Most construction projects for commercial and residential buildings do require a building permit. The permit and inspection process is designed to provide assurance that all structures and related systems are safe for the occupants using them.

A building permit is required before starting any work that is not exempt from the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). In general, the following items require a building permit:

• Changing the designed use of a structure.
• Construction or demolition of any structure
• Installations or alterations that involve any structural component.
• Replacement of any electrical, plumbing, or mechanical system or component within a structure not exempted by the USBC

Examples of work that requires a building permit: (Setbacks and other zoning requirements may apply.)

• Construction of new buildings/structures (including tents, and signs)
• Building additions to existing structures
• Constructing/replacing a deck and/or ramp.
• Construction of retaining walls over 3 feet in height.
• Interior alterations involving structural changes or changes that affect means of egress or paths of egress.
• Installation of new gas systems/appliances.
• Installation of swimming pools that have a surface area greater than 150 square feet, over 5,000 gallons and are more than 24 inches deep.
• Installing new systems (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, gas, fire protection systems)
• Storage/Utility buildings over 256sq feet in area or more than one story.
• Interior or exterior alterations that affect accessibility.
• Concrete or masonry walls exceeding 6 feet in height.

A building permit is not required work that is specifically exempt from the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC).

Examples of work that does not require a building permit:

• Detached accessory structures (under 256 square feet) used for storage/utility purposes, not classified as group F1 or H occupancy.
• Electrical equipment that operates at less than 50 volts
• Fences and privacy walls that are not part of a building, structure, or swimming pool barrier.
• Replacement in kind, of existing above ground LP - Gas containers
• Tents under 900 square feet with occupant loads under 50 people
• Playground equipment
• Temporary ramps for Single Family Dwellings

Maintenance or ordinary repairs such as:

• Installation or replacement of floor, cabinetry, paint, or wall finishes
• Replacement in kind of electrical switches, receptacles, lighting outlets, in Single Family Dwellings
• Replacement of mechanical appliances that are not fueled by gas or oil
• Replacement of plumbing fixtures without alterations or relocation
• Replacement of roof coverings or siding in Single Family Dwellings
• Replacement of windows and doors (same size) in Single Family Dwellings

For questions concerning any work that not listed above, please contact our office to verify if a permit is required.

Applications for all permits are filed in the Building Inspection office and all applications must be approved and fees paid before work can begin. Use the Citizen's Self-Service portal to apply.

Permits must be displayed before any inspection can be performed.

A certificate of occupancy must be obtained before a building or structure can be occupied.

Building inspections will be performed upon request via our voicemail system (540-586-7611) or online Citizen Self-Service portal. 

Read the full Field Inspection Policy.

Effective November 28, 2022, inspection requests received on our voicemail system (540-586-7611) or through the Citizen Self-Service portal before 4 p.m. will be scheduled for the next business day unless the volume of requests exceeds the ability to complete the next business day.

Requests received after 4 p.m. will be scheduled for the second business day.

No. Inspections requested via voicemail or online will not be made by appointment.

Electrical service changes without power, public water changeovers, and emergency repairs will be prioritized depending on workload to an approximate time.

Footings and groundwork will be prioritized on heavy workload days.

Site must be identified with a posted building permit. If not posted, a $25 reinspection fee will be applied per Bedford County Code Sec. 5-4.

Work not complete or otherwise not ready for inspection shall be subject to a reinspection fee.

Inquiries about inspections may be made through the office at 540-586-7616. Specific times for inspections will not be available. 

If you have any questions regarding an inspection, please contact the inspector who performed the inspection at 540-586-7616 or via their email listed on our Staff Directory.

If you wish to meet with an inspector on site, please request a consultation and we can schedule a time suitable for all parties.