Permit Requirements for Susan, Virginia
For home remodeling and renovation projects in Susan, determining the correct permitting authority depends on whether the project site is located within the incorporated city limits or in an unincorporated area of Mathews County.
Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
The governing body responsible for issuing building permits, reviewing plans, and conducting inspections varies depending on exactly where the property sits in Mathews County:
- Within City Limits: The Susan Building Department typically oversees all Susan building, trade, and safety permits.
- Unincorporated Areas: Properties located outside of official Susan boundaries are generally governed by the Mathews County Building & Safety Division.
Common Remodeling Permit Triggers
Remodeling is a broad category, and permit requirements depend heavily on the scope of your work. While cosmetic updates—such as painting, installing new flooring, or replacing like-for-like kitchen cabinets—generally do not require approval in Virginia, you will almost certainly need a permit for the following:
- Space Conversions: Altering non-living spaces (such as finishing a basement, finishing an attic, or converting a garage) into habitable living areas.
- Structural Changes: Removing, adding, or modifying load-bearing walls, headers, or the roofline.
- Demolition: Extensive interior renovations or "gutting" a space often requires a specific demolition permit prior to or concurrent with the standard building permit.
- Systems Alterations: Rerouting plumbing pipes, adding new electrical circuits, or moving HVAC ductwork.
- Calculate a Bathroom Remodeling Project in Susan, Mathews County, Virginia
- Calculate a Kitchen Remodeling Project in Susan, Mathews County, Virginia
- Calculate a Basement Finishing Project in Susan, Mathews County, Virginia
- Calculate a Attic Conversion Project in Susan, Mathews County, Virginia
- Find Remodeler Contractors in Virginia
Note: Always consult the appropriate Susan or Mathews County Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before beginning demolition or construction to ensure compliance with Virginia amendments to the International Existing Building Code (IEBC) and avoid retroactive permitting fines.
Help Us Improve This Guide
If you have found a direct link to the official permit portal or a specific Susan or Mathews County ordinance for renovations, please submit an update.
Because Susan is located within Mathews County, the following broader county regulations may also apply to your project:
Virginia, Mathews County Remodeler Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas
Mathews County Building & Safety Division
The Mathews County Building Department, also referred to as the Building & Safety Division, is responsible for enforcing the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (Virginia USBC) to ensure public health, safety, and welfare. They handle permit applications, review construction documents and plans, issue permits, and conduct inspections. The department is located at 17 Court St, Mathews, VA 23109, with a mailing address of P.O. Box 839, Mathews, VA 23109. Their phone number is (804) 725-7171.
Permit Requirements for Unincorporated Areas
Mathews County's building regulations, as outlined in Chapter 20 of the County Code, apply to all matters concerning the construction, alteration, repair, removal, demolition, use, location, occupancy, and maintenance of buildings and structures within the County. This includes unincorporated areas, as the regulations are designed to control these aspects for all buildings and structures in Mathews County, unless otherwise specified by state or federal law.
Permit Triggers for Demolition Work
A permit is required for the demolition of a building or structure in Mathews County. Before a demolition permit can be issued, the owner or their agent must provide certification to the building official that all utility service connections have been safely disconnected, sealed, or plugged, and a release has been obtained from the utility company. Additionally, written notice must be given to owners of adjoining lots and any other potentially affected lots. The fee for a demolition permit is $50.00. Demolition debris cannot be burned and must be disposed of in an approved manner.
Permit Requirements for Converting Non-Living Spaces
Converting non-living spaces such as garages, attics, or unfinished basements into habitable living areas generally requires a building permit in Mathews County. This is because such conversions involve a change in the use of the space from non-habitable to habitable and often involve multiple trades (carpentry, electrical, HVAC, plumbing). The work must comply with the Virginia Residential Code and meet minimum standards for life safety, including requirements for:
- Building planning and construction (walls, floors, roofs).
- Foundations and footings.
- Energy efficiency (insulation, windows, doors).
- Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
- Adequate egress, such as emergency egress windows.
- Interconnected, hard-wired smoke detectors.
- Heating systems capable of maintaining a minimum room temperature.
- Stairway construction (if applicable), including riser height, tread depth, headroom, and handrails.
Specific requirements for attics include a minimum headroom of 7 feet and insulation levels of R-15 for knee walls and R-38 for other areas. For a converted garage to be considered official living space, it must meet the same building standards as the rest of the house, including being fully finished, heated, cooled, and having adequate egress.
Resources to Learn More
The following statewide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Virginia:
Virginia Remodeler Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines
The Commonwealth of Virginia adopts and enforces the Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) for all construction, renovation, and maintenance of buildings. The USBC is comprised of three parts: the Virginia Construction Code, the Virginia Existing Building Code (VEBC), and the Virginia Maintenance Code. The USBC is updated on a three-year cycle, with the most recent adoption being the 2021 International Codes (I-Codes), including the International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC), effective January 18, 2024. The 2020 National Electrical Code (NEC) is also referenced.
State Board or Agencies
The Board of Housing and Community Development (BHCD) is the primary state agency responsible for adopting and amending the USBC. The Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) administers these codes and regulations.
Classification of Remodels and Demolition Guidelines
The Virginia Uniform Statewide Building Code (USBC) requires a building permit for any structural work, additions, or work to finish off existing space. Cosmetic changes, such as painting, installing vinyl siding, or replacing carpet, are generally excluded from permit requirements. Ordinary repairs, such as replacing cabinetry, kitchen appliances (except gas equipment), electrical switches, electric water heaters, or reroofing, are also typically excluded.
The Virginia Existing Building Code (VEBC) is used for most alterations to existing buildings and aims to simplify and reduce the cost of renovations. Alterations are classified into levels:
- Level 1 Alterations: Repairs and alterations where new materials must not present a hazard and are similar in function to existing materials. Damaged structural elements must be evaluated, and any new structural members must comply with the Virginia Construction Code (VCC).
- Level 2 Alterations: Involve the removal or installation of walls, doors, windows, or counters. These must meet Level 1 requirements, and new construction materials and methods must comply with the VCC. The effect of the alteration on fire protection, means of egress, structural, electrical, ventilation, and sanitation must be evaluated.
- Level 3 Alterations: Involve work areas greater than 50 percent of the building. These must meet Level 1 and Level 2 requirements, and mechanical systems and elevators in high-rise buildings must be evaluated.
Converting attics or basements to habitable living spaces would generally be considered a structural alteration requiring a permit and adherence to the relevant code provisions for new construction or substantial improvements.
Demolition of buildings and structures requires specific procedures. Prior to issuing a demolition permit, the owner must provide certification that all utility service connections have been removed and sealed, and a release from the utility company has been obtained. Additionally, owners must provide written notice to adjoining property owners at least 10 days before demolition begins. The requirements of Chapter 33 of the IBC for necessary retaining walls or fences during demolition are applicable, and established grades must be restored after demolition.
Resources to Learn More