Building Department

****The 2021 Uniform Statewide Building Code went into effect January 18th, 2024. ****PLEASE MAKE SURE TO USE CURRENT UPDATED APPLICATIONS****

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2021 Virginia CCT Companion Guide

2021 Code Change Training Presentation

10/11/24

Announcement:

Exterior Changes to Buildings in the Historic District

9/23/24

Policies and Procedures: Manual J Masters

Subject: Production R-5 Construction

Issued by: Robert P. Orr, CBO Building Official

Effective October 15, 2024, all mechanical permits submitted for production SFD construction are required to be "Mastered".

You can view the policy below under Policies & Procedures.

01/30/2024

Policies and Procedures: Residential Dwelling Electrical

Subject: Kitchen Island/Peninsula Electrical Receptacles

Issued by Robert P. Orr, CBO Building Official

This policy offers an option to omit electrical receptacles on a kitchen island or peninsula.

You can view the policy below under Policies & Procedures.

01/29/2024

With the adoption of the 2021 Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code, applicants have the option of choosing the prior 2018 codes instead of the 2021 codes for a period of (1) year. This selection must be requested by the applicant on our applications. In regard to Solarapp+, there is no function to select multiple codes so effective January 18, 2024 Culpeper County Building Department’s qualifying Solarapp+ roof mounted PV solar system permits will remain in the 2018 IBC, IRC, 2017 NEC until the one year grace period ends on January 18, 2025 in which it will change to the 2021 building codes and 2020 NEC.  

Effective July 5, 2023 the Building Permit fees have been revised, see links below.

Breaking news! See new online permitting and inspection scheduling under supporting documents. 

April 12, 2023

Dear Valued Customers,

It has come to our attention that there has been some confusion regarding the assigned inspection time slots. The only valid inspection time slots are found on our department homepage and at option 2 on our main phone tree. They are listed by the last four digits of your permit number. The times listed on your Public Portal account are inconsequential and are generated at the time the inspection is scheduled.

We apologize for the confusion as we are working with the system provider on a resolution.

Feel free to contact us at 540-727-3405 if you have any questions.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Robert P. Orr, CBO

Building Official

March 14, 2023

PV Solar Panel Installers

Please review installation photograph requirements effective March 14, 2023.

December 9, 2022

PV Solar Panel installers

Please review the Solarapp+ Eligibility Document for rooftop PV Solar Systems under Supporting Documents at the bottom of this page.

Currently systems with ESS systems or other power producing equipment are not eligible for Solarapp+ review, they must be submitted through the Building Department permit process as before.

Thank you,
Robert P. Orr, CBO
Building Official

December 8, 2022 - IMPORTANT NOTICE: 

BUILDING - Due to the complexity and weight distribution of today’s floor and roof systems, effective immediately, Foundation Only Permits will no longer be accepted for R-5 residential construction. To meet the demand, Residential After-Hours Plan Review is still available with a review start time within 7 business days.

TRADES – Effective immediately, submitted trade permit applications with a work description “Like for Alike” will not be accepted. Please describe in further detail the scope of work, Ex: “Replace Heat Pump Air Handler, Condensing Unit and add additional duct work in basement” or “Replace 150 Amp Service with 200 Amp Service and add additional circuits in kitchen” or “Replace commercial 20-ton roof top unit (RTU) with new 20-ton unit, no curb alteration needed.” etc.  The detailed description informs the inspector of the complete scope of work when plans are not required.

Thank you for your cooperation,

Robert P. Orr, CBO

Building Official

November 1, 2022 - IMPORTANT NOTICE:  For our customers which submit their permit applications, plan submissions and inspection requests digitally, effective January 1, 2023, all digital submissions and inspection requests will be required to be delivered via the Civicgov Public Portal. Paper documentation and inspection scheduling by telephone will continue to be accepted. For building general questions or FOIA request email BUILDINGGENERAL [at] CULPEPERCOUNTY.GOV.

Registration for the Civicgov Public Portal can be found at the link above for Online Permitting and Inspection Scheduling.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Click here to view previous announcements