Virginia, Amherst County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Amherst County, Virginia Plumbing Permit Requirements
Amherst County Building Safety and Inspections is responsible for issuing building permits and conducting inspections for properties in unincorporated Amherst County. For properties within the incorporated Town of Amherst, a town zoning permit must be obtained first before applying for a county building permit.
Most plumbing work in Amherst County requires a permit and subsequent inspection. This includes work such as water heater replacements, sewer line replacements, and re-piping projects. Failure to obtain permits for such work can lead to issues during property resale and may require costly remediation.
Permit Application Process:
- Online Portal: Applications can typically be submitted through the Amherst County iWorQ online portal.
- Required Documents: This may include a project description, equipment specification sheets, plumbing plans (for new construction or major modifications), the licensed plumber's license number and insurance certificate, and the property owner's signature for owner-occupied residential permits.
- Zoning Approval: Ensure you have the necessary zoning approval from either the Town of Amherst or the County, depending on your property's location. Contact Amherst County Planning and Zoning at 434-946-9303 or the Town Zoning Department at 434-946-7885 if needed.
- Health Department Permits: If your project involves a septic system or well, obtain the required permit from the local Health Department at 434-946-9408.
- VDOT Permits: For new buildings on VDOT roads, a driveway entrance permit from VDOT is necessary before submitting the building permit application.
- Fees: Permit fees for most residential projects range from $75 to $400, depending on the scope of work.
- Issuance: Many standard residential plumbing permits are issued within 1-3 business days, and some simple replacements may be issued over-the-counter.
Inspections:
- To schedule an inspection, call Building Inspections at 434-946-9302 by 5:00 p.m. the day before the desired inspection.
- A 48-hour notice is required for sprinkler system inspections.
Contact Information:
- Amherst County Building Safety and Inspections: 153 Washington St, Amherst, VA 24521. Phone: 434-946-9302. Website: https://www.countyofamherst.com/department/index.php?structureid=14
- Amherst County Planning and Zoning: 434-946-9303
- Town of Amherst Zoning Department: 434-946-7885
- Local Health Department: 434-946-9408