Fees:
Fees for permits are based on the estimated cost of construction or work
being performed. Fees are to be
paid at the time the permit application is filed.
Checks should be made payable to Alleghany County Treasurer.Effective September 1, 2007, building and zoning permits will not be issued the same day. Applicants should allow two working days for their permit to be processed and approved. Click here for new building permit procedures.
Building inspections and the
issuance of permits for Alleghany County and the Town
of Iron Gate is the responsibility of the Alleghany County Building Inspections
Department.
Questions regarding building
permits, regulations or inspections can be directed to the Building Department
at (540) 863-6650, 9212 Winterberry Avenue, Suite A, Covington, VA 24426, or by
e-mail at clittle@co.alleghany.va.us.
Permits: All permits are issued in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. All permits will be checked for compliance with zoning regulations, erosion and sedimentation, and local health department regulations. A completed application with the appropriate attachments, are to be submitted to the Building Department. Allow two working days for the application to be reviewed. Work or construction for which the permit is issued cannot begin until the Building Official has reviewed and approved the permit.
Procedures for Issuance of a Building Permit
Requesting a Building Permit – When a
Permit is Required
Building and Zoning Permit Application Form
Fees:
Fees for permits are based on the estimated cost of construction or work
being performed. Fees are to be
paid at the time the permit application is filed.
Checks should be made payable to Alleghany County Treasurer.
Inspections: Inspections are scheduled Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule an inspection contact the Public Works Department at (540) 863-6650. Inspection requests should be made at least 24 hours in advance of date inspection is needed. Typically, no "same day" inspections will be performed. After the inspection request is made, it could be at least as two working days before the Building Inspector makes the inspection. Inspections are conducted in accordance with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code.
Current Effective Codes:
The current code in effect in Alleghany County is the Virginia Uniform
Statewide Building Code, Volume I. Information
can be viewed by going to www.vbcoa.org and
click “codes”.
Erosion and Sedimentation Control: The Building Inspections Department and the County Engineer are responsible for the administration of Alleghany County’s Erosion and Sedimentation Control program. E&S regulations can be found in Chapter 30-Erosion Control of the Code of the County of Alleghany, Virginia. There are two types of land disturbance permits - (1) a regular "Land Disturbance Permit" may be required for an industrial, commercial, large residential or other large project while (2) an "Agreement in Lieu of an Erosion and Sediment Control Plan for a Single Family Residence in a Subdivision" may be required for a single family dwelling or other small project. Questions regarding erosion control should be directed to the E&S Administrator in the Public Works Department at (540) 863-6650, at 9212 Winterberry Avenue, Suite A, Covington, VA 24426, or email clittle@co.alleghany.va.us.
Local Criteria: The established local criteria referenced in the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code include the following:
Frost Depth – 18 inches
Wind Speed Design Load - 90 mph
Snow Design Load - 30 pounds psf
Contractor’s License: Contractors must be licensed by the State of Virginia as either a Class A, B, or C Contractor and have a local business license to be listed as a “contractor” on a permit. A copy of the contractor’s current state license must be provided to the Building Department. Homeowners can be listed as their own contractor on a building permit and they do not need to have a contractor’s license. However, if a property owner has made arrangements with a contractor to perform work, it is strongly suggested that the contractor be the applicant and the party securing the permit. This will indicate their responsibility for the work. Section 54.1-1111 of the Code of Virginia prohibits the issuance of a permit unless satisfactory proof is given that the applicant is not subject to licensures. The applicant securing the permit and signing the application will be the responsible party for compliance with building codes and requesting the necessary inspections.
Questions on obtaining a State
Contractor License should be directed to the Department of Professional and
Occupational Regulations in Richmond at 1-804-367-8504, 3600 W Broad Street,
Richmond, VA 23230-4917 or at www.state.va.us/dpor.
Questions regarding obtaining a local business license can be directed to
the Alleghany County Commissioner of the Revenue’s Office at 540-863-6640.
Mechanics' Lien: Both the Code of Virginia and the Uniform Statewide Building Code allows for the applicant to designate a mechanics' lien holder on a permit. This allows any person entitled to claim a lien to notify the mechanics' lien agent that they seek payment for labor performed or materials furnished.
Complaints: To issue a complaint regarding the condition of a building, a complaint form needs to be filed with the building department.
Links:
International Code Council (www.iccsafe.org)
VA.
Department of Housing and Community Development (www.dhcd.state.va.us/dbfr)
VA. Department of Professional and Occupational Regulations (www.state.va.us/dpor)
VA.
Fair Housing Office (www.fairhousing.vipnet.org)
National
Fire Protection Association (www.vfpa.org)
ALLEGHANY COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
PROVIDER AND EMPLOYER