Building Requirements
A building permit is the authorization to begin construction, alteration or demolition of any residential, commercial, or industrial structure as required by the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The City’s Department of Codes Compliance administers building permits, which are required for most construction activity. USBC Section 109.1 requires a permit to be issued by the building official when:
- Constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure.
- Changing the use of a building either within the same use group or to a different use group when the new use requires greater degrees of structural strength, fire protection, exit facilities or sanitary provisions.
- Installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by this code.
- Removing any asbestos containing material.
- When erecting a tent greater than 900 square feet in size and intended to be used by ten or more persons.
- When installing or extending any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems.
- When moving a lot line which affects an existing structure's continued compliance with the building regulation under which it was built.
Additionally, all buildings must obtain a “Certificate of Occupancy” following final inspections before they are occupied. Detailed information on the building permitting process can be obtained from the Codes Compliance Department in the City’s Municipal Building (757-220-6136).
In addition to permits for new construction, there are permits for renovation, demolition, plumbing, gas, mechanical, electrical, elevators, fire protection and asbestos removal. To ensure your business is codes compliant, the Office of Economic Development strongly recommends that your business contact the Codes Compliance Office. Inspection requests may be make online at: http://www.williamsburgva.gov/forms/ccinspectionrequest.aspx.