Building Inspections

The Building Inspections Department is following current CDC guidelines when performing its duties (both in the office and in the field). Note the following procedural changes:

Email/Phone Communication Only (Meetings): All communication will primarily occur by phone or via email until further notice.  When possible, meetings can take place by phone or by a virtual platform such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams.

Permit Applications:  We are now back open to the public and are accepting applications at our counter.   Permit applications will only be accepted with the proper paperwork and fees that are due at the time of application.  We are no longer holding permits submitted without payment or missing information so that all permits are able to be processed in the order that they are received.  We can accept permit applications and fees between 9 A.M. and 4 P.M. Monday through Friday.     

Proffer Payments: Proffer payments can only be accepted after ALL final inspections have been passed in our system.  This includes the Final Erosion Inspection and the Final Health approval, which we must be received from the Health Department. 

Inspections: Inspectors may refuse to inspect portions of buildings occupied by individuals diagnosed with the COVID-19 virus, exposed to others with the virus, or display symptoms of illness. Anyone on an inspection site is asked to stay at least six (6) feet away from County staff and have limited communication with them while they are on site. Virtual inspections are now available. Any inspection that requires interior access of an occupied structure may be requested to be performed via a Zoom meeting by either the occupant or our staff.  We will work will all parties to ensure everyone's comfort level and safety.

Third Party Inspections: Anyone wishing to have inspections performed in the event that Powhatan County has to close for an extended period will need to have their preferred inspection agency approved prior to any closing. Please forward this information, in email, to the Building Official at ddunivan@powhatanva.gov. Powhatan County Community Development Department expects to remain open as long as possible during this pandemic.

Thank you for working with us during this unique situation, so that we can continue to provide services and ensure the safety of staff and the public. Please check back frequently to view any updates that may take place to ensure the protection of County staff.

  1. Are carriage bolts allowed in deck construction?
  2. Final inspection floor covering requirements?
  3. What is the current permit review time?
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Powhatan County's requirement to enforce the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Statewide Fire Prevention Code is to ensure safe, code compliant buildings that will protect the health, safety and welfare of the general public. Both codes reference the International Codes as administered by the International Code Council (ICC).
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Scheduling Inspections

Powhatan County Building Inspections Office currently schedules inspections by telephone or in person.   To schedule an inspection please call 804-598-5622 and use option #1. 
  • Inspections requested by 3 p.m. will be performed the following day.
  • Inspections scheduled by 3 p.m. on Friday or the day before scheduled dates County offices are closed will be performed the following business day.

Applications

Applications for permits will only be processed if received between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. For a list of exemptions to obtaining a permit, view our Permit Exemptions (PDF) document.

Payment Methods

We are accepting checks, cash, and credit cards for any fees that may be due.  Credit cards are subject to an additional fee and must be processed while you are on site. 

Lighting Requirements for New Construction

Section 83-469(d) of the Zoning Ordinance requires all lighting for new construction use fully shielded lighting fixtures. While commercial projects will generally include a lighting plan for review, single-family homes typically have no such plan, thus it is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure installed fixtures meet the requirements of the ordinance. Fixtures will be inspected prior to issuing a Certificate of Occupancy. The Exterior Lighting Brochure provides additional information as well as some examples of light fixtures that do and do not comply.