Building Inspections

The Building Inspector's Office is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding holidays. We are located at 173 Main Street, Tazewell, VA 24651.

• Gary Jackson, Building Official: Email Me
• Kayla Mills, Title Permit Tech: Email Me
• Timothy Richardson, Building Inspector: Email Me
• Ryan Beaty, Building Inspector: Email Me
• Phone: 276-385-1215 | Fax: 276-988-0811
• Mailing Address: 173 Main Street, Tazewell, VA 24651

When an inspection is needed, call the Building Department at (276) 385-1215.

• A 24 hour notice is requested for all inspections.
• For calls between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., the day you need the inspection, you can be added to the day’s schedule, if there is availability.
• For calls after 9:30 a.m., you will be added to the following day’s schedule.
• If you would like to file a complaint please Click Here

The mission of the Tazewell County Building Department is to ensure the life, health, safety, and welfare of the people of Tazewell County and its tourists, through the compliance of the USBC (Uniform Statewide Building Code). The Building Department issues permits for work performed in Tazewell County, the Towns of Richlands, Pocahontas, and Cedar Bluff. Permits obtained for work to be completed in the Town of Bluefield, must be obtained through the Bluefield town office.

• NEW CONSTRUCTION APPLICATION
• MISCELLANEOUS BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION (Electrical upgrades, utility buildings, decks, etc.)
• SOLAR INSTALLATION PERMIT APPLICATION
• ELECTRICAL PERMIT APPLICATION
• WRITTEN STATEMENT

CODE OF VIRGINIA, 1950 AS AMENDED SECTION 54.1-111

Prerequisites for obtaining building permit, etc.

Any person applying to the building official or any other authority of a county, city, or town in this Commonwealth, charged with the duty of issuing building or other permits for the construction of any building, highway, sewer, or structure, or any removal, grading or improvement shall furnish prior to the issuance of the permit, either (i) satisfactory proof to such official or authority that he is duly licensed or certified under the terms of this chapter to carry out or superintend the same, or (ii) file a written statement that he is not subject to licensure or certification as a contractor or subcontractor pursuant to this chapter. The applicant shall also furnish satisfactory proof that the taxes or license fees required by any county, city, or town have been paid so as to be qualified to bid upon or contract for the work for which the permit has been applied.

It shall be unlawful for the building official or other authority to issue or allow the issuance of such permits unless the applicant has furnished his license or certificate number issued pursuant to this chapter or evidence of being exempt from the provisions of this chapter.

• TITLE 54.1-1101 (Exemptions) – The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
  • Any person who performs or supervised the construction, removal, repair or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by him and for his own use during any 24-month period.
  • Any person who performs or supervises the construction, removal, repair or improvement of a house upon his own real property as a bona fide gift to a member of his immediate family provided such member lives in the house. For purposes of this section, “immediate family” includes one’s mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandchild, grandparent, mother-in-law and father-in-law.
  • Any person who performs or supervises the repair or improvement of industrial or manufacturing facilities, or a commercial or retail building, for his own use.
  • Any person who performs or supervises the repair or improvement of residential dwelling units owned by him that are subject to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (t 55-248.2 et seq.)

CROSS SECTION

(The cross section document is required to be submitted with the application for all new residential structures and additions, if plans are unavailable.)

FARM EXEMPTION STATEMENT

AMUSEMENT RIDE APPLICATION

*** All applications may be submitted to our office in person, by mail, or through email to kayla.mills@tazewellcounty.org

• CLIMATE AND GEOGRAPHIC DESIGN CRITERIA
• WIRING SCHEMATIC
• MANUFACTURED HOME CHECKLIST
• TYPICAL MONOLITHIC SLAB LAYOUT
• RESIDENTIAL WOOD DECK CONSTRUCTION GUIDE

 

FOUNDATION INFORMATION:

Tazewell County has established a minimum size foundation requirement.  Some projects may have to exceed this minimum requirement due to the size of the structure.

Minimum Frost Depth: 18’’

Minimum Footer Thickness: 8’’

Minimum of two (2) runs of #4 rebar located 3’’ above the bottom of the foundation

 

INFORMATION ABOUT CONTRACTORS:

• 10 TIPS FOR MAKING SURE YOUR CONTRACTOR MEASURES UP
• UNLICENSED CONTRACTING INFORMATION
• CONTRACTOR PROHIBITED ACTS
• CONTRACTOR’S WRITTEN CONTRACT REQUIREMENTS
• WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW BEFORE YOU HIRE A CONTRACTOR
• DPOR CONSUMER GUIDE TO HIRING A CONTRACTOR

The following information is for RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS ONLY.  For questions concerning commercial projects and whether or not a permit is required, please contact our office at 276-385-1215.

Building Permit

These types of projects require a Building Permit:

1. Building a new house.
2. Building an addition onto an existing house or attached garage.
3. Converting an existing deck or screened porch to a Florida room (sunroom).
4. Building, replacing, adding to, and making structural repairs to a deck whether it is attached to the main structure or not.
5. Building an attached or detached garage or carport.
6. Converting a garage to a habitable space.
7. Building a porch, screened porch, deck, associated steps, or ramp.
8. Building or installing a one story detached structure, used as a tool shed, storage, shed, playhouse, or similar use, that is 257 square feet or larger in area.
9. Finishing an unfinished attic, basement, or room over a garage.
10. Moving, adding, or removing a load-bearing wall or partition.
11. Repairing, altering, enlarging, or modifying any structural element of the house including:
12. Any damaged structural element, such as load bearing stud walls, columns, piers, footings, foundation, floor joists, rafters, beams, or girders.
13. Enlarging or adding a door opening or window opening.
14. Changing the use of the structure (example: changing from residential use to a business use).
15. Installing a pool (permanent or storable), hot tub, or spa that is greater than 150 square feet, 5000 gallons in capacity, and greater than 24 inches deep.
16. Building, replacing, or repairing (structurally) a retaining wall that is greater than 24 inches in height or that supports load from a structure.

Electrical Permit

These types of projects require an Electrical Permit:

1. Providing new electrical service or wiring.

*Note: All new electrical services requested for outbuildings, storage buildings, etc. (portable and manufactured), will be required to be detached from the structure.

2. Upgrading electrical service.
3. Adding a permanent generator back-up to an existing electrical panel, service equipment, and similar devices.
4. Installing or replacing any electrical wiring, panel board, service equipment, or disconnecting means.
5. Any wiring that penetrates a fire rated assembly, and any wiring that is installed in a plenum or both.

Plumbing Permit

These types of projects require a Plumbing Permit:

1. Any new construction...
2. Installing any new piping or fixtures.
3. Replacing any plumbing pipe, such as hot and cold water supply, County water and sewer connections, well connections, septic tank connections, drainage piping.
4. Installing lawn irrigation backflow prevention device.
5. All water heaters shall require expansion tank installation.

 Mechanical Permit

These types of projects require a Mechanical Permit:

1. Any new construction…
2. Installing new mechanical equipment (e.g. new air conditioner, heat pump, furnace, etc.).

*Exception: When replacing a like for like electric heat pump,   permits are not required, if the units are sized the same and no new ductwork is involved.

3. Replacing any furnace, hydronic piping (hot water piping), or its associated ductwork.
4. Installing or replacing any flue or new vent associated with mechanical equipment.
5. Replacing an existing furnace with one that utilizes a different fuel.

Gas Permit

These types of projects require a gas permit.

1. Any new construction that requires:
   1. Removing, replacing or installing any gas appliances or equipment, including piping, gas logs, water heaters, furnaces. Appliances that are not required to have a permit for replacement are cook tops, stoves, ranges and dryers.
   2. Installation of new propane tanks or replacing a propane tank of a different capacity or location.

Demolition Permit

A demolition permit is required any time a structure is being razed and returned to original grade. It includes all demolition on houses, detached buildings, decks, etc.

This permit is not intended for the removal of interior walls (renovation work) or for situations when the existing structure is being razed so that a new structure can replace it - in this situation, a new building permit will include the demolition of the old structure.

For the Demolition Permit, the homeowner/contractor shall:

1. Complete a Building Permit Application.
2. Provide a plat showing the location of the building on the property.
3. An asbestos report may be required to be submitted with the application.

• This also includes Commercial Buildings

4. An inspection will be made to ensure that the demolition is complete, all demolition debris is removed, and the grade has been restored to the point where the land will drain.

Work that does NOT require a permit

The building code allows work to be done without obtaining a permit. While a permit is not required, the work must be in compliance with the code. The following information pertains to SINGLE FAMILY DWELLINGS ONLY; it does not pertain to apartments, condominiums or townhouses (for information on these types of dwellings, please contact our office).  Some examples of work that does not require a permit include:

1. Making ordinary repairs and improvements, including, but not limited to:
   1. Painting the inside or outside of the house or detached structures.
   2. Repairing drywall, plaster, siding, re-roofing (shingles only).
   3. Installing new floor coverings, such as vinyl, carpet, or hardwood.
   4. Installing or refurbishing cabinetry.
   5. Repairing or replacing porch flooring or deck flooring. Note: A permit is required to repair or replace the joists or girders.
   6. Repairing or replacing handrails on a porch.
   7. Installing or replacing doors and windows, including storm windows, where no structural change is performed.
   8. Installing or replacing gutters and downspouts.
2. Installing driveways or sidewalks.
3. Constructing or installing a storage shed, playhouse, etc., 256 square feet or less in area.
4. Adding a fence (which is not part of a swimming pool enclosure) and which is 6' or less in height - refer to subdivision covenants (if applicable).
5. Building recreational equipment, such as swings, skateboard ramps, jungle gyms, etc.
6. Adding insulation.
7. Installing any wiring or equipment which operates at less than 50 volts.
8. Installing a security alarm system.
9. Replacing an electrical water heater with a new electric water heater.
10. Replacing electrical fixtures, such as switches and receptacles.
11. Replacing a ceiling fan to a pre-wired switch, that has a ceiling fan rated and supported box.
12. Replacing plumbing fixtures, such as sinks, toilets, faucets, etc.
13. Retaining walls that are for landscaping purposes only.
14. Replacing electrical cook top stoves, ranges, and dryers.

If you should have questions about whether a permit is required please call the Building Inspection office at 276-385-1215.

To comply with State building codes, in order to obtain a building permit, the following are minimum requirements.

1. The appropriate building application shall be filled out.

2. At the time of application, provide the County Tax Map Number.

• If you do not know this information, building department staff can assist you in locating this information.

3. If the construction is being conducted in the Town of Richlands, Town of Cedar Bluff, or the Town of Pocahontas, a town zoning permit is required in addition to a county building permit.

• Permits obtained for work to be conducted in the Town of Bluefield, shall be obtained through the Bluefield town office.
• Permits obtained for work to be conducted in the Town of Tazewell, shall be obtained through the Tazewell town office.

4. If you plan to use or currently use a private well and septic system, you shall have approval from the Health Department.

• This approval is for additions/renovations/repairs that may affect your septic system.
• Their telephone number is 988-5585.

5. A copy of building plans, blueprints or detailed drawings shall be submitted with the building application for approval by the Building Official.

• A copy will be kept to review and retain in the Building Official’s files as required by the Code of Virginia.
• Issuance of the permit will be postponed until a plan review can be conducted.
• The plan review can take from 3 to 10 business days depending on the plans; plans that are extensive in detail may take longer.

6. If your project will disturb 10,000 square foot area or greater of soil, you will need to speak with the Tazewell County Engineering Department regarding E&S (erosion and sediment) issues.

7. Proof of valid contractor’s license. Any homeowner, who hires a contractor, shall provide the contractor’s information as required.

• All contractors shall provide a valid Virginia contractor’s license number at the time of application.
• All subcontractors shall provide a valid Virginia contractor’s license number at the time of application.
• All individual/tradesman license numbers shall be provided at time of application.
• To search Virginia contractor and tradesman license numbers, certifications, and validity, please click on the following link: http://www.dpor.virginia.gov/LicenseLookup/

8. If the homeowner is going to perform the work described on the building permit, then the homeowner is required to complete an affidavit and be responsible for all work performed.

• Under Title 54.1-1111
  • Prerequisites to obtaining building etc. permit. Any person applying to the code official or any other authority of a county, city, or town in this Commonwealth, charged with the duty of issuing building or other permits for the construction of any building, highway, sewer, or structure, or any removal, grading or improvement shall furnish prior to the issuance of the permit, either (i) satisfactory proof to such code official or authority that he is duly licensed or certified under the terms of this chapter to carry out or superintend the same, or (ii) file a written statement, supported by affidavit, that he is not subject to licensure or certification as a contractor of subcontractor pursuant to this chapter. The applicant shall also furnish satisfactory proof that the taxes or license fees required by any county, city, or town have been paid so as to be qualified to bid upon or contract for the work for which the permit has been applied.
• TITLE 54.1-1101 (Exemptions) – The provisions of this chapter shall not apply to:
  • Any person who performs or supervised the construction, removal, repair or improvement of no more than one primary residence owned by him and for his own use during any 24-month period.
  • Any person who performs or supervises the construction, removal, repair or improvement of a house upon his own real property as a bona fide gift to a member of his immediate family provided such member lives in the house. For purposes of this section, “immediate family” includes one’s mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister, grandchild, grandparent, mother-in-law and father-in-law.
  • Any person who performs or supervises the repair or improvement of industrial or manufacturing facilities, or a commercial or retail building, for his own use.
  • Any person who performs or supervises the repair or improvement of residential dwelling units owned by him that are subject to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act (t 55-248.2 et seq.)

9. Permits will not be issued without all required information.

10. After the permit is issued and you are ready for an inspection.

• Call the Building Department at 276-385-1215.
• A 24 hour notice is requested for inspections.
• For calls between the hours of 8:00AM and 9:30AM the day you need the inspection, you can be added to the day’s schedule if there is availability.
• For calls after 9:30AM, you will be added to the following day’s schedule.

11. Permits are good for a six month period.

90 day extensions can be granted by the Building Official, as long as work continues on the project.