Building Inspection

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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Code Change - 2015 USBC effective September 4, 2018

PLEASE BE ADVISED:  PLANS SUBMITTED AS OF SEPTEMBER 4, 2018, AT A MINIMUM NEED TO BE COMPLIANT WITH THE 2015 USBC.

     Pursuant to section 103.2 of the 2015 Virginia Construction Code (Part I of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) construction for which a permit application is submitted to the building department after SEPTEMBER 4, 2018 shall comply with the provisions of this code, except for permit applications submitted during a one year period after September 4, 2018.  The applicant for a permit during such one-year period shall be permitted to choose whether to comply with the provisions of this code or the provisions of the 2012 USBC.  

     The 2015 International Building Code (IBC), published by the International Code Council, Inc. are adopted and incorporated by reference to be an enforceable part of the USBC.  The IBC references the whole family of International Codes including the following major codes: 

  • 2015 International Plumbing Code (IPC)
  • 2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC)
  • 2014 National Electrical Code (NEC)
  • 2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC)
  • 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)
  • 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) 

 William C. Riter (Bill)  Interim Building Official

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.

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.

Monthly Building Reports

View current and archived Building Reports.

Building Inspection Forms / Applications

  1. Backflow Prevention Test Report (PDF)
  2. Board of Building Code Appeals Application (PDF)
  3. Change of Address or Ownership (PDF)
  4. Fee Schedule (PDF)
  5. Floodplain Development Permitting Form (PDF)
  6. Plan Review Only Application (PDF)
  7. Property Owners Affidavit (PDF)
  8. Request for Modification to the Building Code (PDF)
  9. Special Inspections Procedures Form (PDF)
  10. Trades Application (Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical) (PDF)
  11. VE Zone Design and Break Away Wall Certification (PDF)
  12. ZoningbuildingsignApp2018