FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT BUILDING CODE STANDARDS DOES WYTHE COUNTY USE?

Wythe County, along with all other localities in the State of Virginia, utilizes the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC). This is a set of guidelines produced by the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development. It is based upon the model codes published by the following organizations:

  • ICC - 2018 IBC, IRC, IFC, IECC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IEGC, IEBC, ISPSC, IGCC, IWUIC
  • NFPA 70 - National Electrical Code 2014
  • DHCD - Virginia Amendments to International Codes 

     

    2018 Virginia Construction Code

    2018 Virginia Residential Code

    2018 Existing Building Code

    2018 Virginia Maintenance Code

    2018 Virginia Amusement Device Regulations

    2018 Virginia Industrialized Building Safety Regulations

    2018 Building and Fire Code and Related Laws Package

    2018 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code

    2018 Virginia Energy Conservation Code

    2018 Virginia Fuel Gas Code

    2018 Virginia Mechanical Code

    2018 Virginia Plumbing Code

  • CLICK HERE for American National Standard - Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities.
  • CLICK HERE for Radon Control.
  • CLICK HERE for more Building Codes.

    ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
  • Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) www.dhcd.virginia.gov
  • Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) https://www.dpor.virginia.gov 
  • Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) www.hud.gov
  • International Code Council (ICC) https://codes.iccsafe.org 

DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?

A building permit is required before:

  • Constructing, moving, altering, or demolishing a building or structure.
  • Changing the use of a building where the new use requires different structural strength, fire protection, exits, or sanitary provisions.
  • Installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by the building code.

Examples that REQUIRE a building permit:

  • Add or replace an existing deck
  • Replace roofing or siding
  • Finish an unfinished area or basement
  • Replace water or sewer service lines
  • Install a swimming pool (more than 24 inches deep)
  • Install new electrical circuits
  • Install gas fired heaters or fireplace logs
  • Detached garage or utility building greater than 256 sq. ft. in size
  • Changes to heating and ventilation duct systems, water and wastewater piping, appliance vent systems and gas piping, other than reconnection to replacement equipment
  • Modification of interior or exterior wall framing

Examples that DO NOT REQUIRE a building permit:

  • Painting or decorating
  • Repairs to interior walls and wall coverings
  • Detached utility sheds less than 256 sq. ft. in size (no plumbing or electrical)
  • Repair or replacement of existing plumbing and electrical fixtures
  • Replacement of common appliances such as water heaters, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, fans, and similar equipment
  • Replacing kitchen and bathroom cabinets
  • Replacement doors and windows (no framing changes)
  • Low-voltage lighting systems (less than 50 volts)
  • Construction for agricultural use

CLICK HERE for a Wythe County Building Permit Application.

CLICK HERE for a Wythe County Building Permit Affidavit.

 HOW MUCH DOES A BUILDING PERMIT COST?

Building permit costs are based on the square footage of the construction.

Rates beginning April 1, 2022:

SOIL EROSION & SEDIMENT APPLICATION: $100.00 plus $100.00 (Bond Required) per week *

* For duration of project until permanent stabilization is applied, applicant must specify project time, and applicant must amend the application and pay additional fee for extended period of project.

 

Description Permit Fee
Utility building less than 256 sq. ft.  - no plumbing or electrical - 0 -
Agricultural Use - 0 -

 

AGRICULTURAL EXEMPTION

The following are exempt from paying building permit fees

  • Agricultural buildings and Land Disturbance (Exemption Forms Required to be submitted)
    • CLICK HERE for Exemption of Farm buildings or structures from the VA Uniform Statewide Building Code.
    • CLICK HERE for the Excavation and or Land Disturbance exemptions.
  • State owned buildings
  • Town owned buildings (Building Permit Required) 

If you use a contractor to perform the work, the contractor must meet the following licensing requirements:

  • Class "C" license for construction costs from $1,000 to $9,999
  • Class "B" license for construction costs from $10,000 to $119,999
  • Any construction costing over $120,000 requires a Class A license
  • Class "A" license contractors are unrestricted in the dollar amount of contracts they may complete

 CLICK HERE for a list of all licensed Virginia Contractors.

WHAT INFORMATION IS NEEDED BEFORE GETTING A BUILDING PERMIT?

You can save yourself a lot of time, trouble, and extra trips to the building inspection department by making sure you have all of the information needed to get a building permit.

CLICK HERE for Building Permit Requirements for Manufactured Homes.

CLICK HERE for Building Permit Requirements for ALL Other Buildings.

WHO MAY APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT?

Permits may be applied for by the owner or lessee of the building, or by the licensed engineer, architect, contractor or subcontractor employed in connection with the prospective work. Engineers, architects, contractors or subcontractors must provide evidence that they are licensed to practice in Virginia or are exempt from the requirements.  To find out if your contractor, engineer, or architect is licensed, CLICK HERE to go to the Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations.

HOW DO I OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT?

Building permits can be obtained either in person or by email. You may call (276-223-4505) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) and request an application and requirements be sent to you. You may also CLICK HERE to download a building permit application. You may either bring the application to the office in person or submit it via email with all other building permit requirements. 

HOW LONG IS A PERMIT GOOD FOR?

A permit remains valid for 6 months from the date the permit is issued. Every time there is an inspection performed, that extends the permit for another six months. If the work is halted or abandoned for at least six months, the permit may be suspended. Extensions may be granted by the Building Official. If the permit is suspended, you may be required to re-apply and/or pay additional fees to re-activate the permit.

HOW DO I SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION?

Once your permit has been issued and posted onsite, you may call (276-228-4505) or email (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.) before 5:00 p.m.  You will need to provide your permit number and the inspection you want performed.  Inspection will be performed the next business day.

WHY CAN'T YOU WAIVE THIS REQUIREMENT, JUST THIS ONE TIME?

The building inspection departments throughout the state of Virginia are required, by law, to provide for the safe construction of all buildings and structures. This responsibility is to the citizens of every community in the state, not to any single person or structure. The building code law does not permit any of its requirements to be waived. The code does contain provisions for modification of its requirements, so long as the spirit and intent of the code are met. If you feel that a code requirement is unreasonable, you may request the Building Official to consider modifying the requirement, but you must provide a reasonable alternative to compliance that meets the spirit and intent of the code.

WHAT IS INVOLVED IN THE SETUP OF A MANUFACTURED HOME?

For most people who purchase a manufactured home, this list will cover the major steps involved in setting up your new home. Some homeowners will have additional steps to follow. Please call if you have questions.

  1. CLICK HERE to apply for a Building Permit.
  2. Well and Septic Permits can be obtained at the Health Department.
  3. If you are putting in a new driveway or changing an existing driveway, an Entranceway Permit can be obtained from the Virginia Department of Highway and Transportation (VDOT). 
  4. Bring a copy of the well, septic, and entranceway permits to the Building Inspector's office. As long as your application complies with all ordinances, the building permit will be issued.
  5. Drill and test well.
  6. Setup home according to the Uniform Statewide Building Code and manufacturer's installation instructions. Several inspections will be necessary during this process.

Notes: Necessary site preparation, such as grading, drainage provisions and site access for the home, must be considered. All footings, piers, supports and anchoring provisions must comply with manufacturer's instructions and inspectors. Skirting shall be installed to enclose the underside of the home within 60 days of occupancy of the home. CLICK HERE for a more detailed description for setting up a manufactured home.

WHO DOES THE SETUP OF A MANUFACTURED HOME?

Normally, the dealer is responsible for the installation of the homes as stated in the sales contract. Some dealers use their own personnel, while others use contractors to complete the setup. If the sales agreement between the dealer and buyer does not include dealer installation, the buyer should make certain that the person installing the home will follow the Uniform Statewide Building Code and the manufacturer's instructions. Setup contractors should be licensed as required by the Virginia Board for Contractors.

ARE THERE OTHER REGULATIONS I HAVE TO CONSIDER BEFORE BUILDING?

Yes, if you want to build a house (or locate a manufactured home) on property owned by someone else, you should read over the Wythe County Subdivision Ordinance.

NOTE: There have been several updates this ordinance.  To see the latest information, follow this LINK to all of the county ordinances and search for Subdivision Ordinance to show only the main document and any amendments.