When a Building Permit is Required

Construction or demolition of a building or structure.
Installations or alterations involving
- the removal or addition of any wall, partition or portion thereof,
- any structural component,
- the repair or replacement of any required component of a fire or smoke rated assembly,
- the alteration of any required means of egress system,
- water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage system or vent system,
- electric wiring,
- fire protection system, mechanical systems or fuel supply systems or
- any equipment regulated by the Virginia Construction Code.
For change of occupancy, application for a permit shall be made when a new certificate of occupancy is required. A new certificate of occupancy is required when the change of occupancy requires a greater degree of structural strength, fire protection, means of egress, ventilation or sanitation.
Movement of a lot line that increases the hazard to or decreases the level of safety of an existing building or structure in comparison to the building code under which such building or structure was constructed.
Removal or disturbing of any asbestos containing materials during the construction or demolition of a building or structure, including additions.

The following are typical home improvements that require a Permit:

Additions
Attic pull-down stairs
Attics, finish existing
Basements, build or enlarge
Carports, new or enclose existing
Decks, new (on footings or posts) or enclose existing
Dormers, new
Garages
Masonry chimneys
Porches, new and enclose existing
Retaining walls supporting more than 3 feet of unbalanced backfill
Sheds, attached to house
Sheds or playhouses, detached greater than 256 square feet or more than one story
Skylights
Swimming pools, greater than 150 square feet, greater than 5,000 gallons and greater than 24 inches deep