Administrative overview · FIPS 51041
Chesterfield County permit authority
The first compliance decision is jurisdictional: identify the office with statutory authority over your parcel, then use its filing and inspection sequence to keep the project moving.
Jurisdictional status
County
This county profile is the primary starting point for unincorporated-area permitting.
Responsible agency
Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection
For a project in or near Chesterfield County, this office is the identified point of contact for permit intake, statutory code enforcement, plan review coordination, and inspection release conditions. Confirm the parcel’s boundary and project type before relying on the county lane.
Direct contact
804-751-4990
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
9800 Government Center Parkway, Chesterfield, VA 23832
Operating hours
Office: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:00 PM; inspections: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM
Review expectation
Ask the agency for its current review estimate
Compliance workbench
Choose the next project decision.
Apply online
Open the verified digital gateway, application form, and review timeline.
Open guide →Fees & penalties
Understand fee schedules, enforcement exposure, and stop-work liabilities.
Open guide →Codes & exemptions
Read the code framework, minor-work exemptions, and inspection lane.
Open guide →Agency website
Visit the primary public source for current notices and contact changes.
Open guide →Source trail
Official sources for this profile
Use these direct agency or licensing links to confirm current instructions before you file, pay, or schedule work. External pages control if their information differs from this directory.
Project questions
Frequently asked questions for Chesterfield County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Chesterfield County Department of Building Inspection is the identified county-level authority for this profile. Confirm that the property is in its service area before filing.
How should I begin an application?
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 804-751-4990.
How long might review take?
A typical review timeline was not verified. Ask the agency for its current completeness and review estimate.
How are inspections scheduled?
Schedule through the ELM citizen portal or the automated IVR at 804-751-4444; a permit number is required. Inspections may be booked up to five business days ahead. A request made by 11:59 PM is performed the next open business day or on the selected date within that five-day window; cancel by 11:59 PM on the preceding day. General assistance is available at 804-751-4990.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, mandatory for Chesterfield applications dated on or after January 18, 2025: 2021 Virginia Construction, Residential, Existing Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, Energy Conservation, and Swimming Pool and Spa Codes, including Virginia amendments and the 2020 National Electrical Code; the Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code also applies. Chesterfield does not require a building permit for a qualifying one-story tool/storage shed or similar detached accessory structure of 256 square feet or less, although zoning and setback rules still apply. A residential pool, hot tub, or spa does not trigger the listed building-permit threshold unless it exceeds 150 square feet, 5,000 gallons, and 24 inches in depth. Qualifying ordinary repairs and cosmetic work are exempt; like-for-like electric heat-pump replacement and replacement of electric cooktops, stoves, ranges, and dryers are among locally identified trade-permit exceptions. Emergency repairs or equipment replacements may proceed when necessary, but the permit must be obtained the next working day. The current fee schedule also waives the building-permit fee for qualifying work costing under $500 that needs no trade permit and for documented accessibility ramps serving a medically needy resident.