Fees, valuation & enforcement
Permit fees are a project input. Enforcement exposure is a project risk. Use the official schedule where available, then confirm valuation, trade permits, plan review, and inspection charges with the Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Official fee pathway
The final charge may depend on declared construction value, occupancy classification, square footage, plan review, state surcharges, trade permits, technology fees, and inspection activity. Do not use a neighboring city’s fee table as a substitute for this jurisdiction.
Fee desk contact
804-556-5815
Ask the counter to confirm current charges before submitting a project with multiple trades or a change of use.
Financial exposure
Plan for building, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, fire, energy, zoning, septic, right-of-way, or other reviews that the project scope triggers. The lowest initial permit fee is not always the lowest project cost.
Enforcement exposure
When work begins without authorization, the agency may halt the site, require corrective plans, impose additional fees, withhold inspection release, or require concealed work to be exposed for review.
Closeout exposure
A missing final inspection or certificate can complicate occupancy, refinancing, sale, insurance, and utility connection. Preserve the approved plans and signed inspection record through closeout.
Professional field note
Even when a cosmetic or minor project does not require a building permit, zoning, floodplain, shoreline, historic, utility, fire, or right-of-way controls may still apply. Confirm the full jurisdictional picture before work starts.
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.
Why permit costs vary
Building departments commonly calculate charges from valuation, occupancy, floor area, project type, plan review effort, trade scope, state surcharges, and inspection activity. A remodel that appears small on paper may still trigger structural, energy, fire, or utility review. Ask the permit counter which disciplines apply before you finalize the construction budget.
The same discipline applies to enforcement. Correcting unpermitted work after finishes are installed can require demolition, revised plans, additional inspections, and schedule disruption. Authorization is usually the less expensive project-management decision.