Department of Permits & Inspections
Building Permits and Inspections

This division is responsible under the Uniform Statewide Building Code to enforce the Building and Fire Codes as they relate to the manner in which a building is constructed, altered, renovated or has a change of use, to assure that it is sound and reasonably safe from structural failure, accidental fire and other hazards.

• assuring the appropriate and required accessibility guidelines are met.

• determining the qualifications of applicants for permits

• reviewing all construction activity to ensure compliance with the USBC and the supporting codes: Virginia Residential Code, Virginia Plumbing Code, Virginia Mechanical Code, Virginia & National Electric Code, and the local zoning code.

The division in addition to review of applicants and plans also performs various field inspections.  These include:

• performing onsite inspections to assure compliance with all new construction regulations

• inspecting existing commercial buildings when applications are made for business licenses and/or changes of use.

• performing annual inspections on all elevators and amusement rides to ensure public safety

• performing electrical inspections on structures that are vacated a minimum of thirty days

To assist the other divisions within the department:

• assist when called on for damage assessment

• respond to fire or other emergencies where the integrity of the building is in question

• provide technical assistance

• determine the occupant load and use of buildings

Finally staff assists the public by:

• verifying applicants for tradesman certification

• verifying state as well as city licenses

• provides technical assistance to private architects, engineer, contractors and homeowners.