Herndon, VA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

The Town of Herndon adopts the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (13 VAC 5-63) as required by Virginia Code §36-98, which preempts any locally unique building standards. All construction, alteration, repair, addition, demolition, or change of use of a building or structure requires a permit issued by the Town Building Official, except for minor repairs and work specifically exempted under USBC §108.2 such as one-story detached accessory structures under 256 square feet with no plumbing or electrical service. Residential permit applications require two sets of plans showing floor layout, structural details, energy compliance (IECC 2021), and site plan indicating setbacks from property lines. Plans for structures over certain thresholds must be sealed by a Virginia-licensed architect or engineer. Required inspections include footing prior to pour, foundation wall, under-slab plumbing, framing with rough mechanical/electrical/plumbing, insulation, and final. The Certificate of Occupancy cannot be issued until all inspections pass and any zoning conditions are satisfied. Permit fees are based on estimated construction value per the Town fee schedule, with a minimum fee of approximately 75 dollars for small jobs. Work commenced without a permit is subject to double fees under USBC §109.4 and stop-work orders. Permits expire after 6 months of inactivity but may be renewed. Contractors must hold a valid Virginia Class A, B, or C contractor license from the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation (DPOR) appropriate to the job value.