Administrative overview · FIPS 51161
Roanoke 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
Roanoke County Office of Building Safety
For a project in or near Roanoke 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
540-772-2065
Call before mobilizing if the project has a boundary, occupancy, fire, septic, or utility question.
Permit counter
5204 Bernard Drive, Second Floor, Roanoke, VA 24018
Operating hours
Operating hours not verified
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 Roanoke County
Who handles permitting for this jurisdiction?
Roanoke County Office of Building Safety 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 540-772-2065.
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, reschedule, cancel, or check inspection results through SelecTxt by texting 833-886-2087, or call 540-772-2065 and select permitting/development review and then inspections/permits. Provide the issued application number, job address, and any partial-inspection area. Approved plans and the permit must be on site, and work must not be covered before inspection.
Which codes and exemptions should I review?
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, 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code, 2021 International Fire Code as applicable, and 2020 National Electrical Code. Roanoke County identifies the 2021 USBC as current effective January 18, 2024. The county lists ordinary repairs such as painting, residential reroofing, most glass and doors, floor and porch flooring, plaster/interior tile and wall-covering repairs, residential cabinets, and qualifying like-for-like fixtures and appliances; most wiring and equipment under 50 volts; detached accessory structures under 256 square feet; tents under 900 square feet for fewer than 50 people; fences/privacy walls no higher than 6 feet; and pools under 200 square feet, 5,000 gallons, and 24 inches deep as building-permit exempt. A zoning permit remains required for small accessory structures, and other approvals may still apply.