Department Information

Administration

The Office of the County Administrator is the highest level management office of the Clarke County government. The County Administrator directs and supervises the day-to-day operations of all county departments and agencies which are under the direct control of the Board of Supervisors, pursuant to county ordinances and regulations.

The Office of the County Administrator also provides administrative support to the Board and implements its directives with regard to Board agendas, meetings, resolutions and constituent services. Additionally, the County Administrator serves as the Board of Supervisors' official liaison to the Constitutional Officers, the Judiciary, and state and regional agencies.

David L. Ash County Administrator	(540)955-5100	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Lora Walburn Deputy Clerk to the Board / Executive Assistant	(540)955-5100	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Planning Department

Chuck Johnston, AICP Planning Director	(540)955-5130	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Jesse Russell Zoning Administrator	(540)955-5131	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Alison Teetor Natural Resources Planner	(540)955-5134	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Nancy Olin Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer	(540)955-5114	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Debbie Bean Administrative Assistant	(540)955-5132	This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

More Information Annual_Report_2009 Zoning & Subdivision Information includes Ordinances, Forms,    Maps, &  Applications Comprehensive Plan Environmental & Water Resource Information Town of Boyce Code of Virginia

Since its establishment by the Virginia General Assembly in 1836, Clarke County has valued its land and its people. One of the hallmarks of government in Clarke County is its effort to conserve the County’s agricultural character and natural environment.

In 1960, the first elements of the Zoning Ordinance were established. In 1980, the County implemented a unique form of zoning regulation for its rural areas by assigning a limited number of “Dwelling Unit Rights” to every parcel. In 1992, the County and the Town of Berryville, adopted site specific land use regulations to provide for additional residential, commercial, and light industrial uses in an annexation area that will double the area of the Town.

The twin objectives of these actions are to retain land for agricultural use and to concentrate homes, services, and jobs. Keeping land for agriculture is key to maintaining its important role in the local economy as well as preserving the natural character the County has enjoyed since its inception. Concentrating development activities allows for the most efficient use of public facilities and services including, roads, schools, and water and sewer service.

It is the responsibility of this Department to administer and coordinate the land use policies of the County as stated in its Comprehensive Plan and implemented in its Zoning and Subdivision Ordinance. In addition, the County has standards for wells and drain fields to further protect the environment. A key tool in the efforts of the Planning Department is the Geographic Information System whereby all of the physical attributes of the County are assembled to help understand the interrelationship of these attributes.

 

 

Parks and Recreation

More Information Fee Schedule Calendar of Events Programs & Activities The Core Newsletter Athletic Fields Fitness Trail Picnic Shelters Recreation Center Swimming Pool Tennis Courts Adopt A Spot Information Request Administration Staff Employment Opportunities Clarke County Youth Sports Organizations

The Clarke County Parks and Recreation Department offers a host of recreational activities and programs for all ages. A listing of programs and activities can be found in the Department's newsletter, "The Core". The newsletter is mailed three times a year to all Clarke County residents and to those requesting to be placed on the mailing list.

The Department also manages the 107 acre park that houses an outdoor swimming pool, lighted outdoor tennis courts, 6 ball fields, numerous soccer fields, a Recreation Center, 4 picnic shelters, a playground and a fitness trail.

The Clarke County Park is located West of Berryville, off of Route 7 (Business) at 225 Al Smith Circle in Berryville, Virginia 22611.

Current Core Newsletter

Building Permits

 

Gary Pope, Building Official
101 Chalmers Ct., Suite B
Berryville, VA 22611
Phone: (540) 955-5112
Fax: (540) 955-5170
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Holly DeHaven, Office Manager / Permit Technician
Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Hours of Operation - Monday - Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (Closed from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.)

 

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT YOU CONTACT OUR OFFICE AHEAD OF TIME FOR PERMITS AND OTHER INFORMATION. THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION.

The purpose of the Clarke County Building Department is to ensure the health, safety and welfare of the residents of the county in relationship to the construction, use and design of buildings and structures through the enforcement of statewide building codes during design and construction.

For all work requiring permits within Clarke County, including the Towns, the department ensures the proper review/approval of design and construction plans, inspections during the construction phase, and final approval of projects for occupancy or use.

The department is responsible for enforcing the 2006 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (effective May 1, 2008), and the following supplements to this, which include:

• 2006 International Building Code
• 2006 International Energy Conservation Code
• 2006 International Fuel Gas Code
• 2006 International Mechanical Code
• 2006 International Plumbing Code
• 2006 International Residential Code
• 2005 National Electrical Code

Applications and Forms

• Building Permit Application
• Electric Permit Application (Revised 2/4/2010)
  
• Gas Permit Application
• Mechanical Permit Application
• Plumbing Permit Application
• Self Contractor Form (ONLY USED FOR NEW DWELLINGS)
• Shrink Swell Soils Policy
• Soils Report Letter of Waiver
  
• Typical Residential Deck Detail (FOR ONE STORY ATTACHED DECK W/O ROOF)
• Permit Fee Schedule
  

Instructions for Obtaining a Building Permit for a New Dwelling

Please submit the following:

Health Department:

• A valid "Sewage Disposal Construction Permit" and a "Well Completion Form (GW2)" which has been initialed by the Clarke County Health Department Sanitarian.

Zoning Department:

• A recorded plat, with the proposed dwelling drawn in, the distances from all property lines, well and drainfield, and also the height of the proposed dwelling with the Zoning Administrator's original signature. The driveway must be shown in order to obtain a 911 address.

Land Disturbance:

• A copy of your land disturbance permit. (This is obtained through the Zoning Department.)

Building Department:

• A completed building permit application. (NOTE: Electrical, mechanical and plumbing permits are included with a new dwelling permit.)

• Two (2) complete sets of structural (roof, floors, foundation, etc.) building plans. Please label all rooms.

• Soils Report or Option #2, if applicable.

• Self-Contractor Form, if applying for permit as your own general contractor.

• All general contractors shall submit a copy of their Class A Virginia Contractor's License and the appropriate County or Town Business License.

• All electrical, mechanical and plumbing sub-contractors shall submit copies of their Virginia Contractor's License and their Individual Tradesman License along with a letter stating they are the sub-contractor on the job for the general contractor.

Instructions for Obtaining a Building Permit for a Residential Addition, Deck or Porch, Garage, Shed, Swimming Pool, etc.

Please submit the following:

Zoning Department:

• A recorded plat, with the proposed structure and any existing structures drawn in, the distances from all property lines, well and drainfield, and also the height of the proposed structure with the Zoning Administrator's original signature.

Land Disturbance:

• A copy of your land disturbance permit, if applicable.

Building Department:

• A completed building permit application.

• Two (2) complete sets of structural (roof, floors, foundation, etc.) building plans. Please label all rooms.

• A recorded copy of your "Notice of Onsite Sewage Disposal Limitations" or "Notice of No Sewer Permit Availability".

• A walkover by the Health Department may be necessary prior to building permit approval. This is to be determined by the Zoning Administrator or Building Official.

• Soils Report Letter of Waiver, if applicable.

• All general contractors shall submit a copy of their Class A, B or C Virginia Contractor's License and the appropriate County or Town Business License.

Instructions for Obtaining a Building Permit for Residential Remodeling

Please note a remodeling permit is required to:

1. Remove or add walls.
2. Remove drywall or plaster and replace with new insulation and drywall.
3. Finish a basement or any unfinished area into living space.
4. Finish attached porches, attached or detached garages, etc. into living space. (Zoning approval shall be required prior to applying for building permit.)
5. Replacement of floor joists or roof trusses.
6. Repair of foundations.

The above list is not all inclusive. Please contact the building department for further information.

Please submit the following:

Building Department:

• A completed building permit application.

• Two (2) complete sets of structural (roof, floors, foundation, etc.) building plans. Please label all rooms.

• A recorded copy of your "Notice of Onsite Sewage Disposal Limitations" or "Notice of No Sewer Permit Availability".

• A walkover by the Health Department may be necessary prior to building permit approval. This is to be determined by the Zoning Administrator or Building Official.

• All general contractors shall submit a copy of their Class A, B or C Virginia Contractor's License and the appropriate County or Town Business License.

• Please note if you reside in the Town of Berryville and are finishing off your basement, you must obtain a zoning permit prior to applying for the building permit. Please contact Christy Dunkle, Town Planner, at (540) 955-4081 to obtain the zoning permit.

Instructions for Obtaining a Building Permit for a New Commercial Structure

Please submit the following:

Health Department (If you are building in the county):

• A valid "Sewage Disposal Construction Permit" and a "Well Completion Form (GW2)" which has been initialed by the Clarke County Health Department Sanitarian.

Zoning Department:

• A signed site plan, with the proposed structure and any existing structures drawn in, the distances from all property lines, well and drainfield, and the height of the proposed structure.

Land Disturbance:

• A copy of your land disturbance permit. (This is obtained through the Zoning Department.)

Building Department:

• A completed building permit application.

• Two (2) complete sets of structural (roof, floors, foundation, etc.) building plans. Please label all rooms.

• Soils Report

• All general contractors shall submit a copy of their Class A Virginia Contractor's License and the appropriate County or Town Business License.

• All sub-contractors, i.e. electric , gas, mechanical, and plumbing, shall submit two (2) complete sets of plans for approval.

Instructions for Obtaining a Building Permit for a Commercial Addition or Remodeling

Please submit the following:

Zoning Department:

• A signed site plan, with the proposed structure and any existing structures drawn in, the distances from all property lines, well and drainfield, and the height of the proposed structure.

Land Disturbance:

• A copy of your land disturbance permit. n(This is obtained through the Zoning Department.)

Building Department:

• A completed building permit application.

• Two (2) complete sets of structural (roof, floors, foundation, etc.) building plans. Please label all rooms.

• A recorded copy of your "Notice of Onsite Sewage Disposal Limitations" or "Notice of No Sewer Permit Availabliity".

• A walkover by the Health Department may be necessary prior to building permit approval. This is to be determined by the Zoning Administrator or Building Official.

• All general contractors shall submit a copy of their Virginia Contractor's License and the appropriate County ot Town Business License.

• All electrical, mechanical and plumbing sub-contractors shall submit copies of their Virginia Contractor's License and their Individual Tradesman License along with a letter stating they are the sub-contractor on the job for the general contractor.

Scheduling Inspections

Call (540) 955-5112. If no one is available, you may leave the inspection request on voice mail. Please provide the following information:

• Permit number
  
• Property owner’s name
  
• Job site address
  
• Type of inspection
  
• Daytime phone #

NOTE: A 24-HOUR NOTICE IS REQUIRED FOR INSPECTION REQUESTS.

 

Monthly Building Permit Reports

• Building Permits for Month Ending January 31, 2010
• Building Permits for Month Ending February 28, 2010
• Building Permits for Month Ending March 31, 2010
• Building Permits for Month Ending April 30, 2010
• Building Permits for Month Ending May 31, 2010
• Building Permits for Month Ending June 30, 2010
  

The downloadable documents are presented in Adobe Acrobat Format (pdf). If you do not have the Adobe Acrobat Reader please click on the link to obtain a free one.