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1. What are the current building codes in effect?

2018 Virginia Residential Code (VRC) 

2018 Virginia Construction Code (VCC) 

2018 Virginia Existing Building Code (VEBC) 

2009 ICC A117.1 - Accessibility Standards 

2018 Virginia Energy Conservation Code (VECC) 

2018 Virginia Plumbing Code (VPC) 

2018 Virginia Mechanical Code 

2018 Virginia Fuel Gas Code (VFGC) 

2017 National Electric Code (NEC) aka NFPA 70 

2018 Virginia Maintenance Code (VMC) 

2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) 

2018 International Fire Code  (IFC)

2. Do I need a building permit?

Any construction, alteration, enlargement, replacement, repair, or maintenance to any structure and equipment therein will require a permit. This includes accessory structures.

There are some instances when a permit is not required. Examples of work that would not require a permit would include:

• Installing or replacing guttering
• Installing or replacing residential roof covering
• Installing or replacing vinyl siding
• Painting, wallpapering, carpeting, laminate or any other aesthetic improvements
• Replacing cabinets
• Replacing residential fixtures (lights, bathtubs, sinks, water closets)
• Replacing residential windows

If you’re not sure if the work you are intending to do requires a permit, please call the Building and Zoning Department during normal business hours at 540-942-6628.

3. How do I apply for a building permit?

You will need to submit a fully completed permit application along with the required construction documents, site plan, and all of the associated fees. All of this information should be submitted as a complete package to the Building and Zoning Department.

Don’t forget to contact the Public Works Department for:

• Curb and gutter work
• Entrance permits
• Land disturbance approval
• Water and sewer connections

4. What information will I need when I apply for a building permit?

We encourage you to have the following information for residential and commercial permits.

Residential Permits

• Owner information
• Address information (both the physical address of where the work is taking place and the mailing address)
• Contractor licensing information
• Architect information (if applicable)
• Mechanic lien agent information (if applicable)
• Estimated cost of construction
• Detailed scope of work
• Two complete sets of construction documents; for interior alterations and additions, please show the existing and proposed floor plans
• Detailed wall section
• Front, side, and rear elevation views
• Foundation plan - please include an overview plan of foundation or footings to include type of foundation wall, pier locations and size, girder system size, spans, and foundation vent locations. Please specify if the crawlspace is to be conditioned or vented.
• Floor system plan - please include engineered trusses, I-joist, conventional framing, etc., to include all specifications, size, spacing, and spans
• Roof system plan - please include engineered trusses, conventional framing, etc., to include all specifications, size, spacing, and spans
• A wall section that matches the plans from the footer to the roof material
• Floor layout indicating braced wall lines (BWLs) and braced wall panels (BWPs)
• Separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing plans may also be required
• Two complete site plans

Commercial Permits

• Commercial projects require site approval prior to issuance of a building permit (see site plan review process)
• Owner information
• Address information (both the physical address of where the work is taking place and the mailing address)
• Contractor licensing information
• Architects information (if applicable)
• Mechanic lien agent information (if applicable)
• Estimated cost of construction
• Detailed scope of work
• Three complete sets of construction documents; for interior alterations and additions, please show the existing and proposed floor plans
• Detailed wall section
• Front, side, and rear elevation views
• Foundation plan - please include an overview plan of foundation or footings to include type of foundation wall, pier locations and size, girder system size, spans and foundation vent locations. Please specify if the crawlspace is to be conditioned or ventless.
• Floor system plan - please include engineered trusses, I-joist, conventional framing, etc., to include all specifications, size, spacing, and spans
• Roof system plan - please include engineered trusses, conventional framing, etc., to include all specifications, size, spacing, and spans
• A wall section that matches the plans from the footer to the roof material
• Floor layout indicating braced wall lines (BWLs) and braced wall panels (BWPs)
• Separate electrical, mechanical, and plumbing plans may also be required

5. Who can apply for a building permit?

Property owners and licensed contractors in Virginia can apply for building permits.

6. How long does the review process take for residential projects?

We ask for a minimum of 15 business days for any residential project that requires plan review.

7. Now that I have my building permit, what do I do with it?

Permits should be posted on the property in a visible location that is protected from the weather.

8. How long is my permit good for?

You will have six months from the date the permit is issued to begin work. All permits expire after six months of no activity or no inspections. 

9. What type of inspections will take place once my permit is issued and I have begun construction?

Required inspections include but are not limited to the following:

• Footing Inspection: Call for footing inspection after footings have been excavated, any forms and steps have been constructed, and any reinforcement has been installed, prior to placing concrete.
• Slab Inspection: Basement and floor slabs, poured concrete foundation walls, and any self-supporting slabs must be inspected to ensure placement of vapor barriers, reinforcements, and perimeter insulation, prior to placing concrete.
• Foundation / Drain Tile: Call for foundation inspection after foundation walls have been constructed and damp-proofed and anchor bolts have been installed, prior to any back-filling.
• Rough-In Inspections: Call for inspection of electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas fitting materials and systems prior to concealment.
• Framing Inspection: Call for framing inspection after the building is in the dry, prior to insulation.
• Insulation Inspection: Call for insulation inspection before concealment. Fire/draft stopping will be inspected at this time.
• Final Inspections: Call for final inspections when building, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and gas fittings are complete and structure is ready for occupancy. Additional requirements for final inspection include providing a ladder for access, having all the utilities turned on, having off-street parking in place, and making sure the address is displayed on the structure and legible from the street and all landscaping, if required.

Please note that any work which requires more than one re-inspection will be charged a $50 re-inspection fee.

10. How do I schedule inspections?

Call our office at 540-942-6628. It is recommended to call at least 48 hours prior to when you need the inspection. 

11. How can I get a Certificate of Occupancy?

For new construction, a Certificate of Occupancy will be issued after all final inspections are completed and approved.

For existing structures, an application for a Certificate of Occupancy will need to be submitted for review and approval along with a floor plan of the structure, a certificate providing determination there are no current violations of the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code, and the required fee.

12. To do work in the City of Waynesboro, do I need a business license?

If you are a contractor you will need to have a current business license to do work within the city. You can obtain a business license through the Commissioner of Revenue's Office. Homeowners do not need to have a business license.

13. Can I get a permit for a manufactured home?

Certain zoning designations in the city allow for the placement of manufactured homes by Conditional Use Permit (CUP) issued by City Council. After the approval and issuance of a CUP, a building permit will need to be obtained prior to placement of the manufactured home.

14. What are the quiet hours for construction related activities in the City of Waynesboro?

Section 50-50 (a)(9) of the City Code states that unnecessary or excessive noise created from refuse collection and sanitation services; activities related to the construction, repair, maintenance, remodeling or demolition, grading, or other improvement of real property; and gardening, lawn care, tree maintenance or removal and other landscaping activities; shall be unlawful between 10:01 p.m. and 5:59 a.m. Monday through Friday and 10:01 p.m. to 6:59 a.m. Saturdays and Sundays.