Show All Answers

1. When is a building permit required?

Uniform Statewide Building Code

Building permits are required for most construction activities. Uniform Statewide Building Code Section 108 requires a permit to be issued by the building official when:

1. Constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure.
2. 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.
3. Installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by this code.
4. Removing any asbestos-containing material.
5. When erecting a tent greater than 900 square feet in size and intended to be used by ten or more persons.
6. When installing or extending any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems.
7. When moving a lot line which affects an existing structure’s continued compliance with the building regulation under which it was built.

Ordinary Repairs & Exceptions

Ordinary repairs and exceptions are:

1. Installation of wiring and equipment which operates at less than 50 volts, except when the installation is located in a noncombustible plenum or penetrates a fire-resistance-rated assembly.
2. One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 256 square feet (23.78 meters squared) of building area, except when accessory to Use Group F or H structures. The Williamsburg Architectural Review Board may require approval.
3. Tents and air-supported structures that cover an area of 900 square feet (84 meters squared ) or less, including all connecting areas or spaces with a common means of egress or entrance and with an occupant load of 50 or less persons.
4. Work which the code official has authorized pending receipt of an application.
5. Ordinary repairs which include, but are not to be limited to, the following:
   1. Replacement of mechanical or plumbing equipment and appliances, except those fueled by gas or oil, within the dwelling unit in occupancies of Use Group R-2, which are four stories or less in height and in occupancies of Use Groups R-3 and R-4.
   2. Replacement of roof coverings or siding in Groups R-3, R-4, or R-5 structures, provided the structure is not in an area where the design wind speed is greater than 100 miles per hour and replacement of 100 square feet or less of roof covering in all groups and all wind zones.
   3. Installation of cabinets in all occupancies.
   4. Installation or replacement of floor finishes in all occupancies.
   5. Painting any portion of a structure, repair of plaster, interior tile, and other wall coverings in all occupancies.
   6. Replacement of windows and doors and electrical switches, outlets, light fixtures, and ceiling fans within the dwelling unit in occupancies of Use Group R-2, which are four stories or less in height and in occupancies of Use Groups R-3 and R-4.
6. Ordinary repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition, or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or load-bearing support, or the removal or change of any required means of egress, or rearrangement of parts of a structure affecting the egress requirements; nor shall ordinary repairs include the addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any standpipe, water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas or oil, soil, waste, vent or similar piping, electric wiring or mechanical or other work affecting public health or general safety.

When a permit is required, it must be obtained before work begins. Only in emergency situations will work be allowed to start before obtaining a permit. These situations would include needs for emergency heat, hot water, or replacement safety glass. Permits, notifications, and inspections must be obtained the next working day.

You do not need a permit for ordinary repairs and specific exceptions to the code.

2. Who reviews building plans?

Once a plan is submitted, the zoning administrator must review and approve the plan before the building official reviews the plan.  Once the building official approves the plan, a permit is issued if other requirements are met.  In addition to the building division review, many projects require review by Planning, Public Works an Utilities and the Fire Department.  Plan reviews ensure project can be built within code requirements which cut down on field inspection delays costing time and money.

Planning Division

The Planning Division will review all building permits for new work, additions, change of use, and remodeling. This department will check for compliance with the city zoning ordinance, review erosion and sedimentation control plans, ensure compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, Architectural Review Board, and review other state and local land-use laws.  Contact Planning at 757-220-6130.

Public Works & Utilities

The Public Works and Utilities Department reviews storm drainage, street, road, and utility construction. They also assist the Planning Department in evaluating environmental and traffic impacts. This department is responsible for inspections of utilities placed in any city right of way.  Contact Public Works at (757) 220-6140.

Fire Department

The Fire Department reviews plans with the building official for fire alarms, commercial kitchen range hoods, and sprinkler systems. The Fire Department does not issue building permits. Plans should be submitted to the Codes Compliance, who will forward them to the Fire Department for review.  Contact the Fire Department at 757-220- 6220 or 757-220-6226.

Architectural Review Board / Planning Commission

In certain areas of the city, approvals may be required from the Architectural Review Board. Certain projects may require approval by the Planning Commission and City Council before the building permit process begins. For information on required Planning Commission or the Architectural Review Board requirements, contact the Planning Department at 757-220-6130.

3. What else should I know about permit reviews?

Scope of Projects

The larger the project and the greater the impact, the more reviews, and approvals are required.  Planning ahead for large projects is best and saves time.   Approvals by departments and boards, and an approved site plan, if applicable, are required before issuance of building permits.

Building Official Review

As part of the non-residential site and building review, the building official will check for compliance with the applicable provisions, as adopted in the Uniform Statewide Building Code and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Portions of ADA were adopted into the building code in 1992. The standard  was adopted to ensure accessibility to persons with physical disabilities to any building.

This code has retrofit provisions in existing facilities and requires documentation at the time of permit application. A copy of renovation/addition compliance worksheet is available in the Codes Compliance Office.

Demolition / Renovation

When demolishing or renovating a non-residential building, there are requirements to document proper asbestos inspection and removal. Ask the Codes Compliance Division for a copy of the law to see if it applies to you.

Utility Connection Fees

Local and Hampton Roads utility connection fees must be paid before obtaining permits. Standard fees may be obtained and are paid through the Codes Compliance Division.

4. What is a building permit?

As a part of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (or USBC), criteria were established for building permits. In addition to permits for new construction, there are permits for:

• Asbestos Removal
• Demolition
• Electrical
• Fire Protection
• Gas
• Mechanical
• Plumbing
• Renovation

Code Section 109 deals with permit applications and building permits. USBC Section 110.7 states, "The approved permit shall be a license to proceed with the work in accordance with the USBC, the application for permit and any approved amendments thereto. The approved permit shall not be construed as authority to omit or amend any of the provisions of the USBC, except when modification is granted in accordance with this chapter.

5. How do I get directions to the City buildings and parks?

Check out the facilities page.

6. How do I contact the City after hours?

Contact 911 for Police and Fire emergencies.

Contact 757-220-2331 for Water and Sewer emergencies and for Police non-emergencies. For other non-emergency information and requests, use our staff directory to email or leave a phone message to the appropriate person or department. A drop box for payments is available at the main entrance to the Municipal Building to the left of the door. The Municipal Building is located at:
401 Lafayette Street
Williamsburg, VA, 23185-3617

7. What are the City's business hours?

The City’s business hours are 8 am to 4:30 pm. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays. City offices will be closed for the following holidays:

• New Year’s Day (January 1)
• Lee/Jackson/King Day (third Monday in January)
• President’s Day (third Monday in February)
• Memorial Day (last Monday in May)
• Independence Day (July 4)
• Labor Day (first Monday in September)
• Veterans’ Day (November 11)
• Thanksgiving (fourth Thursday in November)
• Day after Thanksgiving
• Christmas Eve (December 24)
• Christmas (December 25)

8. How do I determine if I am a City of Williamsburg resident?

The Williamsburg mailing address contains 3 localities:

1. Williamsburg City Limits
2. James City County
3. York County

Check the Property Information System to determine if you reside in the City. If there are questions regarding the crossings of James City County, York County, and the City of Williamsburg, please contact one of our departments and we will assist you in determining your locality.

9. How do I find information regarding vacations and area attractions?

"Visit Williamsburg" is a comprehensive website with information on area:

• Attractions
• Bed and Breakfasts
• Golf
• Hotels
• Restaurants
• Shopping
• Tickets
• Vacation Packages