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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
- Administration of the Uniform Statewide Building Code and the building regulations required by The Gloucester County Code
- Inspections for compliance with minimum code requirements
- Commercial and residential plan review
- Review and processing of permit applications
- Floodplain management
- Board of Building Code Appeals
- Education through public meetings and training workshops
- Participation in the Virginia Building and Code Officials Association
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) Opens a New Window. .
It's pool season...be safe! View the pool safety brochure (PDF) Opens a New Window. and information on permitting requirements.
NOTICE: CODE CYCLE CHANGE EFFECTIVE JULY 1 2021
Please click here to view the notice.
Monthly Building Reports
Building Inspection Forms / Applications
- Gloucester County Building Permit Fee Schedule
- Change of Address or Ownership (PDF)
- Floodplain Development Permitting Form (revised) (PDF)
- Property Owners Affidavit (PDF)
- Request for Modification to the Building Code (PDF)
- Special Inspections Procedures Form (PDF)
- VE Zone Design and Break Away Wall Certification (PDF)
- Board of Building Code Appeals Application (PDF)
- Backflow Prevention Test Report (PDF)
- Building/Zoning; (also Demo) Permit Application
- ZPSIGNAPP
- Trades Application (Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical) (PDF)
Documentation / Policies
- Deck Safety Presentation (for Building Safety Week) (PDF)
- Basic Design Criteria - USBC R301 Values Table (PDF)
- Handrails Grasping Detail (PDF)
- Home Portable Fire Extinguishers Information (PDF)
- Inspections Procedure (PDF)
- Landing Steps Detail (PDF)
- One Fixture Accessible Bathroom Layout (PDF)
- Portable Generator Hazards (PDF)
- Residential Generator Guidelines (PDF)
- Residential Photovoltaic System Guidelines (PDF)
- Residential Swimming Pools - Electrical Wiring Requirements (PDF)
- Residential Swimming Pools and Spas - Complete Details (PDF)
- Smoke Alarm Slide Show (PDF)
- Smoking in Restaurants Prohibited (HB 1703) (PDF)
- Steps to Build a Single Family Dwelling (PDF)
- Swimming Pools Brochure - General Information (PDF)
- Typical Wall Detail (PDF)
- Typical Wall Detail for 2 Story House (PDF)
- Typical Wall Detail Single Story (PDF)
- Virginia Asbestos Regulations (PDF)
- Woodstove Installation Guide (PDF)
- 2015 Deck Detail - Revised 09-16-2020
- Handicap Ramp Handout (PDF)
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Paul Koll
Building Official
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William C (Bill) Riter
Deputy Building Official
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Heather Ahrens
Senior Permit Technician
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Jett Bullion
Permit Technician I
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George Seely
Inspector II: Building
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Randy Olson
Inspector II: Plumbing/Mechanical
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Charles Hubbard
Inspector I: Electrical
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Greg Gentry
Code Enforcement Officer
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Staff Email
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Building Inspection
Physical Address
6489 Main Street
Suite 247
Gloucester, VA 23061
Phone: 804-693-2744
- Gloucester County Health Department
- Virginia Building and Code Officials Association
- Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
- International Code Council
- Department of Housing and Community Development
- Legislative Information System
- Code of Virginia
- Federal Emergency Management Agency
- Gloucester County Code of Ordinances
- Miss Utility of Virginia