Building & Zoning

ATTENTION:

🚨 Heads Up from Building & Zoning! 🚨

We’re transitioning to a new permitting software system starting February 17, 2026, and we need a little help from anyone with an active building permit.

Please contact our office by NOON on February 13, 2026 regarding the status of your permit.

Here’s what to do:

🔹 Project finished or abandoned?
Call us so we can officially close out your permit.

🔹 Still working on your project or need an inspection?
You’ll need to schedule any required inspections as soon as possible by calling 📞 276-706-8317.

As part of this transition, permits we don’t hear about will be removed from our active system. We do keep copies of all records, but older files won’t be as easy to access once we switch software.

Not sure where your permit stands? No problem — just give us a call. We’re happy to help!

Thanks in advance for your prompt response and for helping us make this a smooth transition for everyone.


About Us
The Building and Zoning Department is responsible for issuing permits and conducting inspections for new construction, modifications, and other building-related activities within Smyth County. The department reviews plans before construction and inspects projects at certain phases of the construction process to ensure compliance with local and state standards. It also enforces the building, electrical, and plumbing codes of Smyth County and the Commonwealth of Virginia.
 
The department is also responsible for administering Smyth County's subdivision and zoning ordinances. It assists the public with zoning and subdivision issues, as well as the Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, Local Board of Building Code Appeals, and Board of Supervisors. This department is also responsible for investigating violations of Smyth County ordinances.
Information
02buildingpermit1To purchase a building permit, you will need to provide our office with the following:
 
  • Building Plans: Check with the building inspector to see if the state code requires your project to have a set of plans designed by an architect or engineer. If plans are required, we will need two weeks to review them. Alternatively, you may send your plans to an approved certified plan reviewer. 
  • Erosion Control Plans: If your project will disturb 10,000 square feet of ground or more, you must file an erosion control site plan and narrative. (A single-family dwelling is an exception to this requirement.)
  • Sewage Disposal Permit: If you do not have a connection to a public sewer line, you must apply for a septic tank permit from the Smyth County Health Department. Contact our office, and we will explain this process to you. 
  • Zoning Permit: We will need a copy of your zoning permit. 
  • Highway Entrance Permit: If your project site is in the county, you may need a highway entrance permit from the Virginia Department of Transportation. 
  • Flood Elevation Certificate: If your project is located in the floodplain, you may need a surveyor to issue an elevation certificate showing that your floor will be one foot above flood elevation.  The Zoning Department administers the flood ordinance. 
  • Asbestos Report: The state requires an asbestos report on some projects before a building permit is issued. The building inspector will advise you if your project requires an asbestos report. 
  • House Plans Form:  Plans are required on residential buildings but do not have to be designed by an architect. 
Smyth County Building Inspection will explain these state requirements to you. Just ask! We are here to help you.
Inspections
Our goal is to respond to inspection requests within two business days. Therefore, you will need to call our office at least two days before the date you would like to schedule your inspection. It would be helpful if you could provide us with your building permit number and the project owner's name. We realize that your project is important, and the timing is critical, so we will do our best to respond quickly.
Enforcements
The Building Inspection Office enforces...
Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code and all codes referenced within: 
  • 2021 Virginia Construction Code 
  • 2021 Virginia Mechanical Code 
  • 2020 National Electrical Code 
  • 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code 
  • 2021 Virginia Residential Code 
  • 2017 ICC/ANSI A117.1 (2009 edition) 
  • 2021 Virginia Statewide Fire Prevention Code 
  • 2021 Virginia Energy Conservation Code
  • 2021 Virginia Fuel Gas Code
  • 2021 Virginia Rehabilitation Code
  • Tank Removal and Installation 
  • Water & Sewer Line Installation
BOARDS
FEES, FORMS & ORDINANCES
RESOURCES

We are located on the first floor of the Smyth County Office Building at 121 Bagley Circle, Suite 120,  Marion, VA 24354.map Google Map
Our office hours are Monday-Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
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