The required inspections table shown below lists those inspections that must be performed to verify that your work complies with the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code. The County approved plans are required to be on-site at all times and the building permit must be posted in a conspicuous location. Please note that Virginia’s Building Code prohibits the use of the listed structures, or portions thereof, prior to approval of all required inspections. We hope this list is beneficial to you throughout the course of your project. Please call the Building Inspections Department, at 804-501-4360, if you have any questions about what is required for each inspection or if you need help scheduling an inspection. Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical or Fire Protection work requires a separate construction permit as noted in the Required Inspections Table. A separate notice is available to explain the inspections required for those permits. Click here for a printable version of Required Building Inspections.
*Waterproofing and/or Draintile inspections are required for any habitable space that is located below grade, or for crawlspaces that are lower than exterior finished grade.
**A plumbing permit and inspections are required only if plumbing fixtures are being installed as part of the project.
***The permit applicant may obtain either a plumbing permit or a mechanical permit to install gas piping or appliances.
A building permit and inspection is required for any framed enclosures surrounding gas fireplaces.
Decks and sheds within 12 inches of grade must have all framing inspected prior to installation of decking boards.
Explanation of Inspections
The following is a brief description for each type of inspection listed in the Required Inspections Table. These descriptions provide examples of the basic construction features that are inspected. The descriptions are not inclusive of all code criteria that are evaluated during an inspection.
[010] Poured Wall: Inspects poured walls prior to the placement of concrete but after all reinforcement and forms are installed as required by the approved plans. This inspection may be performed by a registered design professional according to the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The registered design professionals report must be received and approved by our office prior to the commencement of framing.
[030] Firewall Framing: Inspects STC/Firewalls which are required by the method of construction and proffered conditions according to the approved plans and the assembly approval. This inspection is required prior to obtaining the insulation inspection for either of the dwelling units served by the STC/Firewall. This inspection may be performed by a registered design professional according to the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The registered design professionals report must be received and approved prior to the insulation inspection for either of the dwelling units served by the STC/Firewall.
[040] Firewall Insulation: Inspects STC/Firewalls which are required by the method of construction and proffered conditions according to the approved plans and the assembly approval. This inspection is required prior to obtaining the insulation inspection for either of the dwelling units served by the STC/Firewall. This inspection may be performed by a registered design professional according to the requirements of the Uniform Statewide Building Code. The registered design professionals report must be received and approved prior to the insulation inspection for either of the dwelling units served by the STC/Firewall.
[100] Footing: Inspects footing trench prior to placement of concrete. Makes sure it is clean, dry and free of debris. Checks for proper depth, width, levelness, and rebar placement (if required).
[105] Slab: Inspects area for slab prior to concrete placement. Looks for gravel, compact soil, poly vapor barrier. Also, debris and vegetation must have been removed.
[110] Projection: Inspects placement of foundation on footing prior to backfill.
[115] Waterproofing/Draintile: Inspects waterproofing installation, draintile placement, filter cloth and gravel prior to concealment.
[120] Foundation: Inspects concrete blocks, vents, location of access opening, location and construction of piers and proper placement of anchor bolts or straps prior to the installation of any framing materials.
[125] Veneer: Inspects exterior sheathing (e.g. plywood, OSB, flashing, etc.) prior to installation of siding. Corner-wrap nailing (at windows and doors) should be installed.
[130] Framing: Inspects all structural members (e.g. studs, joists, rafters, trusses, beams, headers, etc.) prior to installing any insulation. Structural elements are inspected for appropriate size, spacing per plans and for drilling and notching. Smoke detector placement, and emergency egress windows and tempered glass locations will also be checked. Electrical, Plumbing and Mechanical rough-in inspections shall be approved prior to this inspection.
[135] Above Ceiling: (Commercial Inspections only).
[140] Insulation: Inspects insulation in walls, ceiling, floor. Verifies compliance with the Model Energy Code. This inspection shall be approved prior to the installation of any materials that would conceal the insulation (sheetrock or other wall and ceiling finishes).
[145] Fireplace: Inspects fireplace throat (e.g. damper, smokeshelf, throat, hearth support, flue, etc.) prior to erection of the chimney.
[190] Final Building: Inspects smoke detectors, steps and handrails, tempered glass, egress doors and windows. This inspection may also include fences and alarm systems for swimming pools. This inspection must be approved prior to use or occupancy.
Questions about inspections can be answered by calling the following telephone numbers:
Residential Building Inspections: (804) 501-4978
Electrical Inspections: (804) 501-4694
Plumbing & Mechanical Inspections: (804) 501-4371