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1. Are carriage bolts allowed in deck construction?

Carriage bolts are allowed for the majority of uses if they are of the appropriate size and coating, and have carriage bolt washers under the head of the bolt.    However, we cannot accept them when they are the only support method for a structural member unless approved by an engineer. 

2. Final inspection floor covering requirements?

Inspectors try to perform final inspections for dwelling units in the early mornings when possible.  This helps to keep mud down inside of new homes while performing the required inspections.  Floor coverings such as craft paper or plastic are recommended and are what we typically see on a final inspection.  Due to safety reasons, our inspectors cannot take their shoes off or wear any protective shoe coverings as these could create a slip hazard for our staff.  Please have the flooring covered properly throughout the dwelling unit or plan inspections once the ground is in a moisture free state.  Thank you for working with us to make sure everyone remains safe on each job site. 

3. What is the current permit review time?

Our current plan review times are 8 business days for residential permits and 21 days for commercial permits.   Please make sure a valid email address is on your permit application in order for you to receive a list of anything noted on plan review.

We appreciate your patience and working with us while your permit is under review.

4. Are inspections currently being performed on site?

Inspections are still being performed on site, we ask that anyone on an inspection site stay a minimum 6 feet away from County staff per the CDC recommendations.  Please check back frequently as this may change.  If community spread of the COVID-19 virus takes place here in Powhatan, we will likely limit inspections to unoccupied new sites only and not any occupied structure.   

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1. How can I get copies of my Final Decree/ Deed/ Plat?

All copies in the Clerk's office are $0.50 per page and are obtainable by either visiting the Clerk's office in person or by sending a written request with a check and a self-addressed stamped envelope for the documents to be mailed back in.

2. What are the requirements for a marriage license?

To apply for a marriage license, both parties must be present with valid ID's and the fee is $30.00.

3. What is the fee for copies of documents?

All documents in the Circuit Court are $0.50 per page per the Code of Virginia Section 17.1-275.

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1. What are the library hours of operation?

LIBRARY HOURS
Monday	9:00AM - 8:00PM
Tuesday	9:00AM - 7:00PM
Wednesday	9:00AM - 7:00PM
Thursday	9:00AM - 7:00PM
Friday	9:00AM - 5:00PM
Saturday	9:00AM - 2:00PM
Sunday	CLOSED

In addition to these hours, library staff may be contacted by email or phone between 9:00AM and 5:00PM on the days the library is open.

See our calendar of events for holiday closures.

2. What if I forget or lose my library card?

If a patron has forgotten the library card, materials may be checked out with another form of identification. If a patron is constantly without their card, staff will request that the patron obtain a new card. A $1.00 replacement fee will be charged for replacement cards.

3. How long is the checkout period?

All materials in the library have a 2-week (14-day) check-out period followed by a 7-day grace period. If materials are not returned by the last day of the grace period, a fine of $0.05 a day per item accrues from the original due day.

4. How many books, movies and CDs may I check out at one time?

There is a check-out maximum of 50 items, but only 10 movies and 10 audiobooks, may be checked out with a library card.

5. How do I renew materials?

Materials may be renewed up to three times at the Powhatan County Public Library or by phone at 804-598-5670. Renewals are also available over the Internet if you log in on the card catalog page. A 4-digit numerical PIN is required to access your account. Reasons you may not be able to renew items is if they have been placed on hold by someone else, your account has expired, or your account is blocked due to outstanding materials or fines. Card Catalog Page

6. What are the fines for overdue materials?

After the 7-day grace period, both adult and juvenile materials are $.05 per day per item. Assessment of fines begins on the recorded due date. The maximum fine for overdue materials is $5 per account. There is no maximum on fines for overdue inter-library loan materials.

7. Do you have computers for public use?

There are 17 public Internet computers on a T-1 connection and 4 standing card catalog stations. Computers are set up on a 120-minute reservation system. Reservations cannot be made in advance. The library also offers a wireless network.

8. How do you select the books that go into the library?

Materials purchased are evaluated by guides approved by the Library of Virginia. All reviews in Library Journal and School Library Journal are studied for selection of current titles. Other periodicals with high standards for book reviews are also used to keep the collection up-to-date.

Wilson’s standard catalogs and indexes, American Library Association lists, and other guides are checked periodically for good, representative books of permanent value to balance the collections. Patron requests for titles with potential high demand are also included in the review process.

9. Does the library provide test proctoring?

Yes. The student is responsible for verifying with their testing institution that PCPL’s proctoring policy is acceptable.

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1. What is the 4 p.m. Law?

The 4 p.m. Law is a ban (or restriction) on open air burning before 4 in the afternoon if your fire is within 300 feet of the woods or dry grass which can carry the fire to the woods. You are allowed to burn between 4 p.m and midnight as long as you take proper care and precaution and attend your fire at all times.

2. When is the 4 p.m. Law in effect?

The law goes into effect on February 15th each year and runs through April 30th.

3. Why is there a 4 p.m. Law?

The 4 p.m. Law was adopted during the 1940s to reduce the number of wildfires which occurred each spring. During this time of the year, Virginia traditionally has an increased number of fires. During the winter months, winds are usually elevated, the relative humidity is lower and the fuels on the forest floor are extremely dry, having "cured" without having the tree leaves to shade them.

4. Why 4 p.m.?

After 4 p.m., winds usually calm down and the relative humidity levels are on the increase, both of which reduce the potential for a debris fire or any outdoor open air fire to escape your control.

5. What is the main cause of wildfires in Virginia?

Debris burning is the number one cause of wildfires, closely followed by intentionally set fires (arson).

6. How many wildfires burn in Virginia each year and how many acres are burned?

Virginia has records which date back to 1925, and our 30 year average is 1,449 fires for 8,338 acres per year. 1941 saw the most fires with 3,697, and 1930 had the most acreage burned at 333,023 acres.

7. Can I have a campfire if I put rocks around it?

No, rocks do not make it okay to have a campfire. Campfires are considered an open air fire. A pit fire or campfire may be approved if it meets all of the following conditions:
- Fire is below ground level
- Fire is continuously monitored
- Fire is completely enclosed with cinder blocks
- A quarter inch or smaller metal screen is placed over the enclosure

Extra precautions should be taken to clear a 20-foot circle of all flammable materials and have water and a shovel available.

8. If I take all precautions with my fire after 4 p.m. and it escapes and starts a fire, am I responsible for the suppression cost?

Yes, you are still responsible. Although you may have taken all proper precautions and obtained any locally required permits, whoever started the fire is responsible should the fire escape.

9. What is the penalty for violating the 4 p.m. Law?

Violation of the 4 p.m. law is a class 3 misdemeanor with a fine of not more than $500.

10. Can I use my charcoal or gas fire barbeque grill?

Yes, you can use your grill. However, you must take proper care and precaution by clearing all flammable material from around it and you must stay with it until it is completely extinguished or turned off.

11. Are building contractors and road construction jobs exempt from the 4 p.m. Law?

No, they are not exempt. However if the burning operations are greater than 300 feet from the woods or flammable grass/vegetation which would allow the fire to spread to the woods, the 4 p.m. Law does not apply.