SPRING PROJECTS

The information below is very brief. We encourage you to contact our office if you have any questions. Our hours and phone number is listed below.

Let’s start with the repair and maintenance of the exterior of a typical single-family dwelling. The following are exempt from requiring a permit: replacement of roof coverings (shingles), replacement windows and doors, siding, ornamental trim, porch and sun deck flooring boards and of course painting.

Not all repairs are evident prior to starting the project. Many times rot or insect infestation is discovered during the demolition stage and you now find that the structural member’s integrity has been compromised. Depending on the severity of the damage, a permit may be required. This is a decision for the Building Official to make. It is important to remember when replacing windows and doors, that the new units fit within the existing openings without alteration to the structural members.

If a deck is on the to do list, we have taken some steps to shorten the permit process. We have made available the Deck Package. This is an all encompassing permit and code compliant prescriptive method on deck construction. There is a catch; the package only pertains to one level, simple span sun decks without a roof. For more complex decks and decks with roofs, plans will have to be submitted and reviewed. The advantage of the Deck Package is the permit is issued while you wait.

Mostly all swimming pools need permits. If you purchase a pool that meets any ONE of the following criteria, a permit is required: 1) 24” or greater in depth,; 2) greater than 5,000 gallons; or 3) have a surface greater than 150 square feet.
It is imperative that the proper permits are obtained for all pools both above and below ground type. Yes, even the soft or inflatable wall style that can be purchased at the local department store. There are certain barrier (fencing) and electrical requirements that need to be met. This is to ensure the safety of all that use the pool, especially your children. Pools are also magnets for neighborhood kids as well.

Detached accessory structures used, as tool and storage sheds exceeding 150 square feet are required to have building permits. Yes even the prefabricated sheds that are dropped off the back of a trailer and the metal carports.

The Building Department inspects residential, commercial and industrial structures in terms of its compliance with mandated standards of the Uniform Statewide Building Code, providing extensive review of building plans, issuing building permits under current building codes. Additionally, we strive to improve customer awareness in the area of education, safe construction practices and safety.

Robert P. Orr, CBO Building Official
4/7/2008

INSPECTION SCHEDULE

The following inspections are scheduled for Friday May 9, 2008.
Inspections listed are in numerical order and do not indicate timing:

"A.M." Inspections are scheduled between--7:30 a.m. - 12:00 Noon--
15,240,289,335,358,382,459,468,940,956,957,958,959,1043,1583,1586,1714, 1837,1968,7655

"P.M" Inspections are scheduled after 12:00 Noon until all are complete
166,184,198,291,316,390,391,409,410,438,1542,1634,1647,1668,1772,1996
11/5/2007

BUSINESS ADDRESS & HOURS

Culpeper County Building Department - Lower Level
302 N. Main Street
Culpeper, VA 22701
(540) 727-3405 • FAX (540) 727-3461

BUSINESS HOURS: Monday 9:00 a.m.- 4:30p.m. Tuesday – Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (excluding holidays)
BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER 4:00 P.M. DUE TO THEIR COMPLEXITY.

To help speed your application process it is suggested you contact the Office Manager at (540) 727-3405 ext. 7; to arrange a scheduled appointment for submission of your Building Permit Application


4/13/2007

POLICY UPDATES

EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 15, 2006 ALL RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL plans submitted for application of Building permits will require compliance with 2003 ICC Codes.

IRC 2000 will no longer be in effect for residential or commercial building and that includes MASTER PLANS not under construction as of November 15, 2006.

Effective November 15, 2006 the Code Compliance is as follows:

2003 International Plumbing Code

2003 International Mechanical Code

2002 National Electrical Code

2003 International Fuel Gas Code

2003 International Energy Conservation Code

2003 international Residential Code




5/1/2006

Administrative
Staffed with Permit Technicians; this team interacts directly with the public to assist in the process of permit submission, collecting fees, scheduling inspection dates, issuing reviewed plans and performing research of historical and Freedom of Information data and provides documentation of all areas including the final Certificate of Occupancy.

Plan Review
The Plan Review Staff provides detailed reviews of building plans for both commercial and residential construction. This includes reviews not only in building plans, but also in trades, such as electrical, mechanical, and plumbing.

Field Inspectors
The Field Inspector is responsible with enforcing code requirements within the confides of Culpeper County. Additionally they are available on a 24-hour clock to respond to County emergencies relating to house fires and weather related disasters and damage from other sources to residential and commercial structures.