Third Party Inspection Policy

TO: Interested Parties

FROM: Building Official

SUBJECT: Policy for Qualifications and Submittal of Third-Party Inspections

Date: Revised 8/14/2024


The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires that each building official charged with the enforcement of the USBC shall have a written policy establishing the minimum acceptable qualifications for third-party inspectors. The policy shall include the format and time frame required for submission of reports, any prequalification or preapproval requirements before conducting a third-party inspection and any other requirements and procedures established by the building official.

The Powhatan County Building Inspection Department requires that all third-party inspectors be either a Virginia registered design professional (RDP- architect or engineer) or be performing under the direct supervision of an RDP in accordance with Title 54.1 of the Code of Virginia. The qualifications of individuals performing under the supervision of an RDP shall be the responsibility of the RDP. Use of a third-party inspector shall be pre-approved in all cases except when a Powhatan County inspector has not performed an inspection within two full working days of the inspection request as allowed by the VUSBC. The RDP shall submit contact the Building Official to obtain approval prior to the third-party inspection taking place or be in good standing with the County as a previously approved RDP. In determining third-party inspector qualifications, the building official may consider such items as DHCD inspector certification, other state or national certifications, state professional registrations, related experience, education and any other factors that would demonstrate competency and reliability to conduct inspections. Beginning on the third workday after the inspection request, the third-party inspector can be used without obtaining pre-approval. All third-party inspection reports shall bear the seal and signature of the RDP that is approved to perform the inspection. All third-party inspections performed under the direct supervision of an RDP shall bear the name (legibly printed or typed) and signature of the inspector in addition to the seal and signature of the RDP.

All third-party inspection reports are required to indicate the time and date of the inspection; the applicable permit number assigned to the work that is being inspected; detailed scope of the inspection; confirmation that the County approved plans were used during the inspection and that the work conforms to the approved plans and the provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. All third-party inspection reports that are submitted via email shall be addressed to ddunivan@powhatanva.gov and acalaf@powhatanva.gov and must originate from the email address of the RDP. The report shall be attached to the email as a .pdf document. Reports must be submitted prior to the next required inspection request being made.

Special inspections required by the 2021 Virginia Construction Code shall be conducted when required by Section 1704. Individuals or agencies, or both, conducting special inspections shall meet the qualification requirements of Sections 1703 and 1704.2.1. The permit applicant shall submit a completed statement of special inspections with the permit application. The building official shall review, and if satisfied that the requirements have been met, approve the statement of special inspections as required in Sections 1704.2.3 and 1705 as a requisite to the issuance of a building permit. The building official may require interim inspection reports. The building official shall receive, and if satisfied that the requirements have been met, approve a final report of special inspections as specified in Section 1704.2.4. All fees and costs related to the special inspections shall be the responsibility of the building owner.


David W. Dunivan

Building Official