WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WHEN I APPLY FOR PERMIT?
WHO REVIEWS PLANS?
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 renovation, demolition, plumbing, gas, mechanical, electrical, fire protection and asbestos removal. 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.
WHEN IS A PERMIT REQUIRED?
Building permits are required for most construction activity. USBC Section 109.1 requires a permit to be issued by the building official when:
- Constructing, enlarging, altering, repairing, or demolishing a building or structure.
- 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.
- Installing or altering any equipment which is regulated by this code.
- Removing any asbestos containing material.
- When erecting a tent greater than 900 square feet in size and intended to be used by ten or more persons.
- When installing or extending any plumbing, electrical, or mechanical systems.
- When moving a lot line which affects an existing structure's continued compliance with the building regulation under which it was built.
Ordinary repairs and Exceptions are:
- 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.
- Detached accessory structures not exceeding 150 square feet (14 m2)of building area, except when accessory to Use Group F or H structures.
- Tents and air-supported structures that cover an area of 900 square feet (84 m2) 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.
- Work which the code official has authorized pending receipt of an application.
- Ordinary repairs which include, but are not to be limited to, the following:
- 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.
- Replacement of roof coverings and installation or replacement of siding on Use Group R-4 structures, where such structures are located in localities where the basic wind speed is 80 miles per hour (128 km/hr) or less, determined in accordance with Figure 301.2d, Basic Wind Speed Map in the 1995 CABO One- & Two-Family Dwelling Code.
- Installation of cabinets in all occupancies.
- Replacement of floor coverings and porch flooring 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.
- Painting any portion of a structure, repair of plaster, interior tile and other wall coverings in all occupancies.
- 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.
- Ordinary repairs shall not include the cutting away of any wall, partition or portion thereof, the removal or cutting of any structural beam or loadbearing 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 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.
- Construct detached utility sheds at if under 8 feet 6 inches and less than 150 square feet in size. Approval by the Williamsburg Planning Department and Architectural Review Board may be required.
WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WHEN I APPLY FOR PERMIT?
When applying for permit, you will need some basic information that will be covered in the next section. In addition to the general information, you will need to bring two complete sets of plans (USBC 109.5) and one copy of approved site plan if applicable. The need for plans may be waived if the work is of a minor nature. In some cases, plans will be required to be prepared and sealed by a Virginia licensed engineer or architect. Buildings intended to be used for assembly (A), education (E), high hazard (H), institutions (I), and hotel/motel (R-1) require a licensed professional seal regardless of size or height. Uses such as business (B) and mercantile (M) require a seal if greater than 5000 square feet in size and/or over 3 stories in height.
Other use groups may also have seal requirements, so it is best to check with the building official for the requirements when planning a project. A sealed set of plans is also required when structural steel, steel beams, specialized concrete/masonry, or other unusual elements are used, regardless of the building use. These plans would only be needed, in most cases, for the structural element, and not for the entire plans. When plans do not require a seal, the name, address, and occupation of the preparer must be on the plans.
WHO REVIEWS PLANS?
All plans, once application is made, are reviewed by the building official after the zoning administrator has reviewed and approved the plans, and before the permit is issued. In addition to the Building Inspections Division, many projects will require review by the Planning, Public Works and Utilities, and Fire Departments. Plan reviews insure that the project can be built within the code requirements. This cuts down on field inspection delays that cost you time and money.
PLANNING DEPARTMENT
The Planning Department 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, insure compliance with the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, Architectural Review Board, and review other state and local land use laws. Planning can be reached at (757)220-6130.
PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
The Public Works and Utilities Department reviews storm drainage, street, road, and utilities 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. They can be reached 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 Office and they will be forwarded to the Fire Department for review. The Fire Department can be reached at (757) 220- 6220 or 220-6226.
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD / PLANNING COMMISSION
In certain areas of the city, approvals may be needed from the Architectural Review Board if the work can be seen from the exterior. Certain projects 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 220-6130.
In many cases, the above reviews are not required or may be completed in a short time. The larger the project and the greater the impact, the more reviews and approvals are required. As you can see, it is best on large projects to plan ahead. Approvals by the departments and boards, and an approved site plan, if applicable, are required before issuance of building permits.
As part of non-residential site and building review, the building official will check for compliance of the applicable provisions, as adopted in the USBC, of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Portions of this document were adopted into the building code in 1992. This standard is to insure 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.
When demolishing or renovating a non-residential building, there are requirements to document proper asbestos inspection and removal. Ask the Codes Compliance Office for a copy of the law to see if it applies to you.
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 Office.