Codes, exemptions & field inspections
This guide translates the available agency record into a preconstruction checklist for structural scope, minor work, and inspection release. The adopted code and the issuing official control when a field condition is disputed.
Regulatory framework
2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, 2021 Virginia Residential Code, 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code, 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Virginia Mechanical Code, 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code, 2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code, and 2020 NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code)
Inspection lane
Request inspections through the EnerGov portal, by calling 804-556-5815, or by emailing bi-emails@goochlandva.us with the permit number, requested date, site address, inspection type, requester name, and phone. Requests are due by 3:00 p.m. at least one business day before the desired date; work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. and same-day cancellations are due before 9:00 a.m.
Minor-work playbook
Farm buildings used entirely for qualifying farming operations are building-permit exempt but still require zoning compliance. Other exemptions include qualifying low-voltage wiring; one-story detached tool/storage sheds not exceeding 256 sq ft and accessory to an existing principal use; utility-equipment buildings not exceeding 150 sq ft; tents not exceeding 900 sq ft with 50 or fewer occupants; non-pool fences/privacy walls under 6 ft; retaining walls supporting under 36 inches of ordinary fill; pools under 24 inches deep, 5,000 gallons, and 150 sq ft; same-capacity/same-location aboveground LP-container replacement by the serving supplier; and ordinary repairs such as floor coverings, same-size windows/doors, qualifying same-for-same fixtures, residential roof/siding work, cabinets, and painting.
Field rule
A permit exemption generally addresses one narrow construction trigger. It does not automatically waive zoning, land-use, floodplain, shoreline, fire, energy, electrical, utility, septic, or right-of-way requirements. Obtain written confirmation when the project involves a new structure, structural alteration, change in occupancy, or concealed work.
Inspection pipeline
Request with lead time
Request inspections through the EnerGov portal, by calling 804-556-5815, or by emailing bi-emails@goochlandva.us with the permit number, requested date, site address, inspection type, requester name, and phone. Requests are due by 3:00 p.m. at least one business day before the desired date; work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. and same-day cancellations are due before 9:00 a.m.
Preserve access
Do not cover framing, reinforcement, wiring, piping, damp-proofing, or life-safety work until the required inspection has been completed and documented.
Close the record
Retain the approved plans, inspection approvals, correction responses, and final certificate or occupancy release with the property file.
Contractor verification
Use the state licensing system to verify active registration, trade credentials, bond status, and liability coverage where available. Match the legal business name to the proposal and permit application.
Planning reference
A building permit is only one part of statutory compliance. Check the local zoning, ordinance, map, or land-use reference before finalizing setbacks, height, lot coverage, access, drainage, or accessory structure placement.
Open planning reference ↗Source trail
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
Goochland 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.
Begin with the online permit gateway listed in the application guide. If the portal does not recognize the address or project type, contact 804-556-5815.
Commercial permits: 6-8 weeks; new single-family residential permits: about 4 weeks; other residential permits: 2-3 weeks. A certificate of occupancy is issued within two business days after the approved final inspection.
Request inspections through the EnerGov portal, by calling 804-556-5815, or by emailing bi-emails@goochlandva.us with the permit number, requested date, site address, inspection type, requester name, and phone. Requests are due by 3:00 p.m. at least one business day before the desired date; work must be ready by 8:00 a.m. and same-day cancellations are due before 9:00 a.m.
2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, including the 2021 Virginia Construction Code, 2021 Virginia Residential Code, 2021 Virginia Existing Building Code, 2021 Virginia Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code, 2021 Virginia Mechanical Code, 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code, 2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code, and 2020 NFPA 70 (National Electrical Code) Farm buildings used entirely for qualifying farming operations are building-permit exempt but still require zoning compliance. Other exemptions include qualifying low-voltage wiring; one-story detached tool/storage sheds not exceeding 256 sq ft and accessory to an existing principal use; utility-equipment buildings not exceeding 150 sq ft; tents not exceeding 900 sq ft with 50 or fewer occupants; non-pool fences/privacy walls under 6 ft; retaining walls supporting under 36 inches of ordinary fill; pools under 24 inches deep, 5,000 gallons, and 150 sq ft; same-capacity/same-location aboveground LP-container replacement by the serving supplier; and ordinary repairs such as floor coverings, same-size windows/doors, qualifying same-for-same fixtures, residential roof/siding work, cabinets, and painting.
Field sequencing matters
Code compliance is not only a plan-review exercise. Footings, reinforcement, framing, fireblocking, wiring, piping, insulation, weather protection, and life-safety systems each have points where the work must remain accessible. Build the inspection calendar into the trade schedule instead of treating it as a final administrative step.
When a project qualifies for a narrow minor-work exemption, keep a written explanation of why it qualifies and confirm that related zoning, utility, fire, energy, or environmental rules do not create a separate approval requirement.
Closeout file
Keep the approved plan set, inspection approvals, correction responses, contractor license verification, final certificate, and any occupancy release together. A clean record protects the owner, builder, lender, insurer, and future buyer.