Whenever you construct, reconstruct, enlarge, alter, or demolish a structure, a permit is required prior to starting the work. If you are unsure if your project requires a permit, please contact the Building Division at (540) 658-8650.
Alteration of any required means of egress
Building a new house
Building an addition onto an existing house or attached garage
Converting an existing deck or screened porch into a sunroom
Building an attached or detached garage or carport
Converting a garage to a habitable space or enclosing a carport
Building a porch, screened porch, deck, associated steps, ramp, pergola, portico, or gazebo
Building or installing a tool shed over 256 square feet in area- Please note that a zoning permit is required for all sheds.
Finishing off an unfinished attic, basement, or room over the garage
Installing a flag pole over 30’ in height, please note that a Zoning permit is required for all flag poles
Moving or removing a load bearing wall or partition
Retaining wall which support 3 or more feet of unbalanced fill
Bulkheads, piers, and docks
Repairing, altering, enlarging or modifying any structural element of the house, including any damaged structural element, such as load bearing stud walls, columns, piers, footings, foundations, floor joists, rafters, beams or girders
Replacing/adding fuel fired equipment
Enlarging or adding a door opening or window opening
Changing the use of the structure (example: change from residential use to business use)
Installing a pool, hot tub or spa greater than 150 square feet, 5000 gallons, OR 24" deep
Re-roofing commercial buildings
New electrical wiring or circuits
Movement of lot line that increases hazard or safety of existing structure
Removal or disturbance of any material containing asbestos for demolition or alteration of a building
Demolition of an existing structure The building code allows some work to be done without obtaining a permit. While a permit is not required, the work must be in compliance with the code.
Making ordinary repairs and improvements, including, but not limited to:
Painting the inside or outside of the house or detached structures
Repairing drywall, plaster, exterior siding, etc.
Installing new floor coverings, such as vinyl, carpet, or hardwood
Installing or refurbishing cabinetry
Repairing or replacing porch or deck flooring boards Please note a permit is required to repair or replace the joists or girders.
Repairing or replacing handrails on a porch
Installing or replacing doors and windows, including storm windows, where no structural changes are performed
Installing or replacing exterior siding
Residential re-roofing: Old shingle roof can be left in place provided that there are not more than two previous layers of shingles and that the existing shingles are not water saturated.
Installing or replacing gutters and downspouts
Repairing or replacing siding
Installing driveways or sidewalks
Constructing or installing a storage shed, playhouse, etc, 256 square feet or less in area Zoning permit required.
Adding a fence (which is not part of a swimming pool enclosure) and which is 6’ or less in height Refer to subdivision covenants (if applicable)
Building recreational equipment, such as swings, skateboard ramps, jungle gyms, etc.
Adding roof insulation
Installing any wiring or equipment which operates at less than 50 volts
Installing a security alarm system
Replacing existing electrical water heater with a new electric water heater
Replacing electrical fixtures, such as switches and receptacles •Installing or replacing a ceiling fan to a pre-wired switch
Replacing plumbing fixtures, such as sinks
Replacing or repairing existing mechanical appliances (of equal size and type) This exception is not applicable to gas and oil-fired appliances.
Temporary ADA ramps with less than 30” rise for residential properties