staff members are available to assist you starting with the permitting process all the way through final construction of your project. The department is dedicated to helping you with your building project and ensuring that it is built to the current Virginia, and Gloucester County codes.

What Requires a Permit? 

  • Any construction or improvements in a flood zone requires a permit!
  • Anytime a building/structure is being altered, constructed, converted, demolished, enlarged, improved, or repaired, or in a flood zone!
  • New construction of a structure (building and/or purchase a pre-built)
    • Example: Commercial buildings, houses, pole buildings, carports, gazebo’s, pergola’s, decks/porches, additions, shed’s, etc.
  • Alterations/renovations
    • Example: porch/deck enclosures; moving, adding, or demolishing interior walls; insulation/drywall; sky lights, widening doors, etc.
  • Decks: New, additions, repairs
  • Handicap Ramps, wheelchair lifts
  • Swimming Pools- above & inground; pool barriers/fences
  • Piers, boathouses, boatlifts, retaining walls, bulkheads, finger piers
  • Foundation repair/encapsulation
  • Installation of sheathing, floor joists
  • Insulation
  • Re-roofing of a building (commercial)
    • Residential: only if structural
  • New windows/door installation (adding or enlarging openings)
  • Converting a basement/attic into habitable space
  • Demolition of structures/ interior demolition
  • Solar panels installation
  • Signs
  • Tenant/ commercial buildouts
  • Change of use of a building: even if no alterations being done
  • Asbestos removal
  • Tents over 900 sq. ft.
  • Cell towers/ co-locations/alterations, etc.
  • Construction trailers
  • Amusement devices: Bounce houses, kiddy rides, etc.

TRADES: Residential & Commercial

  • Electrical:
    • New service; upgrade of service; new fixtures, adding switches, outlets, running service to outbuildings, shed’s, swimming pools; installing yard lights, receptacles, etc.
  • Plumbing:
    • New fixtures; altering/moving fixtures or drains; extending water lines or drain lines; installing lawn irrigation systems
  • Mechanical:
    • HVAC systems installation; fire suppression; kitchen hood; sprinklers; prefab gas fireplaces; generators; gas lines, tanks, wood stoves, etc.
  • Elevators

Notes From the Building Official

Remember to change the batteries in your smoke detector! Also remember most smoke detectors must be replaced after ten years. Check with the manufacturer of your smoke detector for more information. Check out our new smoke detector slideshow (PDF).

It's pool season...be safe! View the pool safety brochure (PDF) and information on permitting requirements.


NOTICE: CODE CYCLE CHANGE EFFECTIVE JULY 1 2021

Please click here to view the notice.

Monthly Building Reports

View current and archived Building Reports.

Building Inspection Forms / Applications

  1. Gloucester County Building Permit Fee Schedule
  2. Change of Address or Ownership (PDF)
  3. Floodplain Development Permitting Form (revised) (PDF)
  4. Property Owners Affidavit (PDF)
  5. Request for Modification to the Building Code (PDF)
  6. Special Inspections Procedures Form (PDF)
  7. VE Zone Design and Break Away Wall Certification (PDF)
  8. Board of Building Code Appeals Application (PDF)
  9. Backflow Prevention Test Report (PDF)
  10. Building/Zoning; (also Demo) Permit Application
  11. ZPSIGNAPP
  12. Trades Application (Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical) (PDF)