Frederick County, VA Building Safety: Electrical Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Fee category
- Electrical, § 52-6.A(4)
- Utility hold
- Service refused until compliance confirmed, § 52-7
- Who confirms compliance
- Board of Supervisors or its agent
- Governing code
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, § 52-3
- Fee payment
- Paid to County Treasurer, § 52-6.B
Summary
Electrical work in Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown needs a permit under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, and utilities may not energize a structure until the county confirms every electrical code and ordinance requirement has been met.
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, a copy of which is and shall remain on file in the Department of Building and Inspections, shall control all matters concerning the construction of all buildings and structures and the procedures for the administration and enforcement of such standards. ... (4) Electrical. ... Any company, firm or corporation furnishing electrical service to structures located in the County shall refuse such electrical service until notified by the Board of Supervisors or an agent thereof that all regulatory codes and ordinances pertaining to the structure have been fully complied with. Upon written notice, an electrical service may be installed to the structure.
Full Breakdown
A lists 'Electrical' as its own numbered permit fee category, item (4), separate from building, mechanical and plumbing fees; the Director of Public Services and the Chief Building Official set those fee amounts with Board of Supervisors authorization, and the schedule is kept on file in the Department of Building Inspections. Frederick County backs the permit requirement with a direct hold on utility service: § 52-7, 'Electrical service installations,' requires any company, firm or corporation furnishing electrical service to structures in the County to refuse that service until notified by the Board of Supervisors or an agent that all regulatory codes and ordinances pertaining to the structure have been fully complied with. Only after that written notice may the utility energize the structure. B, and the Treasurer deposits the funds into the County general fund.
Violations & Fines
Section 52-9 makes it unlawful to violate any Chapter 52 provision, including performing electrical work without the required permit or before a utility has cleared connection under § 52-7. The Chief Building Official issues a notice of violation ordering the work stopped; if the notice isn't complied with, the Board of Supervisors' legal counsel may bring a legal proceeding to restrain, correct or abate the violation, and the misdemeanor penalty under § 36-106 of the Code of Virginia applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frederick County require an electrical permit?
Can a utility connect power before a Frederick County electrical inspection?
What happens if electrical work is done without a permit in Frederick County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick County
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