Building Codes & Inspections

Building Inspections staff require four (4) full sets of plans and four (4) sets of plat showing the distance from the property line for new construction and additions, and two (2) full sets of plans for alterations. In addition to the building permit application(s), documents may be required for planning, zoning and civil engineering.  Construction for which a permit application is submitted to the local building department on or after the July 1, 2022 shall comply with the provisions of the 2018 Virginia Construction Code. Except for permit applications submitted during a 1-year period beginning on July 1, 2021 shall be permitted to choose whether to comply with the provisions of the 2018 Virginia Construction Code or the provisions of the edition of the code in effect immediately prior to the 2018 edition. Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.

Permit status and inspections can be tracked at this link

Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Building Permit Applications can be emailed to permits@charlottesville.gov.

Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Building Inspection Requests can be emailed to inspections@charlottesville.gov. 

Building Forms

  1. 3rd Party Inspection Form
  2. 3rd Party Inspection Policy - 02/28/2023 (PDF)
  3. Asbestos Inspection and Abatement Certification (PDF)
  4. As-Built Survey for New Construction (PDF)
  5. Building Permit Applications and Fees (PDF)
  6. Chimney/Vent Inspection Certification (PDF)
  7. City of Charlottesville Climatic and Geographic Design Criteria (PDF)
  8. Mandatory Inspections (PDF)
  9. Retaining Wall Guidelines (PDF)
  10. Typical Deck Details (PDF)