Frederick County, VA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Issuing office
- Department of Building Inspections
- Issuing official
- Chief Building Official
- Governing code
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, § 52-3
- Permit condition
- All permit fees paid first
- Tax condition
- Delinquent real estate taxes cleared, § 52-5
- Section amended
- 9-12-2018
Summary
Frederick County requires a building permit before construction work covered by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code begins in the unincorporated county. The Department of Building Inspections, headed by the Chief Building Official, issues permits only after fees are paid and delinquent property taxes are cleared.
A. The Department of Building Inspections is hereby established and shall be staffed by an executive official in charge known as the "Chief Building Official" and such assistants and inspectors as may be authorized by the Board of Supervisors. It shall be the duty of the Chief Building Official to administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter. ... Unless otherwise excepted, no permit to begin work for construction as defined by § 36-97 of the Code of Virginia or required by the several provisions of the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code shall be issued until all permit fees have been paid. ... All permits issued under this chapter shall be issued by the Chief Building Official or his authorized agent, on forms approved and provided by the Department of Building Inspections.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 52 sets up the county's building permit system. Section 52-1 creates the Department of Building Inspections, headed by the Chief Building Official, who administers and enforces the chapter with assistants and inspectors authorized by the Board of Supervisors. Section 52-3 puts the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code in charge of 'all matters concerning the construction of all buildings and structures and the procedures for the administration and enforcement of such standards' in Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown. 1 of the Virginia Construction Code. Every permit is issued by the Chief Building Official or an authorized agent, on forms the Department approves and provides.
Violations & Fines
Section 52-9 makes it unlawful to violate any provision of Chapter 52, including building without a required permit. The Chief Building Official serves a notice of violation directing the person to stop, and if that notice isn't complied with, the Official asks the Board of Supervisors' legal counsel to institute legal proceedings to restrain, correct or abate the violation. Any such violation may be deemed a misdemeanor and punished under § 36-106 of the Code of Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who issues building permits in Frederick County?
Can Frederick County refuse to issue a building permit over unpaid taxes?
What code applies to construction standards for a Frederick County building permit?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick County
Compare Frederick County to another location·View the Virginia building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.