The following is an excerpt from the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). It is important to note that this is not a local code, but rather a Virginia statewide mandated code.
The USBC Section 108.1 says:
SECTION 108
APPLICATION FOR PERMIT
108.1 When applications are required. Application for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit
shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any of the following activities, except that applications for emergency construction, alterations or equipment replacement shall be submitted by the end of the first working day that follows the day such work commences.
In addition, the building official may authorize work to commence pending the receipt of an application or the
issuance of a permit.
1. Construction or demolition of a building or structure. Installations or alterations involving
(i) the removal or addition of any wall, partition or portion thereof,
(ii) any structural component,
(iii) the repair or replacement of any required component of a fire or smoke rated assembly,
(iv) the alteration of any required means of egress system, including the addition or removal of emergency supplemental hardware,
(v) water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage system or vent system, (vi)
electric wiring,
(vii) fire protection system, mechanical systems, or fuel supply systems, or
(viii) any equipment regulated by the USBC.
2. For change of occupancy, application for a permit shall be made when a new certificate of occupancy is required by the VEBC.
3. 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.
4. Removal or disturbing of any asbestos containing materials during the construction or demolition of a building or structure, including
additions.
108.2 Exemptions from application for permit.
Notwithstanding the requirements of Section 108.1, application for a permit and any related inspections shall not be required for the following; however, this section shall not be construed to exempt such activities from other applicable requirements of this code. In addition, when an owner or an owner’s agent requests that a permit be issued for any of the following, then a permit shall be issued and
any related inspections shall be required.
1. Installation of wiring and equipment that (i) operates at less than 50 volts, (ii) is for broadband communications systems, (iii) is exempt under Section 102.3(1) or 102.3(4), or (iv) is for monitoring or automation systems in dwelling units, except when any such installations are
located in a plenum, penetrate fire rated or smoke protected construction or are a component of any of the following:
1.1. Fire alarm system.
1.2. Fire detection system.
1.3. Fire suppression system.
1.4. Smoke control system.
1.5. Fire protection supervisory system.
1.6. Elevator fire safety control system.
1.7. Access or egress control system or delayed
egress locking or latching system.
1.8. Fire damper.
1.9. Door control system.
2. One story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses, provided the building area does not exceed 256 square feet (23.78 m2) and the structures are not classified as a Group F-1 or H occupancy.
3. Detached prefabricated buildings housing the equipment of a publicly regulated utility service,provided the floor area does not exceed 150 square feet (14 m2).
4. Tents or air-supported structures, or both, that cover an area of 900 square feet (84 m2 ) or less, including within that area all connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress or entrance, provided such tents or structures have an occupant load of 50 or less persons.
5. Fences of any height unless required for pedestrian safety as provided for by Section 3306, or used for the barrier for a swimming
pool.
6. Concrete or masonry walls, provided such walls do not exceed six feet in height above the finished grade. Ornamental column caps shall
not be considered to contribute to the height of the wall and shall be permitted to extend above the six feet height measurement.
7. Retaining walls supporting less than three feet of unbalanced fill that are not constructed for the purpose of impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids or supporting a surcharge other than ordinary unbalanced fill.
8. Swimming pools that have a surface area not greater than 150 square feet (13.95 m2), do not exceed 5,000 gallons (19 000 L) and are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
9. Signs under the conditions in Section H101.2 of Appendix H.
10. Replacement of above-ground existing LP-gas containers of the same capacity in the same location and associated regulators when installed by the serving gas supplier.
11. Flagpoles 30 feet (9144 mm) or less in height.
12. Temporary ramps serving dwelling units in Group R-3 and R-5 occupancies where the height of the entrance served by the ramp is no
more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade.
13. Construction work deemed by the building official to be minor and ordinary and which does not adversely affect public health or general safety.
The complete text of the USBC Codes can be found at this link:
Virginia Construction Code
How to Apply for a Permit
To learn how to apply for a permit, please click this link: Applying for a permit