Building Department

 

General Building Permit Information            Building Permit Application & Forms

 Building Permit Exemptions               Fee Schedule             Required Inspections               

Certificate of Occupancy        Links               Contact Us

 

General Building Permit Information  

The Building Inspections Department of Greensville County, Virginia enforces the following codes:  

  • Uniform Statewide Building Code, Part I, also known as the Virginia Construction Code

  • Uniform Statewide Building Code, Part II, also known as the Virginia Construction Code

  • Uniform Statewide Building Code, Part III,  also known as the Virginia Maintenance Code

  • Uniform Statewide Fire Prevention Code  

Building Permits are issued Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.  Permits may also be processed through the mail.  “Permit Applications” may be obtained in person at the building inspections counter, or may be downloaded directly from the link:  Building Permit Application & Forms.  

The permit applicant may be the owner, contractor, registered design professional, or the agent of any of the above.  Agents are required to furnish satisfactory proof that they are authorized to act in that capacity.  Greensville County utilizes a “Contractor Authorization Form” for this purpose.  (Download directly from the link:  Building Permit Application & Forms.)  Permit applications shall be submitted with plans and specifications and the additional accompanying information, as required.  

For all structures extending into front, rear or side yards (with the exception of manufactured homes placed on existing lots in existing manufactured homes parks, a “Site Plan” showing the proposed construction and the distances to property lines shall be included.  (Download directly from the link:  Building Permit Application & Forms.)    

For all construction that will disturb the earth, a soil and erosion plan or an “Agreement in Lieu of a Plan” shall be included.  (Download directly from the link:  Building Permit Application & Forms.)    

For all new structures which will be connected to public water and/or public sewer, an approved “Water and Sewer Availability Form” shall be included.  (Download directly from the link:  Building Permit Application & Forms.)  

For all new structures, or additions which will increase sewage disposal needs, in areas not served by public water and/or sewer, an approved sewage disposal system construction permit from the local Health Department shall be included.

Certain submissions may require that additional information be included in order to ensure compliance with the Uniform Statewide Building Code and County Ordinances.

Building Plans submitted after May 1, 2009 for the construction of new dwellings or additions to dwellings larger than 12’ in any dimension shall include the location of braced wall lines and details of the method of bracing used.  Up to five (5) working days may be required for plan review and approval or denial.

Before entering into any construction contract or beginning any construction project, it is always advisable to check with the Inspections Office for specific county requirements.

The following design criteria are applicable to Greensville County:  

  • Determined Frostline Depth – 12” below grade
  • Ground Snow Load – 20 lbs per sq. ft.
  • Basic Wind Speed – 90 mph
  • Manufactured Home Wind Zone I
  • Manufactured Home Thermal Zone III  

ICC Product Evaluation Listings and Research Reports may be viewed at the Inspections Department or online at www.icc-es.org.

Building Permit Exemptions  

A building permit is required for constructing, reconstructing, altering or demolishing a structure; changing the use of a structure; removing or disturbing any asbestos containing materials; or moving a lot line which affects an existing structure’s continued compliance with the building regulations under which it was built.  However, the following are EXEMPT from permit requirements:  

 

·                     Parking lots and sidewalks, which are not part of an accessible route.

·                     Recreational equipment such as swing sets, sliding boards, climbing bars, jungle gyms, skateboard ramps and similar equipment, when installed for private use.

·                    Farm buildings not used for residential purposes.  Please contact eh inspections department for specific information on what is defined as a farm building.

·                     Installation of wiring and equipment which operates at less than 50 volts (television cabling, network powered broadband communications systems, telephone and data wiring, etc.) except in any case when the installation involves penetrations through fire rated or protected assemblies or equipment.

·                    Detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, when under 200 square feet of building area.

·                     Tents and air supported structures that cover an area of 900 square feet or less and with an occupant load of 50 or less persons.

·                    Fences not part of the barrier for a swimming pool, and retaining walls 4’ or less in height.

·                    Swimming pools which are 150 square feet or less in surface area, and 5,000 gallons or less of water capacity, and 24” or less in depth.

·                     Replacement of mechanical and plumbing equipment and appliances except those fueled by gas or oil in most residential dwelling units, if they do not involve additional wiring.

·                    Replacement of roof coverings and installation or replacement of siding on residential structures.

·                     Replacement of floor coverings and porch flooring.

·                     Painting, repair of plaster, interior tile or other wall coverings.

·                     Replacement of windows, doors, electrical switches, outlets, light fixtures and ceiling fans in residential dwellings.

·                    Bolt together metal carports, when not installed on a permanent foundation.  

Building permits are required for preassembled structures such as manufactured and modular homes.   

Fee Schedule

Fee Schedule may be downloaded directly from this link:  Fee Schedule

Required Inspections

            Footing Inspection – required prior to placement of concrete.

 

E-911 Address Inspection – Permanent driveway must be installed prior to inspection.

 

Block & Anchor Inspection – applies to manufactured and on-frame modular units only.

 

Foundation Inspection – required when sill and anchors are installed.

 

Framing Inspection – required prior to insulating.

 

Rough-In Electric, Plumbing & HVAC – required prior to insulating; may be conducted at the same time as framing.

 

Insulation – required prior to covering.

 

Marriage Wall – applies to manufactured and on-frame modular units only.

 

Landing and Steps – applies to manufactured and on-frame modular units only.

 

Skirting - applies to manufactured and on-frame modular units only.  Skirting footing inspection also required if masonry skirting will be installed.

 

Final Electric, Plumbing, & HVAC – required when complete and operational.

 

Final Building – required when complete and ready for occupancy.  

The building code official may require additional inspections and tests, depending on the nature and complexity of construction.  

It is the permit holder’s responsibility to notify the inspections department when ready for an inspection.  TWENTY-FOUR (24) HOURS NOTICE IS REQUIRED FOR ALL INSPECTIONS.

Certificate of Occupancy 

A Certificate of Occupancy is required prior to occupying a new structure, or one which has undergone a change of use.  If a well and/or private sewer system is involved, an Operations Permit for that system must be obtained from the Health Department prior to issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy. 

Links

Greensville County supports the Green Initiative and recommends the following links to obtain paperless information:  

  • Electric Companies serving Greensville County -

Mecklenburg Electric Cooperative www.meckelec.org

Dominion Virginia Power – www.Dom.com  

Additionally, the following phone numbers are provided as a convenience:  

Building & Planning Office

(434) 348-4232

Water & Sewer Authority

(434) 348-4230

Health Dept

(434) 348-4210

Sanitary Landfill

(434) 348-3379

Mecklenburg Electric Coop

(434) 634-6168

Dominion Power

800-828-1120

Virginia Dept. of Transportation

(434) 634-2436

Contact Us

 

Building/Fire Official – Charles M. Veliky, CBO, CFO, CPCA  

 

Building Inspector/Rehab Specialist – Brian A. Petty

 

Secretary/Technician – Susan D. Conwell

 

1781 Greensville County Circle 

Emporia, VA  23847

Phone: (434) 348-4232

Fax:  (434) 348-0696

[email protected]

   

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