Montgomery County, VA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)

Sec 8-18 adopts the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (VUSBC), as amended, by reference for construction, alteration, removal, demolition, equipment, use and occupancy, location and maintenance of buildings and structures, 'including permits and penalties,' with copies filed for public inspection at the clerk of the circuit court, the building official and the county administrator. The section makes the code 'controlling in the construction of all buildings and structures' in the county, except where the county's own chapter deletes, modifies or amends a portion of it.

Sec 8-20 gives the Board of Supervisors authority to set and amend, by ordinance or resolution, a schedule of permit fees, and bars issuance or amendment of a permit until the applicable fee is paid to the county treasurer, unless an interlocal agreement under Sec 8-19 routes the fee to another government or agency instead. Violating the building chapter, which includes failing to obtain a required permit, is punished under Sec 8-17 by a fine of up to $2,500 for a first offense, rising with repeat offenses to as much as ten days in jail and a $2,500 to $5,000 fine for a third or later offense on the same property within ten years.