Building Permit and Zoning Permit application forms are now online! Visit the portal below to apply.

 Significant Changes to the 2018 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code
The City of Buena Vista, along with all other localities in the State of Virginia, utilizes the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). This is a document produced by the Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development. It is based upon the model codes published by The International Code Council (ICC) and the National Fire Prevention Association. It is updated on a three-year cycle along with each of the model codes. The current edition of the USBC is 2018, with an effective date of July 1, 2022. The referenced model codes are as follows: 
  • 2018 International Building Code                                         2018 International Fire Prevention Code
  • 2018 International Property Maintenance Code       2018 International Mechanical Code
  • 2018 International Residential Code                                  2018 International Plumbing Code
  • 2018 International Plumbing Code                                     2017 NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
  • 2018 International Energy Conservation Code          2018 International Swimming Pool & Spa Code
Mandatory Energy Construction Requirements, effective July 1, 2022
 2018 VUSBC, effective July 1, 2022
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Related Virginia Dept. of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) Regulations
Requirements for Licensed Architect or Professional Engineer (AE) Seal on Construction Documents
State Board for Contractors - Contractor License Lookup

Contact Us

Building Inspections Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Office Phone Number: (540) 261-8635
Email: inspector@bvcity.org
* Office Staff is available only by phone or text on Fridays by phone or text at (540) 784-8878, or by email*
ICC Safety Toolkit (resources, safety tips, disaster toolkits

Important Safety Tips

  • Yard/Pool Safety       
  • Pool and Spa Safety
  • Alarm Safety
  • Electricity Safety Tips
  • Disaster Safety
  • Gas Appliance Safety
  • Fire Safety and Awareness

Click here for Building Permit Exemptions (Sect. 108.2) 

Helpful Links and Resources

When is a Building Permit Required?

USBC Section 108.1 When applications are required.

Application for a permit shall be made to the building official and a permit shall be obtained prior to the commencement of any of the following activities, except that applications for emergency construction, alterations or equipment replacement shall be submitted by the end of the first working day that follows the day such work commences. In addition, the building official may authorize work to commence pending the receipt of an application or the issuance of a permit.

1.  Construction or demolition of a building or structure. Installations or alterations involving (i) the removal or addition of any wall, partition or portion thereof, (ii) any structural component, (iii) the repair or replacement of any required component of a fire or smoke rated assembly, (iv) the alteration of any required means of egress system, including the addition of emergency supplemental hardware, (v) water supply and distribution system, sanitary drainage system or vent system, (vi) electric wiring, (vii) fire protection system, mechanical systems, or fuel supply systems, or (viii) any equipment regulated by the USBC.

2.  For change of occupancy, application for a permit shall be made when a new certificate of occupancy is required by the VEBC.

3.  Movement of a lot line that increases the hazard to or decreases the level of safety of an existing building or structure in comparison to the building code under which such building or structure was constructed.

4.  Removal or disturbing of any asbestos containing materials during the construction or demolition of a building or structure, including additions.

*  See VUSBC Section 108.2 for a  list of exemptions (i.e. construction activities) that do not require a  building permit.

Residential Rental Inspection Program

Residential rental, including apartments and detached houses, is an important part of the City’s housing. In addition to land use regulations that apply to all buildings, the City has established a Rental Inspection Program to ensure minimum health and safety conditions in residential rental units in some parts of the city.

Rental Inspection Program - Program Guide

Rental Inspection Regulations