FAQs
If paying online, please call for the correct amount prior to submitting payment. All payments can be made at Online Building Payment System.
Commonly Asked Questions
If the Shed is less than 256 square feet and is used for housing a lawn mower, yard tools, etc. then a permit is NOT needed. All zoning setbacks must be met for all sheds and carports.
This answer is determined by a number of factors. One of the most important factors is if the current septic system for the house in question can handle the number of bedrooms after the addition is finished. Each septic system is designed for a certain number of bedrooms. If the number of bedrooms exceed the system specifications, then it will increase the possibility of it malfunctioning. Another factor is If a bedroom is added in the basement while turning an existing upstairs bedroom into a craft room, office, etc. then then number of bedrooms have not changed. All bedrooms in the house must have an emergency egress opening. This can be a door or window that directly leads outside. For more information, please call the Building Department.
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code requires a permit for any pool that is larger than 150 square feet in surface area, holds over 5,00 gallons of water, or is 24 inches or more in depth. The code makes no distinction between in-ground, above- ground, or inflatable pools, hot tubes, or spas.
Generally, the answer is yes. Please call for more information
The following applies for a new dwelling permit. There are other factors that need to be considered prior to a final.
- 911 Address obtained from zoning. Located within the Administrator's Office.
- Two sets of plans must be submitted. We do not require them to be drawn by an architect.
- All contractors must be licensed with the State.
- Must obtain A septic tank approval from the Health Department.
Footing Depth is 18" minimum to good soil. Call or email Building Dept. for information regarding your project.
Yes, if you are the property owner, lessee, or a contractor. There may be paperwork you will have to fill out to move forward.
Permits are required to have some level of activity within 6 months of issuance or from the date of the last inspection. We understand that situation occur that could prevent completion of a project. If you received a letter or a phone call from us that states your 6month window has expired, please contact us so we can assist you.
Phone: 804-561-3039, or Email: permit.tech@ameliacova.com
Email: permit.tech@ameliacova.com or by mail: P.O. Box A ( if by Fedex or UPS use "Suite 101" instead of P.O. Box A), 16360 Dunn St, Amelia Court House, VA 23002
A few factors can influence this timeline. Overall, the typical timeline is 7 working days. Once all items have been submitted, it will be reviewed by the Planning/Zoning, Environmental, and then the Inspector. We try to have a permit completely approved in a timely manner. However, should issues arise, it will be dependent upon swift response of the applicant to address any concerns.
Fees are due at time of submission.
Cash, Check, Credit card. (All credit cards are charged a convenience fee). Payments can be made online, but prior to making a payment please call for an accurate total.
- Yes. Within six (6) Months of the application date or within twelve (12) months of the permit issue date.
- Written request is required through printed, handwritten, or emailed.
- Refund is calculated: subtotal minus 2% State Levy, minus 5% (or $50 minimum), admin fee= adjusted permit cost. Refund is then adjusted farther if any inspections have been performed already.
- Refund approval timeline is approximately 7 business days for each part of process. (1. Written noticed received, 2) refund approved, 3) refund calculated, 4) Approval submitted to treasurer, 5) Treasurer will issue a refund)
Treasurer will issue a check for pick up or to be mailed.
Private Solar for Residential and Business
The Trades Permit is used for this type of solar permit.
Since Solar installations require that the contactor have an ELE as well as an AES classification on their DPOR License. If the is not the case, then each of the required parts of the permit must be pulled by the entity/individual licensed for that part. The exception would be when the landowner is applying themselves. In that situation they will also be required to sign the Contractor Affidavit which will need to be notarized.
*Each of these parts of the Trade Applicaiton (Electrical and Solar) are to be filled out and charged as separate trade fees. Please verify fees prior to submitting the application, 2 sets of plans, plat (ground mount system). If submitting via email payment is to ne made prior to submittal and confirmation of payment is to be included WITH application submittal. The value of the work is to be divided (as you see fit) between the 2 different trades on the application.
Since Solar installations require that the contactor have an ELE as well as an AES classification on their DPOR License. If the is not the case, then each of the required parts of the permit must be pulled by the entity/individual licensed for that part. The exception would be when the landowner is applying themselves. In that situation they will also be required to sign the Contractor Affidavit which will need to be notarized.
*Each of these parts of the Trade Applicaiton (Electrical and Solar) are to be filled out and charged as separate trade fees. Please verify fees prior to submitting the application, 2 sets of plans, plat (ground mount system). If submitting via email payment is to ne made prior to submittal and confirmation of payment is to be included WITH application submittal. The value of the work is to be divided (as you see fit) between the 2 different trades on the application.
Trade application with Electric and Solar portions completed, including value of each. Stamped structural AND electrical plans with a Virginia Licensed Engineers seal, and confirmation of payment.
Applicants need to check with their utility company and HOA prior to application to determine any requirements pertaining to the project.
Yes. A Virginia Licensed Engineered set of plans/letter is required as part of the plan submission.
A few factors can influence this timeline. Overall, the typical timeline is 7 working days. Once all items have been submitted, it will be reviewed by the Planning/Zoning, Environmental, and then the Inspector. We try to have a permit completely approved in a timely manner. However, should issues arise, it will be dependent upon swift response of the applicant to address any concerns.
Battery and storage information must be included with plans.
ANY design changes require permit revision and will go through the same process.
No additional forms, but a new copy of any changed plans. Applicant can submit corrected copy of original application in most cases. You will be notified if a new application needs to be submitted for any reason.
Yes. All Systems must meet zoning requirements of the property.
Ground mount systems require a copy of the plat showing location of the panels with setback distances marked.
Large Scale Utility Solar/Solar Farms
In Progress......Stay tune for upcoming information.