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Building Permits Print E-mail

Gary Pope, Building Official
18 N. Church St.
Berryville, VA 22611
Phone:   (540) 955-5112
Fax:       (540) 955-0637
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Holly DeHaven, Office Manager / Permit Technician
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Cathy White, Office Assistant
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Hours of Operation - Monday - Friday - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.


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

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.
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.
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.
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, press 1 or 3. 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.




Forms & Other Information


    1. Building Permit Application
    2. Electric Permit Application
    3. Gas Permit Application
    4. Mechanical Permit Application
    5. Plumbing Permit Application
    6. Self Contractor Form (only required for New Dwellings)
    7. Shrink Swell Soils Policy
    8. Soils Report Waiver
    9. Deck Construction Guide
  10. Final Inspection Checklist



The downloadable documents are presented in  Adobe Acrobat Format (pdf).

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