Residential Building Permits

Stafford County seeks to simplify the building construction process with online resources and devoted staff who will ensure citizens are provided with safe and code compliant structures. Staff is prepared to address all code topics with contractors, tradesmen and homeowners with equal diligence.

• Residential New Construction
• Accessory Structures
• Additions
• Appliances
• Basement Finishing
• Deck/Porch
• Pool
• Minimum Inspections Required
• Technical Guides & Drawings

Codes and Standards
The Commonwealth of Virginia adopted the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC), which went into effect on July 1, 2021.

The USBC references the 2018 International Residential Code (IRC) as the official residential building code for Virginia. In turn, the 2018 IRC references the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) for all electrical issues. Some residential issues not addressed in the IRC will have to be constructed under the applicable International Building Code reference, approved referenced standard or Stafford County policy for the proposed work. Stafford County policies are not created to supersede the above referenced codes, but are intended to clarify and illustrate the existing adopted model codes.

• These codes are the minimum allowable standards, the homeowner or contractor may build to higher performance standards.
• While all municipalities abide by the same codes, the requirements in one jurisdiction may differ from those in another municipality. For example wind conditions in coastal localities are different than here in the Stafford area and would likely mandate different wall bracing requirements.
• Within these references there are referenced standards that may only be available for purchase.