Building Inspections Information

The Fluvanna Building Inspection Office is dedicated to protecting the health, safety and welfare of the public by assuring that all buildings, structures and related equipment are constructed and maintained within the minimum requirements of the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code.  We strive to provide excellent customer service and code enforcement in a professional manner to all of our citizens and contractors.

• We are back to a normal inspection schedule 5 days a week excluding Holidays
• All inspections require a 24 hour minimum notice; per the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code 113.1.2 all inspections must be called in by the permit holder or their Authorized Agent on file
• Inspections can be emailed to inspections@fluvannacounty.org
• All applications and plans are only accepted in electronic form ( email to building@fluvannacounty.org )

WHEN DO YOU NEED A PERMIT???

As stated in the USBC, applications for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any of the following activities, except that applications for emergency construction, alterations or equipment replacement shall be submitted by the end of the first working day that follows the day such work commences. In addition, the building official may authorize work to commence pending the receipt of an application or the issuance of a permit.

Construction or demolition of a building or structure, including the installation or altering of any equipment regulated by the USBC.

Decks, sheds, garages, carports, oversized tents, new gas installation, new gas appliances, finishing a basement, new chimney, generators, new gas logs/stove, demolition of a structure, enclosing a porch or deck, and/or remodeling a structure require a building and zoning permit.

Residential accessory storage structures 256 square feet or less are exempt from building permits.

CONTRACTOR INFORMATION

All contractor's should be licensed through the Virginia State Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; If a person identifies him/herself as a licensed contractor and it is discovered the person is not licensed, it is a violation of Virginia state law. Complaints/violations may be reported by calling 804-367-8504, or more information can be obtained at www.dpor.virginia.gov . 

If you need to make a complaint call the DPOR number above or also through www.dpor.virginia.gov/Report-Licensee .

A contractor license can also be looked up through this site: www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup

CODE CHANGE

Effective January 18, 2024 the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code will be in effect.  This code references the following:  

2021 Virginia Construction Code

2021 Virginia Residential Code

2020 NFPA 70

2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code 

2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code 

2021 Virginia Mechanical Code 

2021 Virginia Plumbing Code 

2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code

All applications after January 18,2024 must comply with the 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code.

More information and links to new codes coming soon!

In addition, the department is responsible for the enforcement of the Counties Erosion and Sediment Control Ordinance including reviewing land disturbing plans, establishing bond estimates, making required inspections in accordance with state regulations and issuing the associated permits.