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Charlottesville Building and Trade Permit Guide
Francis Thumpasery
The permitting process in Charlottesville, Virginia has its own rules, requirements, and roadblocks—and navigating them takes more than guesswork. Between plan reviews, city-specific requirements, and jurisdictional nuances, the process can quickly eat into your timeline.
This guide breaks it all down. From building and trade permit types to fee schedules and required documentation, you’ll find what you need to keep projects moving whether you're a GC pulling permits for a new multifamily development or a subcontractor handling HVAC upgrades.
Simplify permitting in Charlottesville with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Charlottesville?
Most construction-related activities in Charlottesville require a permit from the Building Inspections Division of the City of Charlottesville Department of Neighborhood Development Services.
These projects include:
- Structural work: New construction, demolition, and significant remodels involving framing or walls
- Systems installation/modification: Plumbing, electrical, mechanical/HVAC systems, fuel supply systems
- Means of egress: Modifications to fire/smoke-rated assemblies or exits
- Hazardous materials/abatement: Asbestos disturbance during demolition or renovation
- Retaining walls: Over 3 ft in height
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some minor projects are exempt from Charlottesville’s permitting process—unless they’re located in a historic district, floodplain, or commercial setting.
According to 13VAC5‑63‑80.B, the following typically do not require a permit:
- Small accessory buildings: One-story, detached sheds/playhouses < 256 sq ft
- Tiny utility buildings: Prefab utility shelters < 150 sq ft
- Small tents & air‑supported structures: < 900 sq ft and < 50 occupants
- Fences: Any height, unless they serve as pool safety barriers
- Non‑retaining walls: Masonry/concrete < 6 ft high above grade
- Retaining Walls < 3 ft: Provided they hold < 3 ft unbalanced fill and no liquid impoundment
To get more information on your specific case, refer to 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit page.
Who issues building permits in Charlottesville?
The Building Inspections Division of the City of Charlottesville Department of Neighborhood Development Services issues permits. For properties in Albemarle County, permitting goes through a separate county system. Charlottesville permit search can be done using the City Public Permit Portal.
Charlottesville building permit fees
Charlottesville permit fees are standardized for many project types, but some — like the base building permit — are calculated based on the total project value in addition to a flat minimum fee.
Residential fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Base Building Permit |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Amendment Fee |
$75 minimum; valuation-based |
| Demolition Permit |
$75 minimum; valuation-based |
| Residential Electrical Repairs < $1,000 |
Flat $75 |
| Work Without Permit (Penalty) |
Double the normal permit fee |
| Stop-Work Order Fee |
$150/day until halted |
Commercial fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Base Building Permit |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Amendment Fee |
$75 minimum; same valuation method |
| Demolition Permit |
$75 minimum; valuation-based fee |
| Underground or Above-ground Tank |
$75 minimum; valuation-based fee |
| Work Without Permit (Penalty) |
Double the normal permit fee |
| Stop-Work Order Fee |
$150/day until corrected |
To get more information on fees for your project, check out the Building Inspection Fee Schedule page.
Pro tip: To estimate your approximate final fee, use the Permit Fee Calculator.
Charlottesville trade permits
Plumbing permits
Charlottesville permits are required to install or modify any part of a water supply, drainage, or gas piping system. Permits must be pulled by licensed plumbers.
Charlottesville plumbing permit costs
| Category |
Fee structure |
| Plumbing Permit |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Gas Permit |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Asbestos Removal (res/com) |
$150 per permit |
Electrical permits
If your project involves new circuits, service upgrades, EV charger installs, or rewiring, you’ll need a licensed contractor to apply for an electrical permit.
Charlottesville electrical permit costs
| Category |
Fee structure |
| Electrical Permit Fees |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Residential Electrical Repairs < $1,000 |
Flat $75 |
| EV Charger Installation |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
Roofing permits
Roofing work may require a permit if more than a certain percentage of the roof is being replaced or if structural decking is involved.
Charlottesville roofing permit costs
| Category |
Fee structure |
| Roof Work (via building permit) |
Included under Building Permit: $75 minimum + 1.5% of value over $1,500 |
HVAC permits
All HVAC installations or replacements require a permit, including furnaces, AC units, heat pumps, and ductwork modifications. Energy efficiency and code compliance are evaluated during plan review and inspection.
Charlottesville HVAC permit costs
| Category |
Fee structure |
| Mechanical Permit Fees |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
To get more information on a specific building permit, check out the Building Inspection Fee Schedule page.
Let PermitFlow handle your Charlottesville trade permits.
Skip the headaches and stay on schedule. PermitFlow streamlines your submissions, tracks status in real time, and keeps all your documentation organized so you can focus on the construction work, not the paperwork. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Charlottesville
Step 1: Prepare your documentation
Gather the following documents:
- Completed application for Charlottesville building permits
- Proof of licensing or exemption (As applicable)
- Proof of taxes or a city business license
- Construction drawings & plans
- Supplemental documentation (As applicable)
- As-built survey (For new homes)
- Asbestos, energy compliance, etc (If triggered by the project)
Step 2: Submit your application
Applications can be submitted:
- Online via the city’s permit portal
- In person at the Neighborhood Development Services Office (605 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
- By mail, in certain cases (P.O. Box 911, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
You’ll select your permit category (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and attach all required documents.
Step 3: Plan review
City staff will review your plans for:
- Code compliance
- Zoning restrictions
- Fire safety
- Environmental and stormwater impacts (when applicable)
You may receive comments requesting revisions.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you'll receive a fee invoice. Payment is due before the permit can be issued. Online or in-person payment methods are accepted.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
Use the Charlottesville permit search tool or contact the inspections team to schedule your visits.
Charlottesville permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Charlottesville with PermitFlow
Charlottesville’s permitting process isn’t just tedious, it’s a time sink that can derail your schedule if you’re not prepared. Why get buried in paperwork and city requirements when PermitFlow can handle the heavy lifting? From submittals to approvals, we streamline every step so your team can keep building.
PermitFlow is comprehensive permit management software that handles permit preparation, submission, and tracking across all municipalities where you operate.
Builders and contractors choose PermitFlow for:
- Local expertise: Our specialists understand Charlottesville's unique permitting requirements and ensure your applications meet all city standards
- Unified permit tracking: Monitor all your Charlottesville and regional permits through one convenient dashboard
- Accelerated approvals: Our accuracy-focused approach reduces rejections and gets your permits approved faster
Stop letting permit complications delay your timelines. Contact PermitFlow today to see how we can streamline your next project in Charlottesville.
The permitting process in Charlottesville, Virginia has its own rules, requirements, and roadblocks—and navigating them takes more than guesswork. Between plan reviews, city-specific requirements, and jurisdictional nuances, the process can quickly eat into your timeline.
This guide breaks it all down. From building and trade permit types to fee schedules and required documentation, you’ll find what you need to keep projects moving whether you're a GC pulling permits for a new multifamily development or a subcontractor handling HVAC upgrades.
Simplify permitting in Charlottesville with PermitFlow. Learn more here.
What requires a building permit in Charlottesville?
Most construction-related activities in Charlottesville require a permit from the Building Inspections Division of the City of Charlottesville Department of Neighborhood Development Services.
These projects include:
- Structural work: New construction, demolition, and significant remodels involving framing or walls
- Systems installation/modification: Plumbing, electrical, mechanical/HVAC systems, fuel supply systems
- Means of egress: Modifications to fire/smoke-rated assemblies or exits
- Hazardous materials/abatement: Asbestos disturbance during demolition or renovation
- Retaining walls: Over 3 ft in height
What doesn’t require a building permit?
Some minor projects are exempt from Charlottesville’s permitting process—unless they’re located in a historic district, floodplain, or commercial setting.
According to 13VAC5‑63‑80.B, the following typically do not require a permit:
- Small accessory buildings: One-story, detached sheds/playhouses < 256 sq ft
- Tiny utility buildings: Prefab utility shelters < 150 sq ft
- Small tents & air‑supported structures: < 900 sq ft and < 50 occupants
- Fences: Any height, unless they serve as pool safety barriers
- Non‑retaining walls: Masonry/concrete < 6 ft high above grade
- Retaining Walls < 3 ft: Provided they hold < 3 ft unbalanced fill and no liquid impoundment
To get more information on your specific case, refer to 13VAC5-63-80. Section 108 Application for permit page.
Who issues building permits in Charlottesville?
The Building Inspections Division of the City of Charlottesville Department of Neighborhood Development Services issues permits. For properties in Albemarle County, permitting goes through a separate county system. Charlottesville permit search can be done using the City Public Permit Portal.
Charlottesville building permit fees
Charlottesville permit fees are standardized for many project types, but some — like the base building permit — are calculated based on the total project value in addition to a flat minimum fee.
Residential fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Base Building Permit |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Amendment Fee |
$75 minimum; valuation-based |
| Demolition Permit |
$75 minimum; valuation-based |
| Residential Electrical Repairs < $1,000 |
Flat $75 |
| Work Without Permit (Penalty) |
Double the normal permit fee |
| Stop-Work Order Fee |
$150/day until halted |
Commercial fees
| Permit type |
Fee |
| Base Building Permit |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Amendment Fee |
$75 minimum; same valuation method |
| Demolition Permit |
$75 minimum; valuation-based fee |
| Underground or Above-ground Tank |
$75 minimum; valuation-based fee |
| Work Without Permit (Penalty) |
Double the normal permit fee |
| Stop-Work Order Fee |
$150/day until corrected |
To get more information on fees for your project, check out the Building Inspection Fee Schedule page.
Pro tip: To estimate your approximate final fee, use the Permit Fee Calculator.
Charlottesville trade permits
Plumbing permits
Charlottesville permits are required to install or modify any part of a water supply, drainage, or gas piping system. Permits must be pulled by licensed plumbers.
Charlottesville plumbing permit costs
| Category |
Fee structure |
| Plumbing Permit |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Gas Permit |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Asbestos Removal (res/com) |
$150 per permit |
Electrical permits
If your project involves new circuits, service upgrades, EV charger installs, or rewiring, you’ll need a licensed contractor to apply for an electrical permit.
Charlottesville electrical permit costs
| Category |
Fee structure |
| Electrical Permit Fees |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
| Residential Electrical Repairs < $1,000 |
Flat $75 |
| EV Charger Installation |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
Roofing permits
Roofing work may require a permit if more than a certain percentage of the roof is being replaced or if structural decking is involved.
Charlottesville roofing permit costs
| Category |
Fee structure |
| Roof Work (via building permit) |
Included under Building Permit: $75 minimum + 1.5% of value over $1,500 |
HVAC permits
All HVAC installations or replacements require a permit, including furnaces, AC units, heat pumps, and ductwork modifications. Energy efficiency and code compliance are evaluated during plan review and inspection.
Charlottesville HVAC permit costs
| Category |
Fee structure |
| Mechanical Permit Fees |
$75 minimum; 1.5% of project value over $1,500 |
To get more information on a specific building permit, check out the Building Inspection Fee Schedule page.
Let PermitFlow handle your Charlottesville trade permits.
Skip the headaches and stay on schedule. PermitFlow streamlines your submissions, tracks status in real time, and keeps all your documentation organized so you can focus on the construction work, not the paperwork. Learn more.
How to get a building permit in Charlottesville
Step 1: Prepare your documentation
Gather the following documents:
- Completed application for Charlottesville building permits
- Proof of licensing or exemption (As applicable)
- Proof of taxes or a city business license
- Construction drawings & plans
- Supplemental documentation (As applicable)
- As-built survey (For new homes)
- Asbestos, energy compliance, etc (If triggered by the project)
Step 2: Submit your application
Applications can be submitted:
- Online via the city’s permit portal
- In person at the Neighborhood Development Services Office (605 E Market St, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
- By mail, in certain cases (P.O. Box 911, Charlottesville, VA 22902)
You’ll select your permit category (building, electrical, plumbing, mechanical) and attach all required documents.
Step 3: Plan review
City staff will review your plans for:
- Code compliance
- Zoning restrictions
- Fire safety
- Environmental and stormwater impacts (when applicable)
You may receive comments requesting revisions.
Step 4: Pay permit fees
Once approved, you'll receive a fee invoice. Payment is due before the permit can be issued. Online or in-person payment methods are accepted.
Step 5: Permit issuance and inspections
Use the Charlottesville permit search tool or contact the inspections team to schedule your visits.
Charlottesville permitting resources
Simplify permitting in Charlottesville with PermitFlow
Charlottesville’s permitting process isn’t just tedious, it’s a time sink that can derail your schedule if you’re not prepared. Why get buried in paperwork and city requirements when PermitFlow can handle the heavy lifting? From submittals to approvals, we streamline every step so your team can keep building.
PermitFlow is comprehensive permit management software that handles permit preparation, submission, and tracking across all municipalities where you operate.
Builders and contractors choose PermitFlow for:
- Local expertise: Our specialists understand Charlottesville's unique permitting requirements and ensure your applications meet all city standards
- Unified permit tracking: Monitor all your Charlottesville and regional permits through one convenient dashboard
- Accelerated approvals: Our accuracy-focused approach reduces rejections and gets your permits approved faster
Stop letting permit complications delay your timelines. Contact PermitFlow today to see how we can streamline your next project in Charlottesville.
