Frederick County, VA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, § 52-3
- Fee category
- Plumbing, § 52-6.A(3)
- Issuing official
- Chief Building Official
- Prerequisite
- Delinquent real estate taxes paid first
- Emergency exception
- § 108.1 Virginia Construction Code
- Payment recipient
- County Treasurer or deputy
Summary
Plumbing work in Frederick County outside Winchester, Stephens City and Middletown falls under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, administered by the county's Chief Building Official. No plumbing permit is issued until fees are paid and any delinquent real estate taxes on the property are cleared with the County Treasurer.
§ 52-3. Standards adopted; applicability. 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. ... Prior to the initiation of an application, by the owner of the subject property, the owner's agent or any entity in which the owner holds an ownership interest greater than 50%, for a permit under this chapter, except for, as provided under Section 108.1 of the Virginia Construction Code, a permit for emergency construction, alterations or equipment replacement, all delinquent real estate taxes and any other charges that constitute a lien on the subject property that are owed to the County and have been properly assessed against the subject property must be paid, unless otherwise authorized by the Treasurer. ... (3) Plumbing.
Full Breakdown
Chapter 52 of the county code puts every plumbing installation under the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). Section 52-3 states the USBC 'shall control all matters concerning the construction of all buildings and structures and the procedures for the administration and enforcement of such standards,' which covers plumbing work along with the rest of construction. A lists plumbing as its own numbered fee category, item (3) 'Plumbing,' alongside building, mechanical and electrical fees; the Director of Public Services and the Chief Building Official set and update those fee amounts, which the Board of Supervisors authorizes and keeps on file in the Department of Building Inspections.
1 of the Virginia Construction Code, any delinquent real estate taxes or other liens the County has assessed against the property must be paid unless the Treasurer authorizes otherwise. B. All permits, plumbing included, are issued by the Chief Building Official or an authorized agent on Department-approved forms.
Violations & Fines
Section 52-9 makes it unlawful for any person to violate any provision of Chapter 52, including working without a paid plumbing permit. The Chief Building Official first serves a notice of violation directing the person to stop the unpermitted work; if that notice isn't complied with, the Official asks the Board of Supervisors' legal counsel to bring a legal proceeding to restrain, correct or abate the violation, and a court may impose the misdemeanor penalty set out at § 36-106 of the Code of Virginia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Frederick County require a separate plumbing permit?
What stops the county from issuing a plumbing permit?
What happens if plumbing work starts without a permit in Frederick County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Frederick County
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