Permit Requirements for North Tazewell, Virginia

Because North Tazewell is located within Tazewell County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:

Virginia, Tazewell County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Tazewell County, Virginia Plumbing Permit Requirements

In Tazewell County, Virginia, plumbing permits are required for various types of work, including any new construction, installation of new piping or fixtures, and replacement of existing plumbing pipes. This also extends to water heater installations, which require an expansion tank, and the installation of lawn irrigation backflow prevention devices. For commercial projects, it is recommended to contact the county office directly at 276-385-1215 for specific permit requirements.

Jurisdiction and Unincorporated Areas

The Tazewell County Community Development Department is responsible for the administration, interpretation, and enforcement of the Tazewell County Zoning Ordinance. This department issues building permits, zoning compliance certificates, and regulates construction and all land use activities in the unincorporated areas of Tazewell County.

The Building Department issues permits for work performed within Tazewell County, as well as the Towns of Tazewell, Richlands, Pocahontas, and Cedar Bluff. However, permits for work in the Town of Bluefield must be obtained through the Bluefield town office.

When applying for a permit, you may need to provide the County Tax Map Number. If you are unsure of this information, the building department staff can assist you.

For properties utilizing private well and septic systems, approval from the Health Department is necessary, especially for additions, renovations, or repairs that might affect the septic system. Their contact number is 988-5585.

Contractors performing work must provide proof of a valid Virginia contractor's license.

Resources to Learn More

• The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Virginia:

  Virginia Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

  State-Level Plumbing Codes in Virginia

  Plumbing systems in Virginia are governed by the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC). The technical requirements for plumbing are established through the adoption of the 2021 Virginia Plumbing Code, which is based on the 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC) published by the International Code Council (ICC). This code is integrated into the USBC with specific state-level amendments tailored to Virginia's requirements for design, installation, maintenance, and inspection.

  Primary State Agencies and Boards

  The administration and development of building codes in Virginia are managed by the following entities:

  • Virginia Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD): This Governor-appointed board is responsible for the promulgation and adoption of the USBC. They update the building codes on a three-year cycle, incorporating nationally recognized model codes through a regulatory process.
  • Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD): This state agency administers the USBC and provides the regulatory framework for the development and adoption of these statewide standards.
  • State Building Code Technical Review Board (SBCTRB): This board consists of citizens appointed by the Governor to ensure the building code is administered fairly and to resolve disputes between enforcing agencies and aggrieved parties.

  While the state sets the standards, the enforcement of the USBC is the responsibility of local government building inspection departments.

  Resources to Learn More

  • Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) - USBC Information
  • Virginia Administrative Code (VAC) - USBC Regulations
  • International Code Council (ICC)
  • Virginia Building and Code Officials Association (VBCOA)