FAQs • Orange County, VA • CivicEngage

Do I need a building permit?: A permit is required for new residential and commercial construction in Orange County. However, there are exemptions for small detached structures and ordinary repairs. The permit process is generally the same for all types of projects, but more specific requirements may be required for commercial construction and residential construction. If you have any questions regarding the permit process or if you need help in determining if you need a permit contact Building & Development Services at (540) 672-4574.

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Building Department

1. Do I need a building permit?: A permit is required for new residential and commercial construction in Orange County. However, there are exemptions for small detached structures and ordinary repairs. The permit process is generally the same for all types of projects, but more specific requirements may be required for commercial construction and residential construction. If you have any questions regarding the permit process or if you need help in determining if you need a permit contact Building & Development Services at (540) 672-4574.

2. What do I need to get a permit?: To get a building permit for a site built home, bring three (3) sets of construction plans, a copy of the recoded plat, the zoning permit, and the health permit (both the zoning and health permits may be applied for at the same time as the building permit) to the Development Services Office, 128 W Main Street. There is a $100.00 plan review fee due at submittal. To get a building permit for a manufactured home, you will need the following additional information, a foundation plan or the manufacturers' installation manual and the HUD and Serial number if known. The plans will be reviewed and the permit fees figured will be due when your permit is picked up. NOTICE: Before any permits may be released they must have a 911 address assigned. To acquire a 911 address you must have your driveway in and four (4) house corners marked then call Building & Development Services at (540) 672-4574. Please contact Planning and Zoning Services for information on the calculation of land disturbance, bond information, and set back requirements. Building & Development Services will review your plans when the review is complete and you have obtained your initial erosion and sediment inspection. If an Erosion permit was issued, the 911 address has been assigned, and if permit is for a new structure Building & Development Services will notify you that the permit is ready for pick up and the amount of fees due.

3. Are inspections included with my permit fee?: Yes. Inspections are a part of your permit. Please see attached link for a list of normal residential and commercial inspections. Inspection Information.

4. How much will a building permit cost?: Please call Building & Development Services at (540) 672-4574 and they will be happy to give you an estimate of the fees for your permit. The final fees are figured once plans have been submitted and they can determine exactly what your project will entail.

5. How do I find out if a contractor is licensed?: You can call Building & Development Services or check the attached link to the Department of Professional And Occupational Regulation (DPOR)
www.dpor.virginia.gov.

6. How do I get a 911 address?: Orange County does not issue 911 addresses to vacant land. When you apply for your building permit to build a dwelling, you will put the driveway in and mark the four (4) corners of the new home, then call Building & Development Services (540) 672-4574, and they will come and do GPS coordinates to assign the 911 address.